GB2132343A - Monitoring an electric cable core - Google Patents

Monitoring an electric cable core Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2132343A
GB2132343A GB08332460A GB8332460A GB2132343A GB 2132343 A GB2132343 A GB 2132343A GB 08332460 A GB08332460 A GB 08332460A GB 8332460 A GB8332460 A GB 8332460A GB 2132343 A GB2132343 A GB 2132343A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
image pattern
advancing
core
ray
pattern
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08332460A
Other versions
GB8332460D0 (en
Inventor
Sabyasachi Bhattacharya
Arthur Marris
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Balfour Beatty PLC
Original Assignee
BICC PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BICC PLC filed Critical BICC PLC
Priority to GB08332460A priority Critical patent/GB2132343A/en
Publication of GB8332460D0 publication Critical patent/GB8332460D0/en
Publication of GB2132343A publication Critical patent/GB2132343A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B15/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B15/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons
    • G01B15/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons for measuring thickness
    • G01B15/025—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons for measuring thickness by measuring absorption

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Length-Measuring Devices Using Wave Or Particle Radiation (AREA)

Abstract

A method of, and apparatus for, continuously monitoring an advancing core having a continuous covering comprises directing X-ray radiation laterally towards the advancing covered core; continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and translating the image pattern into a visible image pattern; continuously transforming the visible pattern into a digital bit pattern; and processing the digital bit pattern using a microprocessor with interfacing electronics to provide an image profile of the advancing covered core and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and of the thickness of the covering. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Monitoring an electric cable core This invention relates to the manufacture of electric cables and wires of the kind in which a layer of covering material is extruded or otherwise applied directly or indirectly on the cable or wire, which covering material may or may not incorporate additives to render it electrically conductive.
The cable or wire on to which a layer of covering material is extruded or otherwise applied may be a bare or previously covered wire or strand, or a group of bare or previously covered wires or strands constituting a cable and, for convenience, all such cables and wires will hereinafter be included in the term "core".
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of continuously monitoring an advancing core on to which a continuous layer of covering material has been extruded or otherwise applied.
According to the invention, the improved method comprises directing X-ray radiation laterally towards the advancing covered core; continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern; continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern; and processing the digital bit pattern using a microprocessor with interfacing electronics to provide an image profile of the advancing covered core and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and of the thickness of the covering.
Preferably, the analogue and digital signals are employed to control, through a feedback loop, automatic adjustment of at least one of extrusion apparatus extruding the covering on the core (e.g.
the speed of the extruder screw), the extrusion orifice and a haul-off device drawing the core through the extrusion apparatus, the correct for any variation of the diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and/or thickness of the covering from a predetermined value or predetermined values.
The invention also includes improved apparatus for continuously monitoring a covered core to which the covering has been applied, which monitoring apparatus comprises means for directing X-ray radiation laterally towards the covered core as it advances in the direction of its length; means for continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern; means for continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern; and a microprocessor with inter-facing electronics for processing the digital bit pattern to provide an image profile of the advancing covered core and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and of the thickness of the covering.
The means for continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern preferably comprises a photo-diode array.
In one preferred apparatus that can be used in conjunction with low-energy X-ray sources, the means for continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern comprises an X-ray sensitive image intensifier which is coupled to an optical link which may comprise either optical fibres and/or integrated plastics optics.
In a second preferred apparatus, the means for continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern comprises a layer of X-ray sensitive material which is coupled to at least one fibre optic face-plate. Where a photo-diode array is present, preferably the X-ray sensitive material, said at least one fibre-optic faceplate and the photo-diode array are integrated into a single component. The second preferred apparatus is a more compact package than the first preferred apparatus but needs a higher level of X-ray energy for excitation.
The invention is further illustrated, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first preferred apparatus for continuously monitoring an advancing covered core; and Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a second preferred apparatus for the same purpose.
The apparatus shown in Figure 1 comprises a low energy X-ray source from which X-rays are directed laterally towards an advancing cable comprising a central core and outer sheathing. An X-ray image pattern of the advancing cable is continuously formed and translated into a visible image pattern by an X-ray sensitive image intensifier which is coupled to an optical link. A photo diode array continuously transforms the visible image pattern in to a digital bit pattern, and is coupled to a microprocessor with interfacing electronics. The microprocessor processes the digital bit pattern to provide an image profile of the advancing cable and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the cable and of the thickness of the sheath.
In the alternative apparatus shown in Figure 2 a higher energy X-ray source is used. In this case an X-ray sensitive material, a number of fibre-optic face plates and a photo-diode array are packaged together as a single component. This package continuously forms the X-ray image pattern, translates it into a visible image pattern, and transforms the visible pattern into a digital bit pattern.
1. A method of continuously monitoring an advancing core on to which a continuous layer of
