An Evaluation of Automated Control of the Oxyfuel Cutting Process for M1 Vehicle Fabrication
Abstract
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the oxyfuel gas cutting process. Specific objectives of the project were: 1)To isolate the parameter(s)that show potential for use as process control signals. 2)To outline process control options from a relatively simple open loop control to a more sophisticated, fully automated, real-time closed loop control. The results of the feasibility study have shown that spectral radiance(temperature) in the infrared range near the top and bottom of the cutting front could provide control signals to minimize gouging and slag formation. The results of the acoustic monitoring have demonstrated that a high frequency acoustic sensor on the torch could be used to detect abnormal tip/ torch behavior. Additionally, a high frequency sensor on the plate could be used to monitor gouging as well as excessive slag adhering conditions. However,since this method works after the fact i.e.,after gouging has initiated, the temperature monitoring method is considered more suitable. The experimental data, supported by the literature review, lead to the conclusion that the common denominators of all flame cutting problems are the temperature at the cutting front and the iron-oxygen mixture ratio. A real-time closed loop system is described in this report. The details of the feasibility study are provided in this report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA134073
Entities
Organizations
- Tank-automotive and Armaments Command