Method for operating an inductor device, inductor device for inductively heating a metal product, heating section and rolling mill

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating an inductor device for heating a metal product conveyed along a conveying path, having at least one resonant circuit comprising an induction coil and a capacitor, in which method functional regions and / or functional states of the inductor device are monitored by taking measurements, wherein a state message is automatically provided when at least one reference value of measured values previously determined at the inductor device is reached and / or exceeded.

Description

[0001] Method for operating an inductor device, inductor device for inductive heating of a metallic material, heating section and rolling mill

[0002] The invention relates to a method for operating an inductor device for inductively heating a metallic material conveyed along a conveyor line, having at least one oscillating circuit comprising an induction coil and a capacitor.

[0003] The invention further relates to an inductor device for inductively heating a metallic material conveyed along a conveyor line, comprising at least one resonant circuit comprising an induction coil and a capacitor, a cooling means for cooling the induction coil with a coolant, a housing for the induction coil for shielding the induction coil from external influences, and a lining between the housing and the induction coil.

[0004] The invention also relates to a heating section for heating a metallic material conveyed along a conveyor section.

[0005] The invention also relates to a rolling mill having at least one heating section. Generic methods for operating inductor devices for inductively heating metallic goods and corresponding inductor devices for carrying out such methods are known from the prior art.

[0006] The inductor devices used here are almost exclusively operated with high power outputs of 1,000 kW or preferably even more, in order to be able to heat even massive metallic goods, such as slabs or the like, to the desired processing temperature even in short heating sections in front of a rolling stand.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an improvement or alternative to the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to make generic inductor devices, and especially operating methods therefor, more reliable.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a method for operating an inductor device for inductively heating a metallic material conveyed along a conveyor line, having at least one oscillating circuit comprising an induction coil and a capacitor, in which functional areas and / or functional states of the inductor device are monitored by measurement technology, wherein a status message is automatically provided when at least one reference value of measured values ​​previously determined on the inductor device is reached and / or exceeded.

[0009] The method proposed here can be carried out in particular on an inductor device which will be proposed later.

[0010] The monitoring proposed here can ensure that, in particular, emerging problems or malfunctions and / or signs of wear on the inductor device can be detected at an early stage, which in turn makes it possible to interrupt the operation of an inductor device at an early stage and / or at a pre-planned maintenance time, before irreparable damage to the inductor device can occur and / or a sudden failure of the inductor device occurs without prior notice and / or metallic goods may be further heat-treated unnoticed and incorrectly and as a result may not have the properties required by the customer.

[0011] For example, unnoticed leaks in the cooling system in the area of ​​an induction coil can not only quickly lead to major structural damage to the inductor device, but can also endanger personnel in the surrounding area.

[0012] In the event of a leak in the cooling system, coolant can escape unnoticed from a cooling circuit, collect in a housing for the induction coil and evaporate due to the high temperatures caused by the inductive heat treatment of the metallic material, which can cause irreparable damage or injure operating personnel.

[0013] With the proposed metrological monitoring in conjunction with the automatic transmission of a status message upon detection of critical conditions on the inductor device, measures can be initiated at an early stage to prevent consequential damage.

[0014] With the present operating method, normal operation of the inductor device can thus be converted earlier, for example, into emergency operation, in which a status message according to the invention can also be automatically provided. For example, the operating method can continue to operate in such an emergency mode at a reduced power or be interrupted entirely.

[0015] In this case, normal operation can be divided into working operation and idle operation.

[0016] In a working operation the metallic material is heated inductively , whereas in idle operation this is not the case , for example because no metallic material has yet been fed into the inductor device or because the metallic material has already been removed .

[0017] The term "determined" encompasses both the simple measurement of conditions on the inductor device with regard to mere numerical measured values ​​as well as a further processing of previously measured values, such as processing into comparison values ​​or similar.

[0018] The term "functional area" refers to the structural monitoring of individual components or groups of components of the inductor device.

[0019] The term "functional states" refers to the functional monitoring of individual components or groups of components of the inductor device.

[0020] The term "status report" in the sense of the invention describes an automatic signal triggering when measured values ​​change critically.

[0021] A status message can be a simple visual and / or acoustic indicator, which, for example, indicates to an operator that something is wrong with the process and / or the inductor device. The operator can then decide which measures should be initiated based on the status message.

[0022] In addition, a status message can automatically trigger a further sequence of events depending on the malfunction present, such as interrupting the operation of the inductor device, ordering spare parts, initiating maintenance or repair work, or the like.