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (8)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Monitoring an electric cable core This invention relates to the manufacture of electric cables and wires of the kind in which a layer of covering material is extruded or otherwise applied directly or indirectly on the cable or wire, which covering material may or may not incorporate additives to render it electrically conductive. The cable or wire on to which a layer of covering material is extruded or otherwise applied may be a bare or previously covered wire or strand, or a group of bare or previously covered wires or strands constituting a cable and, for convenience, all such cables and wires will hereinafter be included in the term "core". It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of continuously monitoring an advancing core on to which a continuous layer of covering material has been extruded or otherwise applied. According to the invention, the improved method comprises directing X-ray radiation laterally towards the advancing covered core; continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern; continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern; and processing the digital bit pattern using a microprocessor with interfacing electronics to provide an image profile of the advancing covered core and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and of the thickness of the covering. Preferably, the analogue and digital signals are employed to control, through a feedback loop, automatic adjustment of at least one of extrusion apparatus extruding the covering on the core (e.g. the speed of the extruder screw), the extrusion orifice and a haul-off device drawing the core through the extrusion apparatus, the correct for any variation of the diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and/or thickness of the covering from a predetermined value or predetermined values. The invention also includes improved apparatus for continuously monitoring a covered core to which the covering has been applied, which monitoring apparatus comprises means for directing X-ray radiation laterally towards the covered core as it advances in the direction of its length; means for continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern; means for continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern; and a microprocessor with inter-facing electronics for processing the digital bit pattern to provide an image profile of the advancing covered core and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and of the thickness of the covering. The means for continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern preferably comprises a photo-diode array. In one preferred apparatus that can be used in conjunction with low-energy X-ray sources, the means for continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern comprises an X-ray sensitive image intensifier which is coupled to an optical link which may comprise either optical fibres and/or integrated plastics optics. In a second preferred apparatus, the means for continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern comprises a layer of X-ray sensitive material which is coupled to at least one fibre optic face-plate. Where a photo-diode array is present, preferably the X-ray sensitive material, said at least one fibre-optic faceplate and the photo-diode array are integrated into a single component. The second preferred apparatus is a more compact package than the first preferred apparatus but needs a higher level of X-ray energy for excitation. The invention is further illustrated, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first preferred apparatus for continuously monitoring an advancing covered core; and Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a second preferred apparatus for the same purpose. The apparatus shown in Figure 1 comprises a low energy X-ray source from which X-rays are directed laterally towards an advancing cable comprising a central core and outer sheathing. An X-ray image pattern of the advancing cable is continuously formed and translated into a visible image pattern by an X-ray sensitive image intensifier which is coupled to an optical link. A photo diode array continuously transforms the visible image pattern in to a digital bit pattern, and is coupled to a microprocessor with interfacing electronics. The microprocessor processes the digital bit pattern to provide an image profile of the advancing cable and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the cable and of the thickness of the sheath. In the alternative apparatus shown in Figure 2 a higher energy X-ray source is used. In this case an X-ray sensitive material, a number of fibre-optic face plates and a photo-diode array are packaged together as a single component. This package continuously forms the X-ray image pattern, translates it into a visible image pattern, and transforms the visible pattern into a digital bit pattern. CLAIMS
1. A method of continuously monitoring an advancing core on to which a continuous layer of covering material has been extruded or otherwise applied, which method comprises directing X-ray radiation laterally towards the advancing covered core; continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and translating the image patern into a visible radiation image pattern; continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern; and processing the digital bit pattern using a microprocessor with interfacing electronics to provide an image profile of the advancing covered core and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and of the thickness of the covering.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the analogue and digital signals are employed to control, through a feedback loop, automatic adjustment of at least one of extrusion apparatus extruding the covering on the core, the extrusion orifice, and a haul-off device drawing the core through the extrusion apparatus, to correct for any variation of the diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and/of thickness of the covering from a predetermined value or predetermined values.
3. Apparatus for continuously monitoring a covered core to which the covering has been applied, which monitoring apparatus comprises means for direction X-ray radiation laterally towards the covered core as it advances in the direction of its length; means for continuously forming an X-ray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern; means for continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern; and a microprocessor with interfacing electronics for processing the digital bit pattern to provide an image profile of the advancing covered core and/or to provide analogue and/or digital signals indicative of the overall diameter and eccentricity of the covered core and of the thickness of the covering.
4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the means for continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern comprises a photo-diode array.
5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the means for continuously forming an Xray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern comprises an X-ray sensitive image intensifier which is coupled to an optical link which may comprise either optical fibres and/or integrated plastics optics.
6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the means for continuously forming an Xray image pattern of the advancing covered core and for translating the image pattern into a visible radiation image pattern comprises a layer of X-ray sensitive material which is coupled to at least one fibre optic face-plate.
7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 in which the means for continuously transforming the visible radiation image pattern into a digital bit pattern comprises a photo-diode array, wherein the photo-diode array, the layer of X-ray sensitive material and said at least one fibre optic face-plate are integrated into a single component.
8. Apparatus for continuously monitoring a covered core to which the covering has been applied substantially as illustrated in Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
GB08332460A 1982-12-07 1983-12-06 Monitoring an electric cable core Withdrawn GB2132343A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08332460A GB2132343A (en) 1982-12-07 1983-12-06 Monitoring an electric cable core

