Thomas Peuker

Microstructure monitor and process simulation

Abstract The knowledge of microstructure is essential to compute mechanical properties of hot rolled steel. Depending on process data and the chemical composition of the steel, a physical model is used to calculate microstructure parameters such as grain size, recrystallization and the γ-α-transformation. In addition to the physical model an artificial neural network is employed to calculate mechanical properties. New results from hot rolling mills are presented. The on-line application of the monitor system allows a quick release of strips after rolling and the saving of costs for quality control measurements. Process parameters could be adjusted to achieve desired mechanical properties of the product. Process data can either be obtained on-line from the process itself or can be simulated off-line, e.g. by Siemens’ HYBRid EXpert System HYBREX. Its central component is a high-performance flowsheet simulator, which enables complex plants to be modeled, simulated and evaluated. The architecture and capability of HYBREX will be presented as well as the newly achieved possibilities by integrating the microstructure model to the simulation tool.

Advanced Software Improves Decision Quality in Rolling Mill Technology

This paper describes a decision-support tool for the design of new mills and the modernisation of older ones, as well as the operational control of foundries. The modular structure and the flexible handling of this tool enables rapid generation, simulation, and evaluation of a number of different plant variants. The tool described here is currently under development. Individual components, such as the flowsheet simulator, have already been developed and are now being used to meet the challenges outlined below.

Flowsheet simulation for the steel industry—Using experiences from chemical engineering and modern software approaches

The support of the process synthesis has been applied in the chemical industry for many years via the application from flowsheet simulators. With the assistance of these simulators the technological unit operations are usually graphically interconnected to a complete system and simulated. However, the flowsheet simulation in other industries did not become generally accepted yet. Now this proven idea can be put to use in steel industry, here in rolling mill technology.