Reasons for Failure of Roll Gap Adjustment Mechanism on Finishing Mill Rolls
The roll gap adjustment mechanism of a finishing mill is a vital component of the entire working model, assisting to place the roller line precisely in the desired location, to ensure an even rolling of the rolled mill stock. Any shortfall in proper functioning of the roll gap adjusting mechanism will cause serious irregularities in the end product. As such, it is important to diagnose the reasons behind any failure, to identify processes to address the issue and to prevent a recurrence of the same.
There are primarily two types of roll gap adjustment mechanisms in finishing mills: mechanical and hydraulic. While both of these mechanisms can fail due to age, wear, and environmental conditions, some common causes are identified in each of them individually.
For mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the primary cause of failure is poor maintenance and lack of preventive servicing. The absence of effective maintenance causes the internal components of the mechanism to miss alignment and jam, resulting in inaccurate positioning of the roller gap. As a result, an uneven rolling of the mill stock is produced, resulting in a poor-grade finished product. In addition, the faulty parts of the mechanism require to be identified and replaced.
For hydraulic adjustment mechanisms, the primary cause of failure is leakages and/or blockages in the hydraulic piping system. Leakages and blockages occur due to improper set up of the hydride lines, aging of the lines and valves, presence of foreign particles, and improper sealing of the connecting parts. These events ultimately reduce the pressure inside the hydride lines, resulting in inconsistent gap adjustment. In addition, frequent maintenance is required to inspect and replace worn out parts.
In addition to the aforementioned, certain other causes of failure are applicable to both mechanical and hydraulic adjustmentMechanism. The external environment of the system is an essential aspect to consider. The presence of varying temperature and humidity levels, air dust particles, and other external contaminants can affect the functioning of these mechanisms. Similarly, if the lubricants used for the system are not of the prescribed grade, or if the wrong grade is used, it also potentiate the possibility of failure. To prevent these events, the external aspect of the system needs to be addressed periodically.
Overall, the roll gap adjustment mechanism in the finishing mill is a precarious component that requires continuous attention. A failure can occur in both mechanical and hydraulic operations due to insufficient maintenance, component malfunctioning, and external environmental factors. In the event of a failure, it is essential to identify the cause and treat accordingly, to ensure optimally functioning of the mechanisms and improved finished rolling mill stocks.
