Tube and pipe manufacturers use many different metals and alloys in their production lines. To eliminate liabilities, avoid material mix-ups and to meet their customers' requirements, they must compare their product against acceptable alloy specifications.
Particularly in the aerospace, petrochemical and nuclear industries, the consequences of processing or fabricating with the wrong alloy material can be catastrophic, resulting in product failure, personal injuries, fatalities, liability claims and eventual loss of business. To protect their business, high volume manufacturers need a fast, non-destructive method that checks each piece prior to shipping. The FOX-IQ Tube & Rod system offers these capabilities in an easy to integrate, easy to use, and reliable solution.
FOX-IQ SystemThe FOX-IQ is a compact system that integrates easily with existing or new PLC-controlled processes. This robust system is engineered for 24/7 operation in industrial environments - it can endure high levels of vibration, electromagnetic and acoustical noise as well as dust and moisture. Each FOX-IQ delivers fast, pass/fail tests, accurate grade ID, and chemistry with automated links to the QC/QA reporting system. The FOX-IQ is controlled by a PC for start/stop, data acquisition, decision making and communication to external devices. The FOX-IQ is driven by powerful and intuitive software that has been developed and custom designed specifically for the tube and pipe industry in cooperation with several market leaders. Features include multi-level access, automated retesting, extensive reporting and an intuitive touch screen interface. |  |
FOX-IQ Advantages
- Fast accurate analysis in matter of seconds
- Remote controlled - no site operation intervention required
- Integrated automatic analyzer QC and performance verification
- Compact, robust design fits into most existing operations with minimal infrastructure changes
- Flexible; simple intuitive control allows for minimal user intervention and makes it easy to add new alloys
- Minimal downtime - pre-calibrated Probe Head Assemblies can be exchanged in minutes
- Low power requirements: needs only 110/220V
- Uses an X-ray tube, eliminating the regulatory headaches of a radioactive source
| Basic Specifications and System Description | |
| Source | X-ray tube; no radioactive isotopes |
| Detector | Silicon drift detector; <165 eV resolution at 5.95keV Mn K-alpha line |
| PC | Windows XP or Windows 7 operating system |
| Housing |
Anodized aluminum. Sealed to moisture & dust. Shielded from EMI emissions
Weight Probe Head Assembly: 1.8 kg (4 lb) Electrical Interface: 8 kg (18 lb) |
| Dimensions | Measurement Head (L × W × H): 30.5cm × 10cm × 10.5cm (12in. × 4in. × 4.125i.)
Electrical Interface (L × W × H): 40.6 cm × 15.88 cm × 50.8 cm (16 in. x 6.25 in. x 20 in.) |
| Cable Length | Probe Head Assembly - Electrical Interface: up to 30 m (100 ft)
Standard lengths: 15 m Electrical interface - PC: dependent on customer requirements |
| Tube Voltage | 10 kV - 40 kV |
| Current | 80 µA maximum, 10 µA typical |
| Tube Filtering | Up to five (5) filter positions for optimal analysis on 25+ Elements |
| Shutter | Automatic shutter for safety and internal standardization |
| Power | AC 110-250 V, 50/60 Hz |
| I/O | The user interface runs on a PC equipped with the Olympus PC software that controls the FOX-IQ; this software analyzes sample spectra, manages results, and interfaces with external devices through RS-485 or TCP/IP. There are dry contacts on all outputs and 24V start/stop and interlock signals. |
| Data Logging | Up to 12 fields of information per sample including Job #, Work Order, Part #, etc. Auto tracks alarms, pass/fails, and elemental results within a work order or run. Stores >100,000 tests, including results, sample ID, and spectral data, in a binary, tamper-proof format that meets 21CFR Part 11. The electrical interface supports an external sample trigger input and provides a pass/fail indicator signal that can be used to trigger other line equipment to accept or reject a sample based on the analysis results. |
