METHOD OF OPERATION OF A CONTINUOUS INGOT CASTING AND ROLLING PLANT WITH BEVELING MACHINE
By positioning a beveling machine upstream and adjusting roll positions based on static and dynamic properties, the transitional section length is minimized, improving efficiency and productivity in continuous casting and rolling plants.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PRIMETALS TECH GERMANY GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
In continuous casting and rolling plants, the transition section where the width of the molten metal wire changes from an initial to a final width results in a lengthy transitional section that does not meet either width, leading to inefficiencies in the rolling process.
A beveling machine is positioned upstream of the roll supports, with its work rolls adjusted by a controller using a model based on static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire to minimize the transitional section length by gradually changing the roll positions according to a predefined displacement curve.
The method significantly reduces the length of the transitional section, ensuring the width of the flat rolled product closely matches the desired width, enhancing productivity and reducing re-expansion during lamination.
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Abstract
Description
1 / 22 METHOD OF OPERATION OF A CONTINUOUS INGOT CASTING AND ROLLING PLANT WITH BEVELING MACHINE FIELD OF TECHNIQUE
[001] The present invention relates to a method of operating a continuous casting and rolling plant, - in which a metal wire is melted in a continuous casting machine of the continuous casting and rolling plant, - in which molten metal wire is rolled into a flat rolled product, without first being divided into sections, from the melting heat of a number of roll supports of the continuous casting and rolling plant, which are arranged downstream of the continuous casting machine, - where, during the casting of the metal wire, the width of the metal wire is altered by the continuous casting machine from an initial width to a final width in such a way that the molten metal wire has a transitional section in which the width of the molten metal wire changes from the initial width to the final width.
[002] The present invention also relates to a continuous casting and rolling plant, - wherein the continuous casting and rolling plant has a continuous casting machine in which a metal wire is melted during its operation, wherein the width of the metal wire can be changed by the continuous casting machine from an initial width to a final width such that the molten metal wire has a transitional section in which the width of the molten metal wire changes from the initial width to the final width, - where the continuous casting and rolling plant is equipped with a number of roll supports, which are arranged downstream of the continuous casting machine and in which the molten metal wire is rolled into a flat rolled product, without first being processed. Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 52 2 / 22 to be divided into sections, starting from the heat of fusion during its operation.
[003] In the context of the present invention, the term metal wire (with or without the additional word cast) refers to metal wire from ingot casting to rolling on roll supports. In the context of the present invention, the term flat-rolled product means exclusively the cast metal wire after rolling on roll supports. PRIOR ART
[004] Continuous casting and rolling plants and their associated methods of operation are generally known. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] When the width is changed during the casting process in a continuous casting and rolling plant, such as an ESP plant, such a change in width can only occur in a relatively slow manner. As a result, a transitional section is produced, in which the width of the molten metal wire gradually changes from an initial width (i.e., the width before the change) to a final width (i.e., the width after the change). Before rolling on the roll holders, the transitional section generally has a length of several meters, for example, approximately 5 m. As a result of rolling on the roll holders, the transitional section increases by a multiple, in the case of a very thick flat-rolled product to at least four times, in the case of a very thin flat-rolled product to up to 100 times.The transitional section has neither the initial width nor the final width and thus constitutes a fragment, either completely or at least in its boundary regions (as observed in the width direction).
[006] The placement of a beveling machine between the continuous casting machine and the roll supports had already been considered. The width can be changed more quickly by means of a beveling machine. Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 52 3 / 22 of what is achieved using a continuous casting machine. The length of the transitional section can therefore be reduced. However, a considerable section remains that has neither the initial nor the final width.
[007] The object of the present invention is to create possibilities by which the remaining length of the transitional section, that is, the length along which the transitional section has neither the initial width nor the final width after lamination in the flat rolled product, can be reduced as much as possible.
[008] The object is struck by a method of operation having the characteristics of claim 1. The advantageous embodiments of the method of operation form the subject matter of dependent claims 2 to 8.