[0023] The term "metallic goods" in the sense of the invention describes any goods which can be heated by induction, such as strips, slabs, billets, sheets, cast blocks, wires or the like, in particular electrically conductive semi-finished products, preliminary products, intermediate products or products made of iron, steel and / or a non-ferrous metal material.

[0024] The expression "upon reaching at least one reference value" in the sense of the invention not only covers the actual reaching of the reference value, but can also already refer to a critical approach to such a reference value.

[0025] The expression "exceeding at least one reference value" is also intended to mean "falling below" a reference value, for example when measured values ​​approach a lower limit.

[0026] Both suitable measured values ​​and reference values ​​can be measured or determined and compared with each other in different ways.

[0027] For example, a set of measured values ​​and / or reference values ​​can be determined with regard to a property to be monitored and from this a mean measured value or a mean reference value can be determined.

[0028] In any case, with the proposed metrological monitoring of functional areas or functional states, an operating method for an inductor device can be advantageously supplemented by a diagnostic method.

[0029] For example, it is advantageous if designated reference values ​​are determined from expected values ​​based on a model calculation.

[0030] Advantageously, reference values ​​can be determined in advance by means of a simulated model operation of the inductor device and / or by means of measured values ​​obtained with regard to operating procedures carried out in the past.

[0031] For example, it is possible to model which measured values ​​are to be expected with regard to a load condition of the inductor device.

[0032] From this, reference values ​​can then be determined, preferably with a safety margin of 10% or greater, or for example of 15% or greater or of 20% or greater, depending on which safety margin is desired for which application.

[0033] In practice, it has been found that a safety margin of 40% or less, preferably 30% or less, or particularly preferably 25% or less, from such modulated measured values ​​is sufficient to determine operationally reliable reference values. Cumulatively or alternatively, it is advantageous if designated reference values ​​are determined from measured values ​​relating to an idle operation of the inductor device.

[0034] Suitable reference values ​​can also be determined from current measured values ​​if the operating process is still in an idle operation phase in which the metallic material is not inductively heat treated.

[0035] The term "idle operation" describes an operation of the inductor device, before or possibly also after a regular working operation of the inductor device, in which the inductor device is operated under load in order to inductively heat-treat metallic material.

[0036] In addition, it is useful if cumulatively or alternatively designated reference values ​​are determined from measured values ​​with regard to regular working operation of the inductor device.

[0037] In this case, functional areas and / or functional states are observed by measurement during regular operation and corresponding measured values ​​are determined on the inductor device.

[0038] These successively determined measured values ​​are then used as a basis for determining corresponding reference values.

[0039] If, during regular operation of the inductor device, critical deviations are observed between previously determined measured values ​​(designated reference values) and continuously determined measured values, this can be interpreted as an indication that proper operation is not possible or only possible to a limited extent, and a corresponding status message can then be automatically sent in accordance with the invention.

[0040] It is understood that several options for determining and providing reference values ​​or designated reference values ​​can be combined with one another in order to achieve a certain degree of redundancy with regard to monitoring within the framework of the present operating procedure, whereby the monitoring sensitivity or accuracy can be scaled almost arbitrarily.

[0041] In any case, previously determined measured values ​​can be used to provide designated reference values, regardless of the time of measurement or determination of the measured values.

[0042] In this respect, the operating procedure described here can also be used to implement “machine learning”, particularly with regard to the generation of designated reference values.

[0043] In particular, with the above-mentioned possibilities for determining reference values ​​or designated reference values, a calibration of the monitoring or a monitoring device for this purpose can be carried out in a variety of ways, whereby it is also possible in particular for the monitoring to be calibrated individually depending on a metallic material to be heat-treated, such as in relation to a slab, a strip or the like.

[0044] A metrological monitoring of functional areas and / or functional states can advantageously be carried out if measurement and / or (designated) reference values ​​for mechanical and / or electrical properties, in particular wear-indicating properties to be monitored, of the inductor device are determined and automatically compared with one another.

[0045] In addition, it is useful if measurement and / or (designated) reference values ​​are measured on identical or equivalent components of the inductor device and the measurement values ​​and / or reference values ​​determined on identical or equivalent components are compared with each other.

[0046] If several identical or similarly functioning components or component groups are monitored in parallel, critical deviations regarding the relevant functional areas and / or functional states can also be reliably detected using measurement technology. As a result, a status message can be issued automatically.

