Iceland-based aluminium specialist Stimir says that its revolutionary level sensing systems can help in the manufacture of high-quality aluminium sheets, which are uniform in slab shape and surface quality.
“Aluminium slab casting using conventional level sensing methods can result in poor uniformity, uneven consistency, inadequate slab-butt shape and an overall drop in surface quality and aluminium quality of the cast as a whole,” says a company spokesman. “Stimir’s TMMS 200 Metal Level Sensor was designed to alleviate some of the problems associated with level sensing during aluminium casting. The TMMS 200 Metal Level Sensor has been in use for over seven years in smelters across Europe with excellent results and increased quality of slab production,” he adds.
Elaborating on the benefits of the system, the spokesman continues: “The main design principles originally specified for the TMMS 200 were durability, precision and efficiency. The TMMS 200 is a highly sensitive and accurate non-contact displacement sensor on a mobile arm with an accuracy of ±0.5 mm. The arm of the sensor descends and ascends by a computer-controlled stepping motor depending on the distance of the metal from the sensor head. The computer constantly measures the real metal level, calculating the status of the arm and the measured signal from the sensor head with utmost precision. Stimir’s TMMS 200 Metal Level Sensor adjustable arm uses robust ball-bearing support giving it added precision and smooth movement.
“The non-contact measuring head has a 40 mm measuring range. The on-board computer moves the arm when the deviation from the central measuring range of the sensor head exceeds ±12 mm. The total sensing range of Stimir’s TMMS 200 Metal Level Sensor is 200 mm with an accuracy of ±0.5 mm enabling it to greatly improve the whole metal casting process.
Stimir’s TMMS 200 is a highly adaptable piece of hardware and comes as an independent unit capable of interfacing with almost any type of metal casting system available. The TMMS 200 Metal Level Sensor was designed to be durable and to operate with minimum maintenance for long periods in constant use and therefore requires little operator or maintenance attention, saving both overheads and resources.
Anode rod line marking system
“Accurate placement of rodded anodes in reduction cells is a very important factor in optimising pot efficiency. This is normally achieved by reference to an index line marked on the stem during the rodding operation.
“Stimir’s Anode Rod Line Marking Gun has been operating successfully at Alcan Iceland for two years. The gun operates by firing chalk dust with compressed air through a 1.5mm high slit, forming an accurately placed chalk line on the rod stem. The gun is designed to accommodate misaligned rods, springs and a pivoted head both adjusting automatically to the rod alignment.
“Accurate vertical adjustment of the gun on the mounting bracket provides for precise setting of the line height.
“The gun as installed at Alcan Iceland produces a single line. Gun design can be readily adapted to mark multiple lines.
“The equipment is specifically designed for the harsh environment in the rodding plant. Maintenance requirements are minimal, generally limited to periodic cleaning,” he adds.
Established in 1995 by former employees of the Icelandic Aluminium Company (ISAL), Stimir is now a part of the Alcan group. “The fact that the company’s founders had experience with working in several departments at ISAL has been a major plus point for the company as it offers a valuable insight and understanding of the needs and demands of our customers in the aluminium industry,” he says.
“This gives us the unique capability of streamlining our products’ lifecycles, resulting in highly concise, efficient yet less costly solutions, giving our customers more, for less,” the spokesman adds.
Apart from a range of other products, Stimir also manufactures metal flow controllers for precise control of aluminium during casting. Using the TMMS 200 in combination with Stimir’s Metal Flow Controllers yields even more precise control over the whole casting process,” he concludes.
