Mannesmann SA in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, is currently constructing a continuous seamless steel tube production line for diameter ranges of approx. 20-180 mm. Commissioning is planned for early 1996.

The range of materials extends from simple structural steels to high alloy steels. For testing of the tube quality, MSA has ordered an ultra-modern measuring and testing system equipped with various measuring and testing processes from INSTITUT DR. FORSTER, Germany.

This multiple testing block will be directly integrated in the production flow in the finishing shop. All the testing and measuring sensors are mounted on a single lift platform.

The tubes are measured and tested by various processes as they flow through the equipment.

• Length measurement with cycle wheel and light barriers;

• Diameter measurement with Dulas Do 300 Optical System;

• Wall thickness measurement with CIRCOSON W electromagnetic ultrasonics;

• Material identification with MAGNATEST eddy current;

• Leakage testing with DEFECTOMAT eddy current;

• Longitudinal defect testing with ROTOMAT leakage flux;

• Transverse defect testing with TRANSOMAT leakage flux;

• Demagnetisation and residual field measurement.

The requirements for the testing speed, degree of automation and reliability are very high. The resetting times on change of tube dimensions in particular are very short as a result of the use of the latest technologies.

The tubes are 100 per cent tested at speeds up to 5 m/second and automatically sorted according to the test findings. Accurate defect marking facilitates reliable defect detection and subsequent repair of rejected tubes.

The equipment settings on all testing and measuring equipment are provided by a central setting computer. The test results are processed by a central evaluation computer and displayed graphically and numerically on a colour monitor. Test records are printed out and test results stored for long term statistics.