Inoex LLC, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, uses the latest radar sensor technology to perform non-contact measurement of diameter and wall thickness when the pipe is squeezed.

According to Adam M. Grier, President of Inoex, Warp's inline product portfolio has a new mechanical design based on dozens of devices around the world.

"In the past few years, these devices have proven that the underlying radar technology can accurately and reliably measure pipes produced from a range of raw materials during the production process," Greer said in an email.

The company's radar technology has been proven suitable for nylon, PVC, polyethylene and polypropylene pipes.

"Our customers are using Warp radar technology to gain insight into their extrusion process, which helps them ensure that only pipelines that meet or exceed relevant industry standards are provided," Greer said.

Inoex offers two system designs: one has eight sensors that can measure eight points around the pipe, and the other has enough sensors to check 100% of the pipe.

“Once the pipe manufacturer can measure it during product manufacturing, they can use our tried-and-tested control algorithm to optimize their extrusion process so that they don’t use raw materials that exceed industry standards,” Ge Lille said.

Another benefit comes from combining the Warp inline series with Inoex's gravity measurement technology.

“This can help pipeline producers deliver 3-5% more marketable pipelines using the same amount of raw materials. This has become even more important since February, when a winter storm on the Gulf Coast disrupted the raw material supply chain,” Grid Lille said.

Grier said several Inoex customers are already using radar sensor technology on PVC and PE pipelines that carry water, oil and gas. Customers include members of the Uni-Bell PVC Piping Association and members of the Plastic Piping Association.

"We can confirm that Warp technology has been successful in PVC pressure pipes used in water pipe applications, and these pipes meet the current C900 and traditional C905 standards of the American Water Works Association (AWWA)," Greer said. "We expect that this technology will also be applicable to PVC conforming to ASTM D2241, ASTM F1483 and C909 standards, but we have not had the opportunity to confirm this on site."

Some companies pilot the new technology in one factory and then promote it to other factories.

"It is this duplication of business that reassures us that our radar technology has matured from an early adopter to a mass market product. The latest mechanical design changes only strengthen the maturity of the product," Greer said.

The Warp system has been modified to reduce its footprint and improve maintenance access during the production process, Grier said, which allows pipe manufacturers to have greater flexibility in the placement of the production line.

"Ultimately, Inoex Warp technology can help users ensure that their extruded pipe meets all dimensional tolerances, which helps improve quality control while reducing manufacturing costs, customer complaints and product liability," Greer said.

For nearly 30 years, pipe manufacturers have been using Inoex ultrasonic systems to inspect their pipes because they are squeezed.

Inoex offers high-precision measurement systems of different types and sizes. Grier said their payback period is usually less than 12 months.

Inoex LLC is a subsidiary of Inoex GmbH headquartered in Melle, Germany. The company has been developing measurement, control and automation systems for plastic extrusion lines since 1984.

Do you have any comments on this story? Do you have any thoughts you would like to share with our readers? Plastic News is pleased to hear from you. Send your letter to the editor via e-mail [email protection]

Please enter a valid email address.

Please enter your email address.

Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

Plastic news is sent directly to your inbox for free, allowing you to easily grasp the latest information.

Plastic News covers the business of the global plastics industry. We report news, collect data and provide timely information to provide our readers with a competitive advantage.

1155 Gratiot Avenue Detroit MI 48207-2997