Surface World June 2019 Surface World June 2019 | Page 74

PRODUCTS & PROCESSES
Thermocouples . . . designed to suit all your
process/product challenges
Figure 6: Thermal View Mobile software running on Android Smart Phone
Although often overlooked by many probably the most important
aspects of the temperature profiling task is making sure you are
measuring what you want accurately and repeatably run to run. The
range of thermocouples offered with the PhoenixTM system have been
designed to guarantee easy quick yet accurate placement at the
location required. With the ever-increasing use of mixed materials in the
automotive market, primarily to reduce weight and reduce emissions,
(Aluminium & Composites) this challenge becomes ever more
demanding. PhoenixTM though prides itself on working with customers
to develop the new thermocouples they need. The range of typical
thermocouples offered with the Finishing range are shown in Figure 5.
Provided with a triple wrapped PTFE cable the thermocouples are
flexible yet cable of withstanding temperatures up to 265 °C.
Complying to ANSI-96.1 the thermocouple accuracy is certified to
±0.4% or ±1.1 °C providing a measurement accuracy (Logger +
thermocouple) of the system in most paint applications of ±1.4 °C.
Direct communication with logger either via Blue Tooth or Communication
cable allowing Remote Reset or Download of the logger.
In today’s modern industry instant access to information is becoming
more and more important. This applies equally to temperature
profiling. Provided with a unique two-way RF telemetry capability
option the PTM1210 is able to transmit temperature data stored by
the logger live from the process. Operators not only can see the live
process/product temperature information but in fact wirelessly
communicate directly with the logger, in the thermal barrier, to reset
or even download stored data. The ‘Lwmesh’ networking protocol
(Figure 7) allows receipt and retransmission of data through a variety
of router configurations allowing successful data transmission back to
the control office where the monitoring PC is located. The routers
communicate with each other wirelessly allowing them to be installed
quickly and conveniently, where needed, without any of the problems
associated with routing physical cables, and providing power,
necessary for alternative hardwired commercial systems.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
In processes there may be areas or sections where the
RF signal cannot escape the process, with the
PhoenixTM RF system this is not a concern. Employing a
unique ‘catch up’ feature any missing RF data is resent
‘auto corrected’ once communication is re-stablished.
Figure 5: Thermocouple Range for Paint Applications (Surface and Air
Options)
5.1 Magnetic – Attaches to Ferrous materials such as Steel Car body
5.2 Clamp – Designed for use with non-ferrous materials such as
Aluminium Extrusion
5.3 Long Reach Clamp – Designed specifically for use in Aluminium
Car Body Shells
5.4 Exposed Junction Probe – Taped directly to any material
(plastic/composite), Rapid IR processes
5.5 Washer probe – Screwed directly to product.
(Permanently rigged car shell test body)
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With the rigors of daily operation, it is possible for the PTFE cable to
occasionally get damaged. Under normal circumstances this would
require a complete thermocouple replacement. To minimize cost the
PhoenixTM magnet and clamp probes come with the unique design
feature that only the cable and sensor need to be replaced retaining
the existing magnet mount or clamp. Over the life of the system this
can make a significant effect on the total cost of ownership especially
if using 20 thermocouples per run and frequent runs.
Remote Monitoring . . . see process data live direct from the oven
Complementing the traditional USB communication cable, the
PhoenixTM logger can be even used with Blue Tooth communications
to PC or alternatively Android smart phone or tablet (Figure 6) allowing
added portability of the system on the production floor. The logger can
be reset and downloaded at the oven to allow quick review of the run
(Graph and Time @ Temperature Analysis). The run data file can be
e-mailed directly to a PC running the PhoenixTM Thermal View
Finishing software to allow further full analysis and reporting.
Figure 7: PhoenixTM RF system schematic showing ‘Lwmesh’ network
permitting high performance communication via remote battery
powered wireless routers.
Analysis Software . . . the power of Process understanding,
optimization and validation
A critical component of the PhoenixTM Finishing system is the Thermal
View Finishing software. Designed specifically for the needs of the
coating market it allows not only the set-up/download of logger but
the raw process data to be converted into meaningful information.
Such information can be used to understand exactly how the process
is operating, allow informed changes and provide certified evidence
to prove to others of the quality you are providing. Refer to Figure 8
and Table 2 to discover how the Finishing software can add value to
your cure monitoring operation.
Figure 8: PhoenixTM Thermal View Finishing Software
Main Features of the Finishing Software:
8.1 Configurable Datalogger Settings (Start Method, Sample Interval,
Number & location of Thermocouples).
8.2 Clear Full Colour Graph with zoom capability on screen Notes.
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8.3 Detailed Analysis Calculations – Customise to your specific
process requirements.
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