[009] According to the present invention, a method of operation of the type mentioned above is configured in such a way that - before the transitional section of the molten metal wire is rolled onto the roll supports in a beveling machine of the continuous casting and rolling plant, and before said beveling machine is positioned upstream of the roll supports, the work rolls of the beveling machine are positioned against the transitional section as the transitional section passes through the beveling machine so that the molten metal wire moves within the transitional section, - The work rolls of the beveling machine are adjusted by a controller that controls at least the beveling machine to an initial roll position when the transitional section begins to pass through the beveling machine, are gradually adjusted to a final roll position according to a displacement curve while the transitional section passes through the beveling machine, and are moved out of the metal wire when the transitional section has finished passing through the beveling machine. - When the initial width is greater than the final width, the final roller position will correspond to the final width, and the controller will stop. Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 11 / 52 4 / 22 determines the initial roll position and the online displacement curve using a model based on the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire before passing through the beveling machine, so that the width of the flat rolled product in the transitional section region corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product after the transitional section, and - When the initial width is less than the final width, the initial roll position corresponds to the initial width, and the controller determines the final roll position and the displacement curve online through the model based on the static and dynamic properties that the molten metal wire presents before passing through the beveling machine, so that the width of the flat rolled product in the transitional section region corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product before the transitional section.
[0010] The term model should be understood in a comprehensive way. It includes any configuration that determines the initial roller position or the final roller position and the displacement curve based on the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire.
[0011] The static and dynamic properties of the metal wire can be defined as needed. These preferably include (at least) the width, thickness, chemical composition and temperature of the metal wire.
[0012] The static and dynamic properties of the metal wire can be specified to the controller in different ways. For example, the chemical composition of the metal wire will generally be specified to the controller by means of a higher-level device. The width and thickness of the metal wire may be known to the controller from the definition of the side walls of the continuous casting mold. Preferably, however, the controller will receive at least one of the static and dynamic properties of the metal wire. Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 52 5 / 22 such, in particular its width and / or its temperature, in the form of a variable measured between the continuous casting machine and the beveling machine. In this case, appropriate measuring devices will therefore be placed between the continuous casting machine and the beveling machine and will be connected to the controller in order to transmit the measured variables in the form of data.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the operating method, the model is in the form of a process model whereby the displacement of the transitional section in the beveling machine and the lamination of the transitional section in the roll holders are made based on the physical-mathematical equations of the forming processes that occur in the beveling machine and in the roll holders.
[0014] Through physical-mathematical equations, not only the forming process in the beveling machine and the associated reduction in the width of the molten metal wire, but also the subsequent increase in the molten metal wire in the roller supports can, in particular, be modeled. When necessary, the physical-mathematical equations may also include algebraic equations in addition to the differential equations.
[0015] Alternatively, the model could be in the form of a neural network, for which the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire are supplied and which determines the initial roller position or the final roller position and the displacement curve.
[0016] Preferably, the displacement curve is defined by a roller position at each of a predefined number of predefined support points along the transitional section, and the displacement curve between the support points is defined according to a specific functionality that will depend only on the roller positions at the support points.
[0017] This option is always feasible. It will be in Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 52 6 / 22 This is particularly feasible when the model is in the form of a process model or a neural network. However, this approach will allow for a particularly simple specification of the displacement curve. It can therefore still be efficiently used, particularly when the model is not designed as either a process model or a neural network, but rather created in a purely empirical way.
[0018] The number of support points is generally relatively small. The number will usually be from 3 to 8, preferably from 4 to 7, in particular 5 or 6. The support points are predefined insofar as they are staggered along the length of the transitional section. If, for example, five support points are defined, and the support points are uniformly distributed, support point 1 will be located at the beginning of the transitional section, support point 3 will be located in the middle of the transitional section, and interface 5 will be located at the end of the transitional section. In this case, support points 2 and 4 will each be located midway between support points 1 and 3, and 3 and 5, respectively. The functionality specified between the support points may be a simple linear relationship between the roller positions at directly adjacent support points. Alternatively, it may involve smooth curves, for example, B-curves.
