Title

MODERN PROCESS MODELS TO IMPROVE PRODUCT QUALITY ON PLATE MILLS

MODERN PROCESS MODELS TO IMPROVE PRODUCT QUALITY ON PLATE MILLS

Authorship

Döll, Rüdiger; Nothegger, Werner

Döll, Rüdiger

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Nothegger, Werner

I am this author

DOI

10.5151/2594-5335-20376

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Abstract

Today’s demands on high strength plate include good weldability and reduction of costly alloys to a minimum while product geometry and shape shall have smallest possible tolerances. The production of such plate is economically possible employing thermomechanical rolling in combination with advanced process control. The use of fully automatic thermomechanical rolling using latest physical models and intelligent sequencing strategies achieves the optimum in grain refinement and thus improves mechanical properties, at the same time keeping productivity high through sophisticated mill pacing. Beside model-based thickness control and plan view pattern control for rectangularity, Profile and Flatness Control (PFC) is crucial for achieving desired dimensions of the plate. It is goal of PFC for plate mills to achieve a flat plate with the desired target profile. At the same time, for profitability of the mill, it is important to work with high throughput, i.e. large reductions. The novel profile and flatness strategy relies on comprehensive physical models and makes use of SmartCrown® as a powerful actuator, enabling large reductions even in wide plate mills without risking edge waves. The functionality can be easily implemented into existing mills.

Today’s demands on high strength plate include good weldability and reduction of costly alloys to a minimum while product geometry and shape shall have smallest possible tolerances. The production of such plate is economically possible employing thermomechanical rolling in combination with advanced process control. The use of fully automatic thermomechanical rolling using latest physical models and intelligent sequencing strategies achieves the optimum in grain refinement and thus improves mechanical properties, at the same time keeping productivity high through sophisticated mill pacing. Beside model-based thickness control and plan view pattern control for rectangularity, Profile and Flatness Control (PFC) is crucial for achieving desired dimensions of the plate. It is goal of PFC for plate mills to achieve a flat plate with the desired target profile. At the same time, for profitability of the mill, it is important to work with high throughput, i.e. large reductions. The novel profile and flatness strategy relies on comprehensive physical models and makes use of SmartCrown® as a powerful actuator, enabling large reductions even in wide plate mills without risking edge waves. The functionality can be easily implemented into existing mills.

Keywords

Plate mill; Thermo-mechanical rolling; Model based control.

Plate mill; Thermo-mechanical rolling; Model based control.