Salzgitter Mannesmann Forschung GmbH (Duisburg, Germany):

Geller D., Mag. Eng., Scientific Fellow, d.geller@du.szmf.de
Deppe G.-J., Dr., Scientific Fellow

Vallourec & Mannesmann Deutschland GmbH (Düsseldorf, Germany):

Helten B., Mag. Eng., Rolling Technologyer

In a plug mill for seamless tubes the sizer at the end of the rolling line essentially defines the dimensions of the tubes. In the plug mill of Vallourec & Mannesmann Tubes Germany at Düsseldorf-Rath the sizer consists of ten stands, in each of which the right cage out of a stock of about 400 has to be inserted. The general concept and practical realization are discussed, including user interface for ten channels. TAG inserted in the upper side of a cage and RFID Write-/readhead inserted in the stand are shown. This mapping arises from the specifications of the rolling lot. By applying an adapted RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system an improved loading of the stands with cages could be achieved. Electronic control box with PLC and Control desk displaying the status of the write-/read-heads inserted in the stands are displayed. Survey of the final set-up of the ten-channel RFID system is presented. Sequentially the actual status of allocation is automatically logged and checked with the demands for the respective rolling lot.