[0019] Preferably, the controller will implement an AWC (automatic width control) in the beveling machine's actuation during its movement from the transitional section. As a result, a deflection of the beveling machine during its movement from the transitional section can be neutralized, in a manner analogous to an AGC (automatic calibration control) in a normal roller support.
[0020] Preferably, after the molten metal wire has been rolled onto at least one of the roller supports, the controller will receive Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 14 / 52 7 / 22 a measured width of the molten metal wire downstream of that roller support and will update at least one model parameter of the model that is taken into account by the controller when determining the initial roller position or the final roller position and the displacement curve in the model, using a deviation of the measured width with respect to a corresponding expected width. As a result, the model can be gradually approximated to the existing conditions.
[0021] Updating at least one model parameter in conjunction with an empirically created model will result in a particularly simple modality that still delivers high-quality results.
[0022] The expected width may alternatively be the width that was determined during its pre-calculation. Alternatively, the expected width may be determined in a post-calculation. The terms pre-calculation and post-calculation have a well-defined meaning for a person versed in the area of rolling equipment technology. The pre-calculation is done before the transitional section is moved in the beveling machine. In the pre-calculation, the expected width after rolling the molten metal wire on at least one roll holder is determined based on the expected states of the transitional section, the expected states of the beveling machine, and the expected states of the roll holders in question.In the pre-calculation, therefore, the calculations will be made using, for example, the expected entry widths of the transitional section at specific points, the expected temperatures, the expected forces and roll positions during displacement, the expected forces and roll positions during lamination, etc. The post-calculation is done after displacement and lamination. In the post-calculation, a determination similar to that of a pre-calculation is made. The difference from the pre-calculation lies in the calculations that are now made using the effective entry widths of the transitional section at specific points. Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 52 8 / 22 the effective temperatures, the effective forces and positions of the rolls during displacement, the effective forces and positions of the rolls during lamination, etc. The procedures for a pre-calculation and a post-calculation are explained, although for a substantially different subject matter, in the initial statements of Publication WO 2012 / 034 884 A1, for example.
[0023] The object is also obtained by a control program for a controller of at least one beveling machine of a continuous casting and rolling plant with the characteristics of claim 9. In addition to the beveling machine, the continuous casting and rolling plant has a continuous casting machine, which is arranged upstream of the beveling machine, and a number of roll holders, which are arranged downstream of the beveling machine. A metal wire is melted in the continuous casting machine and is rolled into a flat rolled product, without first being divided into sections, from the melting heat in the roll holders. According to the present invention, the control program comprises a machine code, which can be processed by the controller, wherein the processing of the machine code by the controller has the effect that the controller: - receives an initial width and a final width of molten metal wire by means of the continuous casting machine, where the final width is of a different value from the initial width such that the molten metal wire has a transitional section in which the width of the molten metal wire changes from the initial width to the final width, - determines an initial or final roller position for the beveling machine's work rollers, as well as a displacement curve for the beveling machine's work rollers online, using a model based on the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire before passing through the beveling machine. Petition 870250080459, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 16 / 52 9 / 22 - Adjust the beveling machine's work rollers to the initial roller position when the transitional section begins to pass through the machine, gradually adjust them to the final roller position according to the displacement curve while the transitional section passes through the machine, and move them away from the metal wire when the transitional section has finished passing through the machine, so that the molten metal wire moves within the transitional section. - where, when the initial width is greater than the final width, the final roll position will correspond to the final width, and the controller will determine the initial roll position and the displacement curve in such a way that a width of the flat rolled product in the transitional section region corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product after the transitional section, and - where, when the initial width is less than the final width, the initial roll position will correspond to the initial width, and the controller will determine the final roll position and the displacement curve in such a way that the width of the flat rolled product in the transitional section region corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product before the transitional section.
[0024] Preferably, the processing of the machine code by the controller also has the effect that the controller will implement the additional features of at least one of the advantageous modes of the operating method.
[0025] The object will also be obtained according to claim 11 by a software programmable controller for at least one beveling machine of a continuous casting and rolling plant, wherein the continuous casting and rolling plant has, in addition to the beveling machine, a continuous casting machine, which is arranged upstream of the beveling machine, and a number of roll supports, which are arranged downstream of the beveling machine, wherein the controller Petition 870250080459, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 17 / 52 10 / 22 is programmed with a control program according to the present invention in such a way that the controller controls the beveling machine according to an operating method according to the present invention.
