Minteq International GmbH, Duisburg:

R. Lamm, Eng., rolf.lamm@mineralstech.com

P. Wintjens, Eng.

LaCam-Torpedo system has been developed for laser measuring of residual thickness of lining in hot ladles of torpedo shape, using for hot iron transportation from blast furnaces to steelmaking shop via railroad. The process is based on simple and reliable approach that can use laser head in hot ladle of torpedo shape at the temperature of environment up to 1000 °C. Example of inserting 3-D scanning head inside hot ladle of torpedo shape is shown. The system scans wall thickness by laser beam along all its surface and registers millions of data points that can be evaluated via simple general tables or 3-D pictures on the monitor. Measuring results are processing and reflected using the new graphic interface LaCam. Residual wall thickness can be measured during less than 3 minutes, and it is not required to cool the ladle during 3 days. This measuring process allows to increase service life of refractory lining (without lowering of reliability, operating readiness and productivity) and, consequently, to decrease the expenses for power supply, materials and maintenance. This system was put into practice at Ferrotron facility of Minteq International GmbH.