[0047] In this respect, the present operating procedure also provides a di f ferential monitoring option.

[0048] It is understood that by means of the present method a multitude of functional areas or functional states on the inductor device can be monitored, sometimes in different ways.

[0049] It is particularly advantageous if the monitoring within the framework of the proposed operating procedure triggers a status message , in particular with regard to a series of parameters , as explained below .

[0050] In order to ensure that the induction device can always be operated with a sufficiently high power, it is advantageous if the cooling of the induction coil is monitored by measurement technology, whereby for the measurement technology monitoring of the cooling on the induction coil, measured values ​​for temperature and / or pressure and / or flow conditions with regard to a coolant are measured.

[0051] For example, a critical deviation of temperature readings on the cooling system may be an indication of a malfunctioning resonant circuit, such as a loose electrical connection to the induction coil or similar.

[0052] Furthermore, critical temperature readings may indicate a damaged housing of the induction coil.

[0053] If the housing has cracks, for example, the housing can no longer optimally protect the induction coil and thus also its cooling against heat radiation from the heated metallic material.

[0054] This can be measurably expressed in an increased return temperature.

[0055] A critical deviation of pressure measurements on the cooling system can, for example, indicate a leak in the cooling circuit, particularly in the area of ​​the induction coil, as already described at the beginning.

[0056] Similarly, a critical deviation of flow rate measurements on the cooling system, particularly in the area of ​​the induction coil, is likely to indicate a leak.

[0057] In this case, measured values ​​relating to the cooling coolant can be measured or determined particularly reliably, particularly with regard to the induction coil, if first measured values ​​relating to the coolant flowing into the induction coil are measured at the cooling circuit inlet of the induction coil and second measured values ​​relating to the coolant flowing out of the induction coil are measured at the cooling circuit return of the induction coil.

[0058] If measured values ​​are taken directly at the cooling circuit flow of the induction coil or at the cooling circuit return of the induction coil, a section of the cooling circuit assigned to the induction coil can be monitored particularly precisely and reliably.

[0059] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a housing of the induction coil is monitored by measurement technology, whereby for the purpose of metrological monitoring of the housing, measured values ​​for strain states and / or vibration states are measured on the housing.

[0060] By monitoring strain and / or vibration conditions, conclusions can be reliably drawn about the integrity of the induction coil enclosure, and a status message can be automatically provided when critical measured values ​​are detected.

[0061] For example, crack behavior on the enclosure can be reliably monitored using measured values ​​for strain states.

[0062] In addition, it is advantageous if a lining of the induction coil is monitored by measurement technology, whereby for the purpose of metrological monitoring of the lining, measured values ​​for moisture conditions and / or electrical conductivity conditions are measured.

[0063] By monitoring measured values ​​for moisture or electrical conductivity levels in relation to a lining material, leaks in the section of the cooling circuit associated with the induction coil can also be detected. In this respect, a lining of an inductor device can be advantageously used as a detection device for detecting cooling leaks in an induction coil.

[0064] It is also advantageous if an electrical connection of the induction coil is monitored by measurement, whereby for the purpose of metrological monitoring of the electrical connection, measured values ​​for temperature conditions at the electrical connection are measured.

[0065] As already indicated above, critical temperature readings may indicate a malfunctioning electrical connection.

[0066] It is also advantageous if the oscillating circuit of the induction coil is monitored by measurement technology, whereby for the purpose of metrological monitoring of the oscillating circuit, measured values ​​are preferably measured for phase position states in the oscillating circuit.

[0067] For example, a deformation of the induction coil can be detected based on measured values ​​for a phase shift.

[0068] For example, this can also be used to detect critical wear of existing field guides of the induction coil.

[0069] In relation to the oscillating circuit, monitoring of the phase positions means the time difference between zero crossings between current and voltage, as an angle related to one cycle.

[0070] The monitoring proposed by the present operating method proves to be particularly advantageous when the inductor device is operated with a power of greater than or equal to 1 , 000 KW, preferably greater than or equal to 1 , 500 KW, or greater than or equal to 2 , 000 KW.

[0071] Particularly at such high power levels, significant damage can occur very quickly if the operating process is not interrupted early enough.

[0072] This is not the only reason why it is advisable to determine measured values ​​and / or (designated) reference values ​​continuously, as this ensures particularly close monitoring.

