Optimizing Steel-Making: The U-ONE-(SAFETY-) Compact Encoder System

Key Benefits

The U-ONE-(SAFETY-) Compact encoder system offers several key advantages over older solutions. First, it allows direct mounting on the application shaft. As a result, this eliminates the need for extra gears, reducing mechanical issues and potential failures. Additionally, the system improves measurement accuracy by removing mechanical play caused by distribution gears. Furthermore, it is easier to set up than older mechanical switches, which helps reduce downtime during installation and maintenance. Moreover, the system allows for quick starts and restarts after adjustments. This, in turn, minimizes delays and enhances overall efficiency. These benefits make the U-ONE-(SAFETY-) Compact system an effective solution for improving control and precision in steel-making plants.

Before

In traditional setups, steel-making plants typically use mechanical cam limit switches and absolute encoders. These are mounted using extra gears. Consequently, this approach often leads to mechanical problems and inaccuracies. Extra gears can introduce unwanted movement and delays in signal transmission. Additionally, mechanical cam limit switches are difficult to adjust. As a result, they often lack the precision needed for modern industrial applications. This complexity and lack of precision can hinder efficiency and affect overall performance. Therefore, there is a need for a more reliable and precise solution. This solution must address these issues and improve operational efficiency in steel-making plants.

After

The U-ONE-(SAFETY-) Compact system offers a modern solution. It combines electronic position switches and an absolute encoder in a single unit. This unit mounts directly on the application shaft. Consequently, it removes the need for extra gears, significantly enhancing system accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the compact design simplifies installation and reduces the system’s overall footprint. This makes it more efficient and space-saving. By integrating these components into one unit, the U-ONE-(SAFETY-) Compact system provides a more streamlined solution. It effectively addresses the limitations of traditional setups and improves control in steel-making plants.

Task

In steel-making plants, accurately measuring and controlling converter angles is essential. Traditionally, this has been done using absolute encoders and mechanical cam limit switches. These are mounted with extra gears. However, this setup often results in inaccuracies due to mechanical play. Moreover, it is challenging to adjust mechanical switches, leading to inefficiencies. These issues can, therefore, compromise plant performance and reduce productivity. Thus, a solution that addresses these challenges is critical. Improving accuracy and reliability ensures smooth operations in steel-making plants.

Solution

The U-ONE-(SAFETY-) Compact encoder system effectively addresses these challenges. It integrates an absolute encoder and electronic position switches into one compact unit. This mounts directly on the application shaft, thereby eliminating the need for extra gears. This reduces mechanical issues and improves accuracy. Furthermore, Hübner Giessen’s special torsion-resistant couplings ensure precise operation. Additionally, the system’s easy setup and quick restart after adjustments streamline operations. Moreover, the system is available with optional safety certification, meeting SIL 2 / PL d standards. This makes the U-ONE-(SAFETY-) Compact system ideal for enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and safety in steel-making plants.

Robust Encoders

Robust Encoders for Complex Applications

  • Greater functional component reliability
  • Higher converter plant availability
  • More precise measurement signals despite shock and vibration loads
  • Easy and time-saving programming

Before: Old skip-car control mechanism with two mechanical geared cam limit switches.

robust encoders

After: More precise signals because of robust encoders, combining bearing block and heavy-duty encoders

The skip-car control system used until now had two mechanical, geared cam limit switches that are slow to program. The mechanical overspeed switch can be unreliable when exposed to shock and vibration. These parts don’t have the needed accuracy, making them unsuitable for the modern needs of steel mill operations..

Upgrading to modern standards needs parts that are accurate, reliable, and easy to program. Hübner Giessen improved the system by replacing a geared cam limit switch with an FG 4 K incremental encoder and an AMS 4 K absolute encoder with an SSI interface. These encoders were mounted on a bearing block, boosting resistance to shock and vibration while compensating for slight mechanical differences in the current gearbox. In the next phase, the second cam limit switch will be replaced, along with the mechanical overspeed switch, which will be upgraded to a programmable electronic version. This plan ensures a stronger, more precise, and adaptable system, meeting the needs of modern applications.

In any case, you can count on our support for the complete project.
From the first discussion to the installation support on site. Contact us if you have questions about our robust encoders,

 

94 / Metals / Converter / Hoist
Case Studies

 

GN series motors

GN Series Motors

  • Rugged DC shunt-wound motors feature infinitely variable control
  • Designed for 20 journeys per shift (8h)
  • Short-term 3-fold overload permissible
  • Battery powered, automated guided vehicle system

Heavy-load transporters are used to transport the casting ladles from the warehouse to the casting house.

Battery powered and robust DC shunt-wound motor GN 17.17.4 for trouble-free operation without trailing cable.

To drive a 100-ton transport vehicle for casting ladles, the system needs adjustable DC motors powered by a 48V battery. These motors, connected to a gearbox, not only reach a speed of 10 m/min but also give full torque across the entire speed range, with a 3-fold short-term overload ability. Furthermore, the vehicle’s 625 Ah battery provides at least 200 minutes of runtime, allowing for 20 trips per shift. Therefore, the motor output must meet these needs effectively and reliably.

For each transport vehicle, Johannes Hübner Giessen supplied two low-voltage shunt-wound DC motors from the GN 17 series, along with a built-in spring-loaded brake. Additionally, these motors include a fan for cooling and are specifically designed for on-and-off use (S3 42% CDF). Moreover, they provide a rated torque of 17 Nm and can also handle a short-term overload of up to 50 Nm. Furthermore, a BAMOBIL battery controller effectively manages power to the DC motor, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.

 

88 / Metals / Casting / Ladle Transporter
Case Studies

 

Encoder solutions

Hot and Cold Rolling Mills – Encoder solutions

Hot and Cold Rolling Mills

Encoder solutions:

 

  • Easy exchange or extension of existing encoder solutions
  • Cost-efficient, as encoders can be exchanged selectively
  • Implementation in the shortest possible time, optionally SIL certified
  • Planning, delivery and mounting support from a single source

Exploded view

Exploded view

All around the world Hübner Giessen encoder solutions are installed at main drives of Hot and Cold Rolling Mills.

These large motors often run for many years and after a while the question about a possible encoder modernization arises to provide new or additional electrical outputs.

Our encoder solutions minimize the need for modernization. For example, the FGH 6 and FGH 8 encoders include an integrated mounting flange, which simplifies adding an additional encoder to the existing system.

You can add a freely programmable overspeed switch, a universal encoder system with fiber optic signal transmission (both optionally SIL certified), or an incremental encoder with a different pulse rate.

We provide full support throughout the entire project, from the first discussion to on-site installation assistance.