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8234813 1982-12-07
GB08332460A GB2132343A (en) 1982-12-07 1983-12-06 Monitoring an electric cable core

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8332460D0 GB8332460D0 (en) 1984-01-11
GB2132343A true GB2132343A (en) 1984-07-04

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0227350A2 (en) * 1985-12-03 1987-07-01 BICC Public Limited Company Monitoring of conductors in cable
US5795531A (en) * 1991-04-09 1998-08-18 Zumbach Electronic Ag Method and apparatus for the cross-sectional measurement of electric insulated conductors
DE10307356A1 (en) * 2003-02-21 2004-09-16 Sikora Ag Method and device for determining the thickness of the insulation of a flat cable in areas of the metallic conductor tracks
DE19846885B4 (en) * 1998-10-13 2005-03-17 Advanced Mobile Imaging Gmbh Method for radiographic measurement of a physical object
EP2752287A1 (en) 2013-01-02 2014-07-09 Proton Products International Limited Apparatus for measuring industrial products manufactured by extrusion techniques
US9733193B2 (en) 2015-03-12 2017-08-15 Proton Products International Limited Measurement of industrial products manufactured by extrusion techniques

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN112748132A (en) * 2020-12-29 2021-05-04 四川赛康智能科技股份有限公司 Interference removing method for aluminum sheath in X-ray detection cable imaging

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1393591A (en) * 1971-04-30 1975-05-07 Philips Electronic Associated Apparatus for processing image information
GB1602348A (en) * 1977-05-10 1981-11-11 Philips Nv Arrangement for examining objects

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1393591A (en) * 1971-04-30 1975-05-07 Philips Electronic Associated Apparatus for processing image information
GB1602348A (en) * 1977-05-10 1981-11-11 Philips Nv Arrangement for examining objects

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0227350A2 (en) * 1985-12-03 1987-07-01 BICC Public Limited Company Monitoring of conductors in cable
EP0227350A3 (en) * 1985-12-03 1989-06-14 BICC Public Limited Company Monitoring of conductors in cable
US5795531A (en) * 1991-04-09 1998-08-18 Zumbach Electronic Ag Method and apparatus for the cross-sectional measurement of electric insulated conductors
DE19846885B4 (en) * 1998-10-13 2005-03-17 Advanced Mobile Imaging Gmbh Method for radiographic measurement of a physical object
DE10307356A1 (en) * 2003-02-21 2004-09-16 Sikora Ag Method and device for determining the thickness of the insulation of a flat cable in areas of the metallic conductor tracks
US7020239B2 (en) 2003-02-21 2006-03-28 Sikora Ag Method and device for the determination of the thickness of the insulation of a flat ribbon cable in the region of the conductor paths
CN100478647C (en) * 2003-02-21 2009-04-15 斯考拉股份公司 Method and device for the determination of the thickness of the insulation of a flat ribbon cable in the region of the conductor paths
EP2752287A1 (en) 2013-01-02 2014-07-09 Proton Products International Limited Apparatus for measuring industrial products manufactured by extrusion techniques
US9146092B2 (en) 2013-01-02 2015-09-29 Proton Products International Limited Measurement of industrial products manufactured by extrusion techniques
US9733193B2 (en) 2015-03-12 2017-08-15 Proton Products International Limited Measurement of industrial products manufactured by extrusion techniques

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8332460D0 (en) 1984-01-11

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