[0073] Alternatively, measured values ​​and / or reference values ​​or designated reference values ​​can also be determined discontinuously, so that the amount of data to be processed in terms of measured values ​​and / or reference values ​​can be advantageously reduced.

[0074] Often it is sufficient for good monitoring if measured values ​​or reference values ​​are only measured or determined at time intervals and, if necessary, stored in a way that can be retrieved later.

[0075] With regard to a further variant of the method, it is advantageous if measured values ​​and / or (designated) reference values ​​are stored so that these measured values ​​or reference values ​​are also available for future applications.

[0076] As already described above, it is advantageous if the operation of the inductor device is controlled and / or regulated depending on the measured values ​​determined, in particular the inductor device is taken out of operation or its operating power is reduced depending on the measured values ​​determined.

[0077] Measured values ​​are manipulated, especially reduced. This can reduce the risk of critical or, under certain circumstances, even dangerous operating conditions, and ideally eliminate them entirely.

[0078] In this case, an electrical connection between a metallic material and an alternating magnetic field can be brought about by longitudinal field induction and / or by transverse field induction.

[0079] The object of the invention is also achieved by an inductor device for inductively heating a metallic material conveyed along a conveyor line, comprising at least one resonant circuit comprising an induction coil and a capacitor, a cooling system for cooling the induction coil with a coolant, a housing for the induction coil for shielding the induction coil from external influences, and a lining between the housing and the induction coil, wherein the inductor device is characterized by a monitoring device for monitoring functional areas and / or functional states of the inductor device, wherein the monitoring device has a plurality of sensor elements for determining measured values ​​and / or designated reference values, and wherein the monitoring device is designed to provide a status message,if at least one measured value determined by a sensor element reaches and / or exceeds a designated reference value.

[0080] By means of the monitoring device, critical or designated critical operating conditions on the inductor device can be detected and a status report can be issued automatically.

[0081] In particular, the operating method described here can be advantageously carried out using the inductor device proposed here. The monitoring device can be implemented in a variety of ways on the inductor device, as described in more detail below.

[0082] In the present inductor device, in particular the oscillating circuit, especially the induction coil thereof, is designed to generate a magnetic field which can interact with the metallic material for inductive heating.

[0083] In the present case, the inductor device can be configured for longitudinal field induction and / or transverse field induction.

[0084] Since the inductor device can be operated with a power of greater than or equal to 1 , 000 KW, preferably greater than or equal to 1 , 500 KW, or greater than or equal to 2 , 000 KW, the proposed monitoring device is particularly advantageous.

[0085] It is also advantageous if the monitoring device has an electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit by means of which measured values ​​can be processed, evaluated and, if necessary, stored.

[0086] In order to be able to process the measured values ​​in a suitable manner, the monitoring device or the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit is expediently electrically connected to the plurality of sensor elements so that the measured values ​​measured by the sensor elements can be transmitted in particular to the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit.

[0087] By means of the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit, the measured values ​​can be assigned, for example, to vectorial or scalar measured variables and can therefore be advantageously further processed in the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit.

[0088] The measured values ​​can also be evaluated to determine designated reference values, which can later be used as markers for triggering a status message.

[0089] The measured values ​​or reference values ​​determined in this way can also optionally be filed or saved as retrievable data in order to be able to be called up again later if required, for example after a product change of a metallic product conveyed on a conveyor line of a conveyor system.

[0090] In this respect, it is advantageous if the monitoring device is designed so that the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit permanently records a provided measured value, in particular in a predetermined time interval.

[0091] If such recording or storage of data on measurement or reference values ​​only takes place at a predetermined time interval, the corresponding data volume can be advantageously reduced.

[0092] The electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit can be designed with the hardware and / or software of the monitoring device in the sense of a common structural unit, or can be implemented separately by means of its own hardware and / or software components.

[0093] It is particularly advantageous if the monitoring device or the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit is implemented in a control device for controlling and / or regulating the inductor device, in particular for carrying out the operating method for operating the inductor device.

[0094] This makes it particularly easy to implement the proposed monitoring system both structurally and functionally.

[0095] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit has a data connection to a higher-level operational management and / or control system and the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit is set up to automatically transmit the status message to the higher-level operational management and / or control system.

[0096] For example, the inductor device can be taken out of operation by means of the higher-level operational management and / or control system, or at least its power can be reduced, so that the risk of critical operating situations at the inductor device can be significantly reduced, or ideally completely prevented.

