Micronics DFM-IV contributes to process quality
improvements at automotive plant
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Three DFM-IV Ultrasonic Flow Meters have been installed at the Plasticomnium automotive plant in Derby as
part of a project to improve the quality performance of their Spray Booth Plant.
The DFM-IV utilises an external Clamp-On sensor providing reliable measurement
and control with no Process Contact, Installation or in-line Maintenance
required. Utilising Doppler technology it monitors the flow rate of “difficult” liquids including: paint slurries, wastewater, chemicals, acids,
abrasives and viscous liquids. And is suitable for full pipes and any fluid that
contains solids such as paint or bubbles.
A strap-on sensor is mounted on the
outside of a plastic or metal pipe and to
measure flow an acoustic signal is
reflected back to the sensor from
particles or gas bubbles in the fluid. No
contact is made with the moving fluid and
as a consequence there is no fouling or scale build-up on the sensor.
Installation is easy - without shutting down the flow system and no pipe
cutting or drilling is required, providing significant cost savings over alternative
in-line meters.
Plasticomnium operate within the automotive supply industry providing
components for a number of leading car manufacturers with demanding
quality standards and quality maintenance and improvement is a continuous
process.
Overspray recovery from the booths is by water curtains and treatment of the contaminated exhaust air and
water. The interaction or balance between the exhaust air and water recovery process is related to the quality
of the paint finish on the bumper sets being sprayed and the DFM-IV's are being used to measure the
process water flow. The contaminated water is pumped from the booth sumps for chemical treatment and
removal of the paint sludge prior to being recycled in the process. And a reduction in the water flow rate
because too much paint is being collected and recovered from the system indicates that the process is out
of balance and corrective measures are required.
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The DFM-IV works with contaminated liquids including waste water
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Plant Engineer Mark Cashmore says, "The Micronics meters provided a cost-effective way of measuring the
recycled water flow. We've found that if we monitor and manage the water component in the system the
exhaust air component is kept in balance and the result is consistent high quality with significant savings
fromreduced reworking of the bumper sets. There were some initial snags as you would expect with any new
system, however, the meters have worked well and Micronics service response has been good".