[0026] The object will also be obtained by a continuous casting and rolling plant with the characteristics of claim 12. According to the present invention, a continuous casting and rolling plant of the type mentioned at the beginning is configured in such a way that - The continuous casting and rolling plant has a beveling machine that is positioned between the continuous casting machine and the roll support area. - the beveling machine has work rollers, - the continuous casting and rolling plant has a controller, and - the controller is designed as a controller according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The properties, characteristics and advantages described above of the present invention and the manner in which they are obtained will become more evident and more easily understood with regard to the following description of an exemplary embodiment, which will be explained in more detail with regard to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a continuous casting and rolling mill. Figure 2 shows a beveling machine, a roller support, and a section of metal wire. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a metal wire. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a metal wire. Figure 5 shows a graph. Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 52 11 / 22 Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a flat rolled product. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a flat rolled product. Figure 8 shows the possible configurations of a model. Figure 9 shows a structure of a displacement curve. Figure 10 shows a control structure for a beveling machine, and Figure 11 shows a flowchart. DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES
[0028] According to Figure 1, a continuous casting and rolling plant has a continuous casting machine 1. A metal wire 2 is cast by means of the continuous casting machine 1. The metal wire 2 generally consists of steel. It has a plate or strip shape. In particular, the metal wire 2 in the molten state, not yet rolled, will have a thickness d0 and a width b0 (see Figure 2). The molten metal wire 2 passes through a beveling machine 3 and then through a number of roll supports 4. The continuous casting machine 1 is therefore located upstream of the beveling machine 3, and the roll supports 4 are located downstream of the beveling machine 3. The number and configuration of the roll supports 4 may be as required. After rolling on the first roller support 4, the molten metal wire 2 will have a thickness d1, after rolling on the next roller support 4, it will have a smaller thickness (not shown), etc., until the molten metal wire 2 has a thickness dn after rolling on the last roll support 4. When the metal wire 2 passes through the last roll support 4, it will be referred to hereinafter as a rolled product. Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 52. 12 / 22 no.
[0029] Starting from the continuous casting machine 1, the metal wire 2 passes through the beveling machine 3 and the roll holders 4 as an undivided unit. The individual sections of the flat rolled product are cut only after the last roll holder 4. In particular, the rolling on the roll holders 4 (and also on the beveling machine 3) therefore occurs continuously and from the heat of molten metal.
[0030] The continuous casting machine 1 can be operated in such a way that, during its operation, i.e., during the casting of the metal wire 2, the short sides of a continuous casting mold of the continuous casting machine 1 move and the width b0 of the molten metal wire 2 is consequently altered. Specifically, therefore, the width b0 can be changed from an initial width bA to a final width bE (see Figures 3 and 4). Figure 3 shows the case in which the initial width bA is greater than the final width bE, while Figure 4 shows the opposite case in which the initial width bA is less than the final width bE. In both cases, the metal wire 2 will thus have a transitional section 5 in which the width b0 of the metal wire 2 changes from the initial width bA to the final width bE. The change is substantially linear. In the molten, not yet rolled, state, the transitional section 5 typically has a length L0 of several meters.
[0031] According to Figure 1, the continuous casting and rolling plant also has a controller 6. Controller 6 is programmable by software. This is indicated in Figure 1 by the letters μΡ inside controller 6. Controller 6 is programmed with a control program 7. Control program 7 comprises a machine code 8, which can be processed by controller 6. Based on the programming of controller 6 with control program 7 and based on the processing of machine code 8, controller 6 Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 52 13 / 22 will control at least beveling machine 3 according to an operating method, which is explained in more detail below.
[0032] In any case, the controller 6 will control the beveling machine 3. It may also control other parts of the continuous casting and rolling plant, in particular the continuous casting machine 1 and / or the roll supports 4. In the present case, however, this will mainly be a way of controlling the beveling machine 3. Therefore, only the control of the beveling machine 3 will be explained in detail below in conjunction with Figure 5.
