Batscan™, Constellium In-melt Ultrasonic Inclusion Detector: Industrial Performance

Abstract

The Constellium in-melt ultrasonic inclusion detector has been evaluated in the real conditions of an industrial casting line. Various potential failure modes have been systematically investigated in order to develop reliable technical solutions in view of the final industrial version. The detector must meet strict requirements for industrial use. In particular, it must be fully automated and autonomous, with automatic safety procedures to preserve the device in case of metal level anomaly or other alert of the casting line supervision system. Data post-treatment has been developed on the acquisition system including a calibration procedure. In order to guarantee signal stability during the measurement, both the cooling system design and the assembly mode have been optimized. Typical events known to affect melt inclusion content will be illustrated, based on more than 1 year of industrial operation. This includes measurements at the casting furnace exit, degasser exit, and filter exit.