FEATURE BEARINGS & LINEAR MOTION A LINEAR MOTION solution for precision inspection
When developing its Auga internal weld inspection tool, Optical Metrology Services turned to HepcoMotion which recommended the use of its GV3 linear motion system. Here the company explains why
O
ptical Metrology Services (OMS) provides precision inspection and
measurement services and solutions designed to maximise performance, minimise risk and deliver projects on time for industries such as aerospace, civil engineering, and oil and gas. As an example, delays and failures can be disastrous and costly in the high stake world of oil and gas pipelines. So, its latest tool – the Auga – is an internal weld inspection tool specifically designed to examine and measure the quality of internal girth welds in detail in the firing line. Auga can be attached directly to an
internal line-up clamp (ILUC) and is said to provide unrivalled dimensional accuracy. It can be configured to measure and report on a range of different weld attributes, such as concavity, cracking, undercut and incomplete fusion. While the more traditional weld inspection processes can take up to an hour to complete, Auga collects the data in less than two minutes.
THE SOLUTION The solution features a camera and laser
HepcoMotion provided its GV3 linear motion system which, with its precision ground running surface, “The mounted inside which is used to complete
a full 360˚ scan of the weld in under 20 seconds, recording a 3D topographic map to check the weld is within the product specification. With the camera and laser,
GV3 provides a backbone to the Auga,
however, a slide and carriage is needed to move them into the position required to check the weld – as the camera and laser are moved backwards and forwards to inspect the pipe internally, smooth movement is critical. So, to help with this,
giving it the strength and rigidity required for the purpose of weld inspection in a confined environment that would be impossible for humans to access”
provides a low friction and highly accurate system suited to providing smooth indexing of the camera. Auga utilises a GV3 spacer slide with rack, used with Hepco’s dowel pins, which ensures simple and quick mounting inside the unit. A key advantage of the GV3 in this application is that it provides a low maintenance, fit and forget solution. Usually, linear guides need to be frequently re-lubricated which means the machine has to be stopped. With cap seals fitted, a key advantage
of the GV3 is that it does not need to be re-lubricated, so it provides a long trouble-free life.
Of additional benefit, it features Hepco’s
well-renowned V guide technology so is suitable for use in tough environments such as offshore engineering. Furthermore, its self-cleaning action
SWEET SOLUTION SAVES MANUFACTURER €80,493 PER YEAR
When it started experiencing repeated failures on its dip tank conveyor nose roller, a confectionary plant turned to NSK. The company’s AIP (Added Value Programme) team concluded that, to reduce production downtime and costs, the answer would be to use a combination of NSK’s DDU seal arrangement on the deep groove ball bearings and a redesign of the bearing configuration. The deep groove ball bearings are sealed for life and feature a high-performance contact seal
design. To enhance operating life by protecting against the ingress of dust and moisture contamination, the DDU seal offers three sealing lips – one forms a contact with the side face of the inner ring groove, while the other two form tight, non-contact constrictions at either side of the contact sealing lip. Of additional benefit, the axial sealing lip also means that grease leakage is reduced in comparison with standard seals, particularly in outer ring rotating applications. On the confectionary gum manufacturer’s conveyor nose roller, NSK noted that there were three bearing
units assembled together flush, one set either side of the roller. The bearings, however, were not designed to operate in this type of arrangement, so the company proposed placing a spacer shim between each bearing. Based on NSK’s proposals, a trial was conducted that resulted in an immediate improvement in conveyor uptime; and roller service intervals could be extended to one year. Based on reduced downtime and labour costs, as well as fewer replacement bearings, the total annual savings amounted to €80,493.
NSK
www.nskeurope.com
eliminates contamination of the slideway – a key benefit for OMS working in the inevitably dirty welding environment. The flexibility of the GV3 system is
important for OMS – they are able to mix and match slides and bearings of different sizes to suit the application space and load requirements. GV3 offers a wide range of slide widths, allowing the most rigid unit within the space available. Commenting on the solution, Jack
Parlane, senior design engineer at OMS, said: “The GV3 provides a backbone to the Auga, giving it the strength and rigidity required for the purpose of weld inspection in a confined environment that would be impossible for humans to access.”
HepcoMotion T: 01884 257000
www.HepcoMotion.com
30 SEPTEMBER 2016 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
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