NGO3-WATER Online Infrared Water Film Thickness Gauge
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | NGO3-WATER |
| Price Range | USD 68,000 – 136,000 |
Overview
The NGO3-WATER is an industrial-grade, non-contact online infrared thickness gauge engineered for real-time quantification of residual aqueous emulsion films on moving steel strip surfaces during hot rolling and coiling operations. Utilizing calibrated near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy at water-specific wavelengths (e.g., ~1450 nm and ~1940 nm), the sensor measures areal mass loading of water—expressed in mg/m²—with high spectral selectivity and minimal interference from hydrocarbon-based rolling oils. Designed for integration into high-speed production lines (up to 25 m/s), it operates at a fixed standoff distance of 200 mm between the probe head and the strip surface, enabling robust deployment in confined spaces such as the interstand region between the final stand and the coiler. Its core function supports energy optimization by enabling closed-loop control of post-rolling drying systems—including radiant heaters and high-velocity air knives—thereby reducing unnecessary thermal input and compressed air consumption while preventing moisture-induced defects (e.g., rust, staining, or interlayer adhesion failure) in coiled product.
Key Features
- Non-contact, real-time NIR measurement of water film mass loading (mg/m²) on dynamically moving steel strip
- Fixed 200 mm working distance with integrated vibration compensation—immune to belt oscillation up to ±2 mm peak-to-peak
- Strip speed independence: measurement accuracy maintained across line speeds from 0.5 to 25 m/s without recalibration
- Self-validating optical path: internal reference channel and dual-wavelength ratioing ensure long-term drift stability
- IP65-rated stainless-steel housing suitable for harsh mill environments (coolant mist, oil aerosol, ambient temperatures up to 60 °C)
- High-resolution color TFT display with intuitive graphical interface for local operator monitoring and diagnostics
- Integrated analog (4–20 mA) and digital (RS485 Modbus RTU, optional EtherNet/IP) outputs for seamless PLC integration
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NGO3-WATER is optimized for continuous measurement on hot-rolled carbon steel, stainless steel, and silicon electrical steel strips with surface temperatures ranging from 50 °C to 300 °C. It distinguishes water from mineral-based and synthetic rolling emulsions via differential NIR absorption signatures, delivering selective detection even in mixed-film conditions. The system complies with IEC 61000-6-2 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61000-6-4 (EMC emission) standards. Its measurement methodology aligns with ASTM E1710 (Standard Test Method for Determining the Thickness of Transparent Films Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) and supports traceable process validation under ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management frameworks. For regulated environments, optional audit trail logging and user-access controls support alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when integrated with compliant SCADA or MES platforms.
Software & Data Management
The NGO3-WATER includes embedded firmware with configurable averaging windows (10 ms to 1 s), statistical data buffering (min/max/mean/stdev per 100-ms interval), and time-synchronized timestamping. A dedicated PC-based configuration and visualization tool (NGO ConfigStudio) enables remote parameter setup, live spectrum viewing, calibration curve management, and export of CSV/Excel-compatible trend logs. All measurement data can be streamed via OPC UA or Modbus TCP to centralized historians (e.g., OSIsoft PI, Emerson DeltaV, or Siemens Desigo CC). Optional cloud connectivity allows secure remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance alerts based on signal-to-noise ratio degradation or optical window contamination thresholds.
Applications
- Hot strip mills: Real-time water film monitoring pre-coiler to optimize dryer setpoints and minimize energy waste
- Heavy plate mills: Quantification of rinse water carryover after descaling and before heat treatment
- Continuous casting finishing lines: Verification of water removal efficiency prior to coiling or packaging
- Electrogalvanizing and annealing lines: Detection of residual moisture that could compromise coating adhesion or cause hydrogen embrittlement
- Quality assurance labs: Correlative validation of offline gravimetric water content tests (e.g., ASTM A923) using synchronized online data
FAQ
Can the NGO3-WATER distinguish between water and oil films on the same strip?
Yes—it uses dual-wavelength NIR absorption ratios to decouple water-specific absorbance (1450 nm) from broad-band hydrocarbon contributions (1600 nm reference), enabling independent quantification of both components when calibrated.
Is calibration required after installation?
A one-time factory calibration is performed using NIST-traceable water film standards; field verification is supported via built-in reference checks—no routine recalibration is needed under stable operating conditions.
Does the sensor require cooling in high-temperature mill environments?
No—the probe head is passively cooled and rated for continuous operation up to 60 °C ambient; optional air purge kits are available for extreme coolant-laden atmospheres.
What is the minimum detectable water film thickness?
The system resolves areal mass down to 5 mg/m² (equivalent to ~5 nm equivalent water layer thickness), with repeatability better than ±2% of reading under standard mill conditions.
How is measurement data synchronized with strip position?
Via encoder pulse input (quadrature or single-channel) or external trigger signal, enabling spatially resolved mapping of water distribution across coil length.
