CD Laboratory for Model-Based Process Control in the Steel Industry

Simpler control of complex processes

Comprehensive physical models allow production facilities to be controlled in real time, increasing efficiency and enhancing quality.

What is at issue?

In modern steel production the key process correlations of the production facilities are well known. Due to the large number of existing process parameters, the complexity of the facilities and the inability to describe the effects of the operating environment in detail, further advances in process control can only be achieved with considerable mathematical effort. For that reason, voestalpine Stahl GmbH is interested in scientifically developed, mathematical models and algorithms which allow optimal process management and real-time control of their facilities. This, in turn, allows the company to use resources more efficiently, increase product quality and step up production output, while at the same time reducing the impact on the facilities themselves and on the environment.

The research question: Adequate process descriptions

In order to optimally control production facilities in real time, physical models are needed which also work under real production conditions. These tailor-made models use simplified equations to describe a process in sufficient detail for it to be applied in practice.

This approach makes it possible not only to intervene in ongoing production processes based on selective measurement data, but also to understand and directly control the process as a whole. Examples of specific applications for such models include the manufacture of steel plates in the hot strip rolling mill and during hot-dip galvanising.

Example: The hot-dip galvanising line

The hot-dip galvanising process adds a corrosion-resistant surface coating to the steel strip, rendering it suitable for use in sectors such as the automotive industry. During the galvanising process the strips are drawn through a zinc bath, with the thickness of the zinc coating subsequently adjusted by gas wiping jets mounted on both sides. The zinc bath mechanism can cause the strips to oscillate, resulting in variations in the thickness of the zinc coating. As zinc is a relevant cost factor, the thickness of the coating must be limited to the minimum necessary. Therefore the goal is to control the passage of the strip through the zinc bath using electromagnetic actuators in real time in order to avoid oscillations. The first research projects in this field have already been concluded. Now the company is implementing the outcomes. voestalpine Stahl GmbH believes this will lead to considerable savings.

Example: The hot strip rolling mill

The slabs produced on the continuous casting line are heated to over 1,000 °C in the hot strip rolling mill before being rolled into strips. Based on the research undertaken in the CD Laboratory, a thickness feedforward control has been developed which uses measurements taken on the rolling mill roughing stand to improve the quality of the strips leaving the rolling process. This reduces the high production costs of rolling.

Added value for the company

The implementation measures, which have already been realised and planned, have led to a marked increase in efficiency at the hot strip rolling mill and hot-dip galvanising line. Major savings are expected in raw materials, energy and maintenance costs.

Scientific challenge

Industry can only remain competitive when complex production facilities are highly automated. This relies on scientific developments in automation and control technology which generate new knowledge, new methods and algorithms, such as the mathematical modelling of dynamic systems and real-time optimisation. Particular attention is paid to ensuring that the new methods are both relevant and applicable in practice. This requires expertise in a range of areas, especially electrical engineering, computer sciences, mechanical engineering, mechatronics and process engineering. The results of this basic research can be applied in many continuous production processes, in the metal, plastics, paper and food industries, among others.

Head

Univ.Prof. DI Dr. Andreas Kugi

Technische Universität Wien

Scheduling

01.01.2014 - 31.12.2020

Partner

voestalpine Stahl GmbH

Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft

Boltzmanngasse 20/1/3 | 1090 Wien | Tel: +43 1 5042205 | Fax: +43 1 5042205-20 | office@cdg.ac.at

© 2020 Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft