The SPOT AL is AMETEK Land’s specialist solution for non-contact temperature measurements in aluminium production and processing industries

A highly accurate and stable digital pyrometer, SPOT AL uses AMETEK Land’s cutting-edge SPOT technology and unique, advanced data-processing algorithms to measure aluminium temperature in extrusion (E), quench (Q), strip (S), forming/forging (F), forming/forging of higher magnesium alloys (F Mg) and liquid (L) applications.

Two versions of the SPOT AL are available, the SPOT AL version offers a measurement range of 200 °C (392 °F) to 800 °C (1472 °F) and offers six measurement modes (E, Q, S, F, F Mg and L). The SPOT AL LT (Low Temp) – 150-700 °C / 302-1292 °F for modes E, Q and S, and 130-700 °C / 266-1292 °F for F and F Mg.

The dedicated pre-set algorithms provide the most accurate digital temperature readings of low and variable emissivity aluminium. This ensures optimised press speed and high-quality products with minimal scrap.

The SPOT AL integrates easily with control systems to enable optimisation of the press or mill with data also made immediately available via the rear display on the instrument or via a web server. A video camera within the pyrometer, the focus distance and other features can be accessed and configured locally or remotely.

Combining Ethernet, Modbus TCP, video, analogue, and alarm outputs in a single device, the SPOT AL is designed specifically to measure the temperature of aluminium in a range of processing applications.

Custom Application Measurement

The dedicated algorithms were developed from extensive trials in real plant environments. Fully focusable high-quality optics and a high speed 15ms response combine to provide measurements on detailed extruded profiles.

Powerful Software Support

SPOTViewer software gives small installations the added benefits of remote monitoring and algorithm tuning; for larger installations we recommend using SPOTPro for configuration, display and data logging of up to 40 pyrometers and actuators plus the ability to customise algorithms for a newly added aluminium grade.

Providing the user with a complete overview of all the SPOT pyrometers and actuators connected to the network, SPOTPro allows you to independently configure data logging for each pyrometer using automatic triggers for data storage. SPOTPro also allows users to compare live and recorded data to historical trends to diagnose process issues.

Spot AL Modes

Related Applications:

• Billet
• Extrusion
• Quench
• Reheat / Slab Heat
• Rolling Mill
• Preheating & Forging
• Liquid Aluminium Processing
• Induction Heating
• Mounting / Shrinking
• Preheating for Blending
• Preheating for Coating

*Measurements within specification over 5-95% of range.

The SPOT Actuator is a motorised unit which is designed for use at the billet reheat furnace exit, die entrance and exit and quench exit on aluminium extrusion presses and is capable of operating in automatic or operator controlled modes to suit the needs of an individual aluminium plant.

Compact, quick and easily configurable, the SPOT Actuator is designed for mounting the SPOT AL EQS pyrometer onto the billet reheat furnace exit and/or extrusion press entrance face, where the actuator scans the SPOT AL EQS pyrometer along the length of the billet generating a temperature profile.

At the next stage of processing, it can be mounted on the press exit or suitable part of the press superstructure in close proximity, looking downwards onto the profile, to target the extruded profile as it appears from the die. This temperature measurement is typically fed back to the press control system to enable dynamic press speed control. The SPOT Actuator allows for rapid and precise alignment, following die changes, so it can be repositioned on multi-cavity strands or where it maximises the signal strength on narrow sections.

It may also be used for alignment at the exit of a quench box or nearby structure to allow for alignment with wandering sections exiting the quench. The small and well-defined measurement spot of the pyrometer, combined with its fast 15 ms response speed, facilitates such dynamic tracking.

The innovative features of the SPOT Actuator include a hotspot ‘autoscan’ which when triggered causes the device to scan the entire range of movement and then align the SPOT AL EQS with the hottest part of the extrusion. This can be activated either locally by the operator or from an external command; an ‘autoscan’ can be triggered automatically from the PLC upon a die change. This functionality significantly reduces the challenge of ensuring the alignment of the pyrometer allowing the operator to focus on more critical tasks.

Cooling Plate Accessory

If ambient temperatures exceed 50 °C / 122 °F, prevent overheating with the water-cooled Cooling Plate. Positioned between the mounting location and the Actuator it acts as a conductive heat barrier to provide optimal cooling capabilities.

The SPOT Actuator provides remotely controlled target alignment of a SPOT pyrometer for industrial processing applications.

SPOT Actuator – Enhanced Targeted Alignment for SPOT Aluminium Pyrometer

Introducing SPOT Actuator – provides remotely controlled target alignment of a SPOT pyrometer for industrial processing applications, specifically for aluminium applications using the SPOT AL EQS (Aluminium Extrusion, Quench and Strip) pyrometer.

For more information & specifications, download the brochure below

SPOTPro

SPOTPro, an advanced software utility, provides a single control point to configure, store and view data for up to 40 SPOT infrared pyrometers.

Giving a complete overview of all the SPOT thermometers connected to your network, SPOTPro allows you to independently configure data logging for each thermometer, by setting automatic triggers for data storage.

SPOTPro allows users to compare live and historical data to trend and diagnose process issues. Data can be logged to an SQLite database for easy configuration or an MS SQL Server database for enterprise-level data requirements. All data can be exported to CSV or XML for integration into other processes or further processing in applications such as MS Excel.

SPOTPro supports a flexible window layout with multiple monitor support – see all the data that is most important to you prominently on screen at once.

Suitable for plants using two or more SPOT products, SPOTPro software is used to manage multiple thermometers in industries including Power Generation, Aluminium, Steel and Industrial Processing. A free 30-day trial is available for download now.

Key Features

• Control Multiple SPOT Thermometers: Giving a complete overview of all the SPOT pyrometers connected to your network, SPOTPro allows you to independently configure data logging for each thermometer, by setting automatic triggers for data storage. This allows customised criteria to be set for data measurements during important events.
• Flexible User Interface: SPOTPro supports a flexible window layout with multiple monitor support – see all the data that is most important to you prominently on screen at once.
• Richer Data Analysis: SPOTPro allows users to compare live and historical data to trend and diagnose process issues. Switching between live and historical data enables a comprehensive review and analysis of your measurements. Data can be logged to a SQLite database for easy configuration or an MS SQL Server database for enterprise-level data requirements. All data can be exported to CSV or XML for integration into other processes or further processing in applications such as MS Excel.
• Multiple I/O Options: Connect and configure multiple I/O modules. Define Data Pairs on I/O modules and Modbus interface, based on trigger and in/out events.
• Simple to Install & Run: Installation requires a single PC (exact requirements are dependent on the number of thermometers) running Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.

Please note: SPOTviewer has been discontinuted. This software will cease to receive maintenance, and no further releases or updates will be issued it.