[0097] For example, maintenance work and / or required spare parts can also be requested via the higher-level operational management and / or control system.

[0098] In this respect, it is advantageous if the status message includes an alarm signal for operating personnel and / or a signal requesting one or more spare parts and / or a signal requesting a repair kit and / or a signal requesting a maintenance activity. Individual sensor elements for measuring measured values ​​of functional areas to be monitored and / or functional states of the inductor device can be placed at different locations on the inductor device.

[0099] Particularly advantageously, measured values ​​can be determined with regard to the induction coil cooled by means of a coolant if at least one temperature sensor element for determining temperature states and / or at least one pressure sensor element for determining pressure states and / or at least one flow rate sensor element for determining flow rate states is arranged on a cooling circuit supply line of the induction coil and / or on a cooling circuit return line of the induction coil.

[0100] If relevant sensor elements are arranged on the one hand on the inlet side of a coolant circuit section, i.e. on the cooling circuit supply line, and on the other hand on the outlet side, i.e. on the cooling circuit return line, of this circuit section, in relation to a coolant circuit section which is guided through the induction coil, differences in temperature, pressure or flow rate measured values ​​between sensor elements arranged on the inlet and outlet sides or between measured values ​​measured in this regard can be determined exactly.

[0101] This allows particularly precise conclusions to be drawn about the condition of the induction coil, as already described in detail with regard to the operating procedure explained above.

[0102] In order to be able to reliably detect, for example, structural damage, such as deformations which can lead to crack formation, or even already existing cracks or the like on the induction coil, in particular on the housing thereof, it is particularly expedient if at least one strain sensor element for determining strain states and / or at least one motion sensor element for determining vibration states are arranged on the housing.

[0103] Corresponding sensor elements can be arranged on the outside of an enclosure wall of the enclosure.

[0104] In order to be better protected against external influences, such as mechanical influences or temperature influences, it is advantageous if the relevant sensor elements are arranged on the inside of the housing wall or preferably within a housing wall.

[0105] As a rule, the housing of an induction coil in an inductor device with a power of 1 ,000 KW or more is made of a concrete material.

[0106] In this respect, strain gauges or similar sensor elements can be arranged relatively easily within the enclosure wall.

[0107] A concrete enclosure offers good protection of the induction coil against external mechanical influences, such as impacts or the like, but also against thermal radiation originating from a heated metallic object.

[0108] On the other hand, a cracked enclosure can no longer provide optimal protection against external thermal stress, resulting in increased thermal stress on the induction coil and thus also on its coolant, which in turn can be measured by an abnormally elevated coolant temperature at the cooling circuit return. The term "enclosure" in this case describes a shielding device for shielding the induction coil from the environment.

[0109] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one humidity sensor element for determining humidity conditions and / or at least one conductivity sensor element for determining electrical conductivity conditions are arranged in a space between the housing and a coolant line.

[0110] A space within the housing is usually additionally filled with a lining so that the induction coil in particular is arranged in the housing in an additional shock-absorbing and thermally insulating manner.

[0111] In this respect, the cooling system's coolant line within the enclosure is even better insulated against external thermal influences.

[0112] Such a lining preferably comprises rock wool or the like for insulation, which is arranged between the housing and the induction coil, wherein such a lining will almost always absorb coolant in the event of a leak in the coolant line.

[0113] A leak in the coolant line within the enclosure can therefore be easily and reliably measured by changing the moisture and / or conductivity conditions of the lining and thus also by means of corresponding measured values.

[0114] If the enclosure absorbs a coolant leak, its mass also changes, which alters the mechanical natural vibration behavior of the entire induction coil. This, in turn, can be easily and / or precisely determined by an acceleration sensor, so that a coolant leak can be detected simply by an acceleration sensor mounted on the induction coil.

[0115] Furthermore, such an acceleration sensor can also detect damage to the housing of the induction coil if this has changed the mass of the induction coil.

[0116] In addition, it is advantageous if the inductor device has further sensor elements for determining further operating states with regard to the resonant circuit, such as with regard to electrical connection connections, with regard to a magnetic field of the induction coil, with regard to a transformer, with regard to power electronics, with regard to the electrical power and / or the phase position.

[0117] In this way, a multitude of other interesting operating states on the inductor device can be observed and malfunctions can be detected at an early stage, and a corresponding status message can also be provided for the relevant operating states so that suitable measures can be initiated depending on such a status message.

