CASE STUDY

AMETEK Land, the leading specialist in infrared non-contact temperature measurements for global industry, has supplied its Cyclops L portable pyrometer to Turkish foundry operator Atik Metals. This device was used to measure liquid metal in the foundry for direct comparison with results obtained through dip thermocouples.

Atik Metal operates one of the oldest foundries in the İzmir area of Turkey, producing high-quality grey and ductile iron parts. The company has been casting for more than 60 years, and currently has around 500 employees. The foundry operates six furnaces, each with an 8 ton/h capacity.

Atik Metal wanted to use AMETEK Land’s Cyclops L pyrometer in the foundry area, and to compare the measurements with traditional dip thermocouple instruments. As part of Atik’s quality management system, measurements are taken at furnaces, at the casting line and at the pouring line. Temperature data is retained for each part of casting. The long-term aim of this test was to assess the Cyclops suitability for furnace measurements to support quality, reduce casting defects, reduce costs, and minimise the use of short-lived dip thermocouples.

The Cyclops L is a handheld optical pyrometer that makes instant temperature measurements using a trigger control. It can be aimed at the desired area on liquid metal by looking through the eyepiece on the device. A small circular grid, visible when viewed through the lens, precisely defines the measured area. Measurement range is up to five meters, and only a 9V battery cell is required to power the instrument. Results can be transferred to computers and mobile devices, via Bluetooth and USB connection, allowing temperature readings to be viewed and analysed. The Cyclops L was tested by the chiefs of melting furnaces and moulding plants, and by workers measuring temperature in the plants to evaluate its ergonomics, accurate data transfer and use. Measurements were made at Atik’s furnaces, transfer ladles, and during pouring to the mould, and taken in the same way other thermocouple results, which are currently used in the system, are compared with each other. To calibrate the Cyclops L, a temperature measurement was made with both a dip thermocouple and a Cyclops on the sixth furnace. It was then calibrated in a few seconds with Cyclops L emission adjustment.