Radar-Based Wall-Thickness Sensor

During October’s K 2022 show in Düsseldorf, Inoex introduced the WARP-CP measuring system with eight radar-based wall-thickness sensors for recording the various structures of a corrugated pipe. The outer and inner diam as well as the wall thicknesses of the bell, the crest, the liner and the valley can be resolved. No contact coupling medium is required to transmit and receive the radar waves, which makes the device very robust, reliable and independent of process fluctuations. The system is available for large corrugated pipes with diameters from 300 mm.

The  sensors around the corrugated pipe scan it continuously. Since the corrugated tube has different structures, it is necessary to assign the measurement data to the corresponding position on or in the pipe. The WARP-CP algorithms do this automatically and prepare the data for the user in such a way that he is provided with different graphics and corresponding measurement data for each structure.

For applications with the most stringent quality inspection requirements, Inoex’s WARP 100 units use more sensors to enable 100% measurement around the circumference of the pipe as well as the extrusion direction and can also detect eccentricity and ovality. 

The specially developed optics allow the alignment of the radar wave to be focused on the center of the pipe. The sensors are arranged in such a way that the measuring spots overlap, thus ensuring close-meshed coverage in the extrusion direction. The maximum line speed for 100% coverage is up to 11.8 meters/min. Measured variables such as wall thickness, diameter, ovality, eccentricity and process conditions (e.g. sagging) are precisely recorded, documented and used for automatic process control.

Inoex also show a mobile, radar-based hand-held measuring device for wall- thickness measurement, specially designed for medium and large pipe extrusion as well as for sheet. Wall thicknesses from 2 to 110 mm (depending on the material) can be measured. Applications include a quick centering aid in the start-up process, final inspection of production or as a stock control device.

Not only can wall thicknesses at pipe ends be measured, but also the course inside a pipe section or a sheet. The measurement is carried out at the push of a button and the last 100 measured values including the measuring angle on the pipe as well as the time stamp are stored.