Infralytic NGO3-WATER Online Infrared Oil Film Thickness Gauge
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | NGO3-WATER |
| Price Range | USD 65,000 – 130,000 |
Overview
The Infralytic NGO3-WATER is a high-precision, non-contact online infrared thickness gauge engineered for real-time, quantitative measurement of organic and inorganic passivation films—particularly oil-based emulsions and lubricating films—on continuously moving metallic substrates. It operates on the principle of multi-wavelength near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy: when NIR radiation at precisely selected wavelengths (typically within the 1.5–2.5 µm range) irradiates the coated surface, characteristic absorption bands arise from C–H, O–H, and other functional group vibrations in the film matrix. The magnitude of absorbance at these diagnostic wavelengths correlates linearly with film thickness (in µm) or mass per unit area (g/m²), enabling direct, calibration-based quantification without physical contact or surface preparation. Unlike mechanical or eddy-current gauges, the NGO3-WATER is insensitive to substrate topography, static charge, or minor surface waviness—critical for hot-rolled steel strip, continuous casting slabs, and pickling line applications where surface roughness and thermal distortion are inherent.
Key Features
- Non-contact, real-time measurement with 50 ms minimum response time—ensuring detection of transient thickness variations during high-speed rolling (up to 25 m/s)
- Triple-wavelength NIR photometry combined with P-polarized light optics to suppress ambient light interference, specular reflection artifacts, and temperature-induced baseline drift
- Integrated belt speed synchronization and vibration compensation algorithm—maintains measurement stability even under mechanical resonance conditions typical in heavy-duty rolling mills
- Dedicated emulsion-compatible sensor head with IP65-rated enclosure, designed for harsh industrial environments including high-humidity cooling zones and oil mist-laden atmospheres
- 200 mm standoff distance between sensor head and moving substrate—eliminating risk of mechanical collision and enabling safe integration into existing mill infrastructure
- Self-validating optical path: internal reference channel performs continuous zero-point and gain verification every 2 seconds, supporting GLP-compliant traceability
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NGO3-WATER is validated for use on ferrous substrates—including hot-rolled carbon steel, stainless steel, and galvanized strip—coated with water-based emulsions, mineral oils, synthetic lubricants, and hybrid passivation layers. It meets ISO 9001:2015 requirements for measurement system analysis (MSA) and supports compliance with ASTM E131 (Standard Terminology Relating to Molecular Spectroscopy) and ISO 14782 (Non-destructive testing — Industrial radiographic and infrared imaging). Its embedded audit trail and user-access-level controls align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures in regulated manufacturing environments.
Software & Data Management
The system runs on Infralytic’s proprietary ThicknessView™ v4.2 software, featuring real-time spectral visualization, multi-layer trend analysis, and automated SPC charting (X-bar/R, Cpk). Raw absorbance spectra, calibrated thickness values, timestamped metadata, and environmental parameters (ambient temperature, humidity, belt speed) are logged in HDF5 format for long-term archival and third-party analytics interoperability. Data export supports OPC UA, Modbus TCP, and CSV interfaces—enabling seamless integration with MES (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, Rockwell FactoryTalk) and LIMS platforms. All configuration changes, calibration events, and operator logins are recorded with immutable timestamps for full GMP/GLP audit readiness.
Applications
- Hot strip mill exit stands: inline monitoring of emulsion film thickness on rolled steel prior to coiling
- Continuous casting secondary cooling zones: quantification of protective oil films on slab surfaces to prevent oxidation and scaling
- Reheating furnace discharge lines: verification of pre-rolling lubricant integrity under elevated temperatures (up to 600 °C substrate surface)
- Galvanizing line post-annealing sections: control of passivation layer uniformity on Zn-coated substrates
- R&D laboratories performing accelerated corrosion testing: correlation of IR-measured film mass with salt-spray performance per ASTM B117
FAQ
Does the NGO3-WATER require periodic recalibration with physical standards?
No—its triple-wavelength differential measurement architecture and built-in reference channel eliminate drift-related recalibration needs; however, annual verification using NIST-traceable film standards is recommended for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Can it distinguish between oil and water content in mixed emulsions?
Yes—the dedicated spectral algorithm resolves overlapping C–H (oil) and O–H (water) absorption bands independently, enabling dual-parameter output (oil thickness + water fraction) when configured with optional chemometric models.
Is the sensor compatible with magnetic substrates such as electrical steel?
Yes—since measurement relies solely on optical absorption, magnetic permeability has no influence; the system is routinely deployed on grain-oriented silicon steel production lines.
What is the minimum detectable film thickness?
The lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) is 0.15 g/m² for mineral oil on cold-rolled steel, equivalent to ~0.12 µm, verified per ISO 11929 for uncertainty evaluation of analytical measurements.
