Measurement in Metal applications - Industrial Industries

Instruments used in the Metal Industry

At PCT we know how tough the metal processing world can be, and how important it is to have equipment you can trust every day. That’s why our products are designed to handle the heat, pressure, and challenges of metal manufacturing with ease. Whether you’re working with steel, aluminum, or other metals, our flow meters, valves, and fittings are built to keep your operations running smoothly and safely. We’re here to help you improve efficiency and reduce downtime, so you can focus on what you do best. Take a look at our range of reliable, easy-to-use solutions made especially for the metal industry — designed with you in mind.

You'll find below our range of instruments which can be used across the metal industry to include steel works, chlorine injection, aluminium smelting, impurity removing and gas lancers.

The metals industry in the UK and Ireland demands precision, reliability, and efficiency across processes such as heat treatment, rolling, and surface finishing. Accurate control of flow, pressure, and dosing is essential for maintaining product quality and operational safety.

At Premier Control Technologies (PCT), we provide advanced instrumentation and pumping solutions tailored for metal processing applications. Our technologies help optimise furnace atmospheres, monitor cooling water, and deliver precise chemical dosing, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness in demanding environments.

Application Sections

Furnace Atmosphere Control

Maintaining a controlled atmosphere in furnaces is critical for heat treatment and metal hardening processes. The correct gas composition prevents oxidation, ensures uniform heating, and improves metallurgical properties. Variations in flow or pressure can lead to inconsistent results, increased scrap rates, and higher energy consumption. Automated monitoring and control systems provide stability, reduce manual intervention, and enhance safety.

Relevant products:

Equilibar Back Pressure Regulators - These regulators maintain consistent pressure in gas supply lines, ensuring stable furnace atmospheres.
Key benefits:
- Precise pressure control for gas integrity
- Corrosion-resistant materials for harsh environments
- Compact design for easy integration
- Improves process consistency and product quality

Cooling Water Flow Monitoring

Cooling water systems are essential for quenching and temperature control in metal processing. Accurate flow measurement prevents overheating, reduces energy waste, and ensures uniform cooling. Non-invasive technologies are preferred to minimise downtime during installation.

Relevant products:

Badger Ultrasonic Flow Meters - Provide accurate, non-invasive measurement for cooling water lines.
Key benefits:
- Clamp-on design avoids pipe cutting
- Suitable for clean and dirty water
- Low maintenance and long-term reliability
- Quick installation reduces downtime

Chemical Dosing for Surface Treatment

Surface treatment processes such as pickling, coating, and corrosion protection require precise chemical dosing. Overdosing increases costs and environmental risk, while underdosing compromises product quality. Automated dosing ensures accuracy and repeatability.

Relevant products:

Valveless Piston Pumps - Deliver highly accurate dosing without valves, reducing maintenance and ensuring consistent flow.
Key benefits:
- No valves to clog or wear
- Precise metering for uniform surface treatment
- Compact design for integration into dosing skids
- Long service life reduces downtime

Lubricant Injection in Rolling Mills

Lubricants reduce friction and wear in rolling mills, improving efficiency and extending equipment life. Controlled injection prevents waste and ensures consistent application.

Relevant products:

Peristaltic Pumps - Ideal for transferring lubricants and additives with minimal risk of leakage.
Key benefits:
- Handles abrasive and viscous fluids
- Simple tube replacement for quick servicing
- Accurate flow control for lubrication systems
- Compact footprint for confined spaces

Pressure Regulation in Welding and Heat Treatment Systems

Gas pressure stability is vital for welding and heat treatment processes. Fluctuations can affect weld quality and metallurgical properties. Reliable pressure control ensures safety and consistency.

Relevant products:

Precision Pressure Transmitters - Monitor and maintain stable pressure in critical systems.
Key benefits:
- High accuracy for process integrity
- Robust design for harsh conditions
- Easy integration with SCADA systems
- Early detection of anomalies improves safety

Environmental Monitoring for Annealing and Coating Processes

Humidity and temperature control are essential for coating and annealing processes. Variations can lead to defects, poor adhesion, and compromised finish quality.

Relevant products:

Humidity & Dew Point Transmitters - Monitor environmental conditions for process stability.
Key benefits:
- Reliable performance in variable conditions
- Compact design for easy installation
- Long-term stability reduces recalibration needs
- Ensures compliance with quality standards

Application Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Technologies	Why It Helps
Furnace atmosphere control	Back pressure regulators	Maintains stable gas conditions
Cooling water flow monitoring	Ultrasonic flow meters	Non-invasive, accurate measurement
Chemical dosing for surface treatment	Valveless piston pumps	Precise dosing, chemical resistance
Lubricant injection in rolling mills	Peristaltic pumps	Handles viscous fluids reliably
Pressure regulation in welding & heat treatment	Precision pressure transmitters	Ensures process integrity and safety
Environmental monitoring for annealing/coating	Humidity & dew point transmitters	Maintains optimal conditions for quality finish