[0118] Suitable measures may include, for example, switching off the inductor device, such as moving induction coils of the affected inductor device out of a conveyor line, to name just one example here.

[0119] The additional sensor elements can be designed differently in order to be able to detect additional operating states. Thus, the inductor device can have at least one magnetic field sensor element for detecting a magnetic field, in particular for detecting a magnetic field in an operative connection to a shield of the induction coil.

[0120] Hall sensor elements, for example, can be used to monitor the magnetic field or to determine related measured values.

[0121] By monitoring a magnetic field, conclusions can also be drawn about the condition of the shielding, for example whether the shielding has any damage, such as cracks or the like.

[0122] The shielding is often a housing for the induction coil, whereby in this power class of the present inductor device the housing is usually made of concrete, whereby concrete is particularly susceptible to unwanted cracking.

[0123] For the determination of most operating conditions, it is advantageous if the further sensor elements comprise at least one temperature sensor element and / or at least one acceleration sensor, since undesirable operating conditions are often accompanied by abnormal temperature and / or vibration or frequency phenomena.

[0124] The object of the invention is also achieved by a heating section for heating a metallic material conveyed along a conveyor section, comprising an inductor device according to one of the described features.

[0125] If the heating section has at least one such inductor device, the heating section can be operated significantly more reliably, since the correspondingly configured inductor devices can be monitored according to the invention. For example, signs of wear on the individual inductor devices can be detected early, and spare parts can be requested early, for example, if a status report according to the invention is automatically provided by the inductor device.

[0126] The object of the invention is also achieved by a rolling mill comprising at least the heating section claimed here.

[0127] A rolling mill featuring the present heating section with the proposed inductor device can also be operated more reliably. This significantly reduces unnecessary downtime due to unforeseen malfunctions in the heating section or the inductor device.

[0128] It should also be noted here that in the context of this patent application, indefinite articles and indefinite numerical expressions such as "one...", "two..." etc. are generally to be understood as at least expressions, i.e. as "at least one...", "at least two..." etc., unless it is clear from the context or the concrete text of a particular passage that only "exactly one...", "exactly two..." etc. are meant.

[0129] At this point it should also be mentioned that in the context of this patent application the expression "in particular" is always to be understood as introducing an optional, preferred feature. The expression is not to be understood as "and indeed" or "namely".

[0130] Further advantages, details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiment. The drawing shows the only

[0131] Figure: schematically a partially sectioned plan view of an inductor device with an oscillating circuit for inductively heating a metallic material and with a monitoring device for monitoring functional areas and / or functional states of the inductor device.

[0132] The inductor device 1 for inductively heating a metallic material 2 shown as an example in the single figure is arranged on a conveyor line 4 for conveying the metallic material 2, wherein the metallic material 2 is conveyed forward in the conveying direction 6.

[0133] Here, the inductor device 1 is located specifically in an area of ​​a heating section 8 of a rolling mill 10, specifically in front of a rolling stand 12 of the rolling mill 10.

[0134] Several such inductor devices 1 can be arranged on the heating section 8, which can have essentially the same structure, but are not shown further here.

[0135] In this respect, the structure of the inductor devices 1 is shown and explained only as an example using the inductor device 1 shown in the single figure.

[0136] The inductor device 1 can be displaced transversely to the conveyor line 4 in the displacement direction 1A, out of the latter or into the latter, wherein the inductor device 1 is located in the conveyor line 4 as shown in the single figure. The inductor device 1 is characterized in particular by two resonant circuits 14, essentially comprising an induction coil 14A, a capacitor 14B, power electronics 14C for controlling the resonant circuit 14, and electrical connection connections 14D (numbered only as an example).

[0137] The respective resonant circuit 14 obtains electrical energy from a transformer 16.

[0138] According to the top view of the single figure, only the upper oscillating circuit 14, which is located above the conveyor line 4 and thus also above the metallic material 2, and related components are shown as examples.

[0139] The induction coil 14A is surrounded or enclosed by a housing 18 in the sense of a shield.

[0140] In the interior (installation space) of the housing 18 there is a lining 20 (shown hatched) in which the induction coil 14A is embedded.

[0141] For cooling the induction coil 14A, the inductor device 1 has a cooling system 22, which has a cooling circuit 22A in which a coolant (not numbered) circulates.

[0142] The cooling circuit 22A is arranged with a circuit section 22B within the housing 18, wherein the cooling circuit 22A is arranged with a cooling circuit supply 22C and with a cooling circuit return 22D on the housing 18 or the circuit section 22B placed therein.

