• DXp-40
• G4 Instrument
• C2G1-H Load Cell

System requirements focus on rugged, harsh environment components, capable of precise weighing with diagnostic surveillance for each load cell. Measurement signals must feed directly into a plant-wide PLC system that controls the flow of molten steel through the tundish.

The ability to measure each load cell individually and simultaneously provides several advantages. First, it dramatically reduces time spent troubleshooting and identifying failures. Second, the measurement system with multiple A-D converters gives better precision without a reduction in sample rate. Third, individual digitization of each transducer enhances the effectiveness of digital calibration. It eliminates the load distribution and corner sensitivity unknowns that occur with analog summed systems.

Communication between the DXp-40 and its host computer uses industry standard protocols. Besides Modbus RTU, the transmitter also can be furnished with the Allen-Bradley Remote I/O network interface technology. This provides a simple way to communicate weight and diagnostics information to the PLC-5 and SLC-5 series of programmable logic controllers.

Due to their high temperature rating of 400°F, C2G1-H load cells provide the perfect companion technology for the extreme heat of the caster environment.

Precision measurement must be performed 24 hours a day by load cells and instrumentation installed on a tundish car. Installed equipment must withstand extreme heat, bouncing, grime, and constant vibration. Each load cell must be monitored individually so that any deterioration in performance can be corrected quickly without significant caster downtime.