Papers
Plastic Pipes Conference Association # 2018 Las-Vegas
Christian Schalich
This paper introduces a new technology based on millimeter waves. It provides a noncontact, non-destructive, online measurement of inner and outer diameter, ovality, wall thicknesses, and sagging (sagging of the melt during solidification at a too high viscosity) of large plastic pipes during the extrusion process.
Technical innovation at the manufacturing of plastic pipes with diameters from 90 to 3,500 mm and large wall thicknesses lead to impressive progress in product quality and reduction of material costs. Norms precisely define the minimum and maximum permissible diameter and wall thicknesses of a specific pipe dimension and require repeatable processes. To meet these standards and growing demands in the pipe extrusion requires the use of innovative measuring and control systems already in the production process. This paper introduces a new technology based on millimeter waves. It provides a non-contact, non-destructive, online measurement of inner and outer diameter, ovality, wall thicknesses, and sagging (sagging of the melt during solidification at a too high viscosity) of large plastic pipes during the extrusion process. The measurement via millimeter waves technology is based on the FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Waves) runtime method. One or two constantly rotating transceivers continuously send and receive frequency modulated millimeter waves thus ensuring the complete recording of the wall thickness over 360 degrees of the entire pipe circumference. From the runtime difference the inner and outer diameter, ovality, wall thickness, and sagging is defined. The measuring principle does not require any coupling media and is not influenced by temperature or the plastic material. There is no need for calibration. In the paper we will at first outline the reasons for the development of the system with regards to the demands of the market. We will introduce the new technology as well as the functional principle, technical features, and advantages of the millimeter waves technology for the user compared to other available measuring methods. The technology presented leads to repeatable and optimized production processes, increased product quality, and cost savings for higher efficiency during pipe extrusion.
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