[0143] In this respect, the inductor device 1 has a plurality of different functional areas (not separately numbered), whereby a correspondingly large number of related functional states is also present. Advantageously, the inductor device 1 is characterized by a monitoring device 30, by means of which the functional areas and / or the functional states of the inductor device 1 can be metrologically monitored, wherein a status message 32 can be automatically provided upon a critical approach, upon reaching and / or exceeding or falling below at least one reference value of measured values ​​previously determined on the inductor device 1.

[0144] Such status messages 32 can be displayed to operating personnel only visually or acoustically, or alternatively or cumulatively also reported or provided to a higher-level operational management and / or control system 34 of the inductor device 1 or the heating section 8 or the rolling mill 10, or the like.

[0145] Suitable reference values ​​can be obtained or determined from model calculations and / or simulations, from empirical values ​​and / or from a set of currently measured or determined values.

[0146] Relevant current measured values ​​can be measured by means of a plurality of sensor elements, by means of which operating states on the inductor device 1 can be detected.

[0147] Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, the monitoring device 30 comprises sensor elements 36 (not numbered here as an example) on both the cooling circuit supply line 22C and the cooling circuit return line 22D for measuring respective measured values ​​for temperature, pressure and flow rate states.

[0148] Furthermore, the monitoring device 30 has, in the area of ​​the induction coil 14A, on the one hand, strain sensor elements 38 (shown only as an example) in the form of strain gauges and motion sensor elements 40 (shown only as an example) and, on the other hand, moisture sensor elements 42 (shown only as an example) and electrical conductivity sensor elements 44 (also shown only as an example), with which further operating states can be observed directly on the induction coil 14A or related measured values ​​can be measured.

[0149] Further sensor elements 46 (shown only as an example) for determining further operating states are provided on the inductor device 1, such as with regard to a magnetic field of the induction coil 14A, with regard to the transformer 16, with regard to the power electronics 14C and with regard to the electrical power and / or the phase position.

[0150] If measured values ​​are not only to be reported but also further processed, evaluated and, if necessary, stored electronically, it is expedient for the monitoring device 30 to also have an electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit 50.

[0151] The monitoring device 30 is structurally particularly simply integrated into the inductor device 1, since it is a component of a control unit 52 for controlling or regulating the inductor device 1, in particular for carrying out the operating method for operating the inductor device 1.

[0152] Data connections (not numbered) are shown as examples and representatively by dashed lines, although for the sake of clarity not all data connections need to be shown. List of reference symbols

[0153] 1 inductor device

[0154] 1A Displacement direction

[0155] 2 metallic goods

[0156] 4 conveyor line

[0157] 6 Conveying direction

[0158] 8 Heating section

[0159] 10 Wal zwerk

[0160] 12 whale frame

[0161] 14 resonant circuit

[0162] 14A induction coil

[0163] 14B Capacitor

[0164] 14C Power Electronics

[0165] 14D connection connections

[0166] 16 Transformer

[0167] 18 Enclosure

[0168] 20 lining

[0169] 22 Cooling

[0170] 22A cooling circuit

[0171] 22B circuit section

[0172] 22C cooling circuit flow

[0173] 22D Cooling circuit return

[0174] 30 Monitoring device

[0175] 32 Status report

[0176] 34 higher-level operational management and / or control system

[0177] 36 sensor elements

[0178] 38 strain sensor elements

[0179] 40 motion sensor elements

[0180] 42 humidity sensor elements

[0181] 44 conductivity sensor elements

[0182] 46 additional sensor elements

[0183] 50 Data processing and / or evaluation unit

[0184] 52 Control unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for operating an inductor device (1) for heating a metallic material (2) conveyed along a conveyor line (4), with at least one oscillating circuit (14) comprising an induction coil (14A) and a capacitor (14B), in which functional areas and / or functional states of the inductor device (1) are monitored by measurement technology, wherein a status message (32) is automatically provided when at least one reference value of measured values previously determined on the inductor device (1) is reached and / or exceeded.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that reference values are determined from expected values with regard to a model calculation and / or reference values are determined from measured values with regard to an idle operation of the inductor device (1) and / or reference values are determined from measured values with regard to a working operation of the inductor device (1).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that measurement and / or reference values for mechanical and / or electrical properties, in particular wear-indicating properties to be monitored, of the inductor device (1) are determined and automatically compared with one another.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that measurement and / or reference values are measured on identical or equivalent components of the inductor device (1) and the measurement values and / or reference values determined on identical or equivalent components are compared with one another.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a cooling (22) of the induction coil (14A) is monitored by measurement technology, wherein for the measurement technology monitoring of the cooling (22) at the induction coil (14A) measured values for temperature and / or pressure and / or flow conditions with regard to a coolant are measured.

