Furnace Camera HD Monitors Strip Annealing During Hot-Dip Coating Process

Trevose, PA – Leading steel producers specializing in high quality, flat-rolled products, are currently using Lenox’s Furnace Camera HD for high-resolution imaging of steel coil position and edge tracking as it enters the annealing phase of a hot-dip galvanizing/galvannealing process.

The function of a continuous galvanizing/galvannealing line is to coat steel with a thin layer of zinc which enhances the corrosion resistance of the final product. A typical process starts with steel coil being fed over rollers into a continuous multi-story vertical annealing furnace passing through multiple heat zones, typically 1650°F (899°C) where an annealing process takes place. The temperature of the strip is then reduced and passes into a hot-dip zinc coating bath and then is pulled upwards through an air knife arrangement to remove excess zinc. The strip is then cooled (galvanized) or heated again (galvanneal) and re-coiled to complete the process.

The Lenox Furnace Camera HD allows the operator to remotely observe the tracking of the coil edge and its position on the top rollers as the coil passes through the annealing furnace at speeds up to 300 fpm and to quickly identify potential problems like strip oscillation and run-out which can cause the strip to tear or break resulting in damage to the furnace and production downtime.

The water-cooled, stainless steel, Furnace Camera HD, capable of operating in environments up to 4250°F (2345°C), allows manufacturers to remove existing site windows, which get dirty, and insert the camera housing through a 3.5 inch (89 mm) opening and then attach with the camera’s sealed flange.

This installation method eliminates current portholing problems and reduces maintenance. Wide field of view optics provides optimal viewing of multiple production rollers. An integrated, low consumption (3 CFM) nitrogen purge keeps the camera lens clean and doesn’t upset the furnace’s controlled atmosphere. Models are available in 24 inch (61 cm), 31 inch (79 cm), and 36 inch (92 cm) lengths.

Each Lenox Furnace Camera HD is designed, manufactured in the U.S.A. and serviced in-house by Lenox Instrument, and is backed by an industry-leading two-year warranty.

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