The Intel Atom processor-based Kontron Nano Client panel PC with stainless steel housing has been implemented as a visualisation client and HMI into a new ultrasonic measurement system from iNOEX. The system has been developed for pipe centring to achieve optimum wall thickness. With this new measurement technology, the die head used to produce large-sized and thick-walled pipes can be quickly centered, reducing start-up scrap and saving considerable costs
To produce large pipes, granulate material or powder is heated in an extruder and pressed through an extrusion die. Depending on the pipe diameter, production speed is only a few metres per minute.
Such extrusion lines can reach lengths of up to 60 metres. Previously, there had been no way to directly measure the wall thickness of a pipe in a vacuum tank during the extrusion process. Only after the pipe had been extruded and cooled could it be measured and any necessary adjustment of the die head take place.
This has now changed with the new ECCO centring unit from iNOEX. The system suits pipes made of PE, PP, and PVC, and can be used for pipe diameters starting at 90mm and wall thicknesses from 1.8mm to 120mm. The ultrasonic sensors are mounted directly on the calibration sleeve. The measurement is performed automatically, without any operator input. The wall thickness distribution data is then displayed on a 10-inch monitor.
Thus, the die settings can be quickly and accurately adjusted to compensate for pipe sections that are too thick or too thin. In this way, the pipe is exactly centered after only a few metres and the production process can continue precisely under the desired conditions. The fast start-up process and prevention of start-up scrap reduce costs significantly.
A client with Java
For the HMI, iNOEX looked for a rugged, cost-effective client that would function reliably for many years in the typical dusty industrial environment. A 10-inch monitor was already a requirement, to ensure easy readability even from short distances. In addition, the system should support Linux and Java, because the data logged and transferred from the actual ultrasonic data sensor is stored centrally on this measurement device.
Fast system development
iNOEX opted for the Kontron Nano Client, which the company began implementing into the new ECCO centering tool while Kontron handled the system development. Martin Deters, technical director at iNOEX, said: “We sought a supplier that regularly presents products based on newly launched processors and implements them into a range of products. This ensures early design security and mature software support. Kontron has proven that it is particularly nimble in implementing the latest processors.”
The system in detail
The Kontron Nano Client is currently used by iNOEX in the 10-inch version. It is equipped with a 45nm Intel Atom Z5xx processor and the highly-integrated Intel System Controller Hub US15W, and offers up to a 1.6GHz CPU and a maximum of 1024MB of soldered RAM. Thus, the compact Nano Client can also run even demanding web-based visualisations. With one Gigabit Ethernet and one USB 2.0, it offers all required interfaces for HMI or terminal applications.
Essential for pipe extruding equipment is the Compact Flash solution for data storage, which features no moving parts and excellent shock and vibration protection.