6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that first measured values with regard to the coolant flowing into the induction coil (14A) are measured at the cooling circuit feed line (22C) of the induction coil (14A) and second measured values with regard to the coolant flowing from the induction coil (14A) are measured at the cooling circuit return line (22D) of the induction coil (14A).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a housing (18) of the induction coil (14A) is monitored by measurement technology, wherein for the measurement technology monitoring of the housing (18) measured values for strain states and / or vibration states on the housing (18) are measured.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a lining (20) of the induction coil (14A) is monitored by measurement technology, wherein for the measurement technology monitoring of the lining (20) measured values for moisture conditions and / or electrical conductivity conditions are measured.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an electrical connection (14D) of the induction coil (14A) is monitored by measurement technology, wherein for the measurement technology monitoring of the electrical connection (14D) measured values for temperature conditions at the electrical connection (14D) are measured.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the resonant circuit (14) of the induction coil (14A) is monitored by measurement technology, wherein for the measurement technology monitoring of the oscillating circuit (14) measured values are preferably measured for phase position states in the oscillating circuit (14).

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the inductor device (1) is operated with a power of greater than or equal to 1,000 KW, preferably greater than or equal to 1,500 KW, or greater than or equal to 2,000 KW.

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that measured values and / or reference values are determined continuously.

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that measured values and / or reference values are stored.

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the operation of the inductor device (1) is controlled and / or regulated as a function of determined measured values, in particular the inductor device (1) is taken out of operation or its operating power is manipulated, in particular reduced, as a function of determined measured values.

15. Inductor device (1) for heating a metallic material (2) conveyed along a conveyor line (4), in particular for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - at least one resonant circuit (14) comprising an induction coil (14A) and a capacitor (14B), - a cooling means (22) for cooling the induction coil (14A) with a coolant, - a housing (18) of the induction coil (14A) for shielding the induction coil (14A) against external influences, and - a lining (20) between the housing (18) and the Induction coil (14A), characterized by a monitoring device (30) for monitoring functional areas and / or functional states of the inductor device (1), wherein the monitoring device (30) has a plurality of sensor elements (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) for determining measured values and / or designated reference values, and wherein the monitoring device (30) is designed to provide a status message (32) when at least one measured value determined by means of a sensor element (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) reaches and / or exceeds a reference value.

16. Inductor device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the monitoring device (30) has an electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit (50) by means of which measured values can be processed, evaluated and, if necessary, stored.

17. Inductor device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit (50) has a data connection to a higher-level operational management and / or control system (34) and the electronic data processing and / or evaluation unit (50) is configured to automatically transmit the status message (32) to the higher-level operational management and / or control system (34).

18. Inductor device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that at least one temperature sensor element (36) for determining temperature conditions and / or at least one pressure sensor element (36) for determining pressure conditions and / or at least one flow rate sensor element (36) for determining flow rate conditions is arranged on a cooling circuit supply line (22C) of the induction coil (14A) and / or on a cooling circuit return line (22D) of the induction coil (14A).

19. Inductor device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that at least one strain sensor element (38) for determining strain states and / or at least one movement sensor element (40) for determining vibration states are arranged on the housing (18).

20. Inductor device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that at least one humidity sensor element (42) for determining humidity conditions and / or at least one conductivity sensor element (44) for determining electrical conductivity conditions are arranged in a space between the housing (18) and a coolant line (22A).

21. Inductor device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized by further sensor elements (46) for determining further operating states with regard to the resonant circuit (14), such as with regard to electrical connection connections (14D), with regard to a magnetic field of the induction coil (14A), with regard to a transformer (16), with regard to power electronics (14C), with regard to the electrical power and / or the phase position, wherein in particular the further sensor elements comprise at least one temperature sensor element and / or at least one acceleration sensor.

22. Heating section (8) for heating a metallic material (2) conveyed along a conveyor section (4), comprising an inductor device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 21.

23. Rolling mill (10) comprising at least one rolling stand (12) and at least one heating section (8) according to claim 22.

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