Abstract
Hot strip mills provided one of the earliest opportunities for the application of process control computers. The large investment, operating complexity - particularly in the multi-stand finishing train, the high product volume coupled with the demand for accurate and uniform product dimensions created favorable economic conditions for computer automation as early as 1961. Since then computer automation systems in hot strip mills have advanced from a highly developmental creation of engineering art to a mature, predictable and repeatable engineering product. Shorter design and implementation cycles, as well as full operator acceptance of computer control of the hot strip mill process, are evidence of the maturity these systems have achieved.The paper describes advances in the structuring of computer automation systems for hot strip mills, which have enhanced or will further enhance system maturity. The structure of a computer system largely determines its ability to perform in the intended environment. While technical discussions of computer automation systems generally concentrate on individual functional components such as a control algorithm or a process model, the greatest progress in terms of cost, performance, and installation time can often be made through careful design of system structure.Experiences of a major computer systems supplier for the metal industry are explored. The structure of recent systems is compared with that of older systems. Differences are noted and resulting benefits are analyzed. For example, present day systems use highly modularized software to minimize the impact of changing equipment configurations. This technique reduces design and programming effort for a new system and increases flexibility of an existing system. Another example is the emergence of test, diagnostic and evaluation features as integral parts of modern hot strip mill computer systems.The paper concludes with a review of system evolution during the first ten years of computer process control in hot strip mills.
Published Version
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