[0033] According to Figure 5, in a step S1, the static and dynamic properties of the metal wire 2 that the molten metal wire 2 exhibits before passing through the beveling machine 3 are known to the controller 6. The static and dynamic properties of the metal wire 2 generally include at least its width b0, its thickness d0, its chemical composition C, and its temperature T.
[0034] It is possible that at least some of the static and dynamic properties are known to the controller 6 itself. For example, the controller 6 may also control the continuous casting machine 1, and in this way, the controller will also know the width b0 of the molten metal wire 2 from the operation of the continuous casting machine 1. However, it will be equally possible and generally also preferred that the controller 6 receives at least one of the static and dynamic properties of the metal wire 2 in the form of a measured variable. In this case, the corresponding variable will be measured by means of a corresponding measuring device 9 (see Figure 1) between the continuous casting machine 1 and the beveling machine 3. The variables that are preferably measured are in particular the width b0 and / or the temperature T of the metal wire 2.
[0035] The initial width bA and the final width bE must be known from the controller 6 before the transition section 5 reaches the bevel. Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 21 / 52 14 / 22 Dora 3. When the distance from the measuring device 9 to the beveling machine 3 is sufficiently large, the initial width bA and the final width bE can be derived from the measured widths b0. However, it is also possible for the controller 6 to receive the initial width bA and the final width bE explicitly in a step S2. The initial width bA and the final width bE can be specified to the controller 6, for example, by an operator 10 (see Figure 1).
[0036] In Figure 5, it is assumed that the initial width bA and the final width bE are of different values relative to each other. In a step S3, the controller 6 will therefore check whether the final width bE is less than the initial width bA or not. If so, the controller 6 will execute steps S4 and S5. Otherwise, the controller 6 will execute steps S6 and S7.
[0037] In step S4, controller 6 determines an initial roll position gA. The work rolls 11 of beveling machine 3 (see Figure 2) must be positioned against the metal wire 2 with the initial roll position gA when the transitional section 5 begins to pass through beveling machine 3. Controller 6 determines the initial roll position gA based on the initial width bA and the final width bE. Controller 6 performs the determination by means of a model 12 (see Figure 1) within controller 6 based on the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire 2 before passing through beveling machine 3. Model 12, in this respect, will be generated by controller 6 based on the programming of control program 7. In step S5, controller 6 will define a final roll position gE. The work rolls 11 should be positioned against the metal wire 2 in the final roll position gE as soon as the transition section 5 has finished passing through the beveling machine 3.Controller 6 adjusts the final roller position gE to the final width bE in step S5.
[0038] In step S6, controller 6 adjusts the initial roller position Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 52 15 / 22 cial gA, specifically, for the initial width bA. In step S7, controller 6 determines the final roll position gE. Controller 6 determines the final roll position gE based on the initial width bA and the final width bE. Controller 6 performs the determination using a model 12 based on the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire 2 before it passes through the beveling machine 3.
[0039] In a step S8, the controller 6 determines a displacement curve K for the work rolls 11 of the beveling machine 3. The determination is made based on the initial roll position gA and the final roll position gE. Since the controller 6 determines the initial roll position gA or the final roll position gE based on the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire 2 before passing through the beveling machine 3, the controller 6 will determine the displacement curve K in the same way based on the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire 2 before passing through the beveling machine 3.
[0040] Controller 6 executes steps S1 to S8 online. The execution of steps S1 to S8 is specifically completed before transitional section 5 reaches beveling machine 3.
[0041] In a stage S9, the controller 6 waits for the transitional section 5 to reach the beveling machine 3. In particular, this monitoring can be implemented to establish this point in time. The implementation of this monitoring is generally known to those skilled in the art.
[0042] When the transitional section 5 reaches the beveling machine 3, that is, when the transitional section 5 begins to pass through the beveling machine 3, the controller 6 adjusts the work rolls 11 of the beveling machine 3, more precisely its roll position g, relative to the initial roll position gA in a step S10. Then, in a step S11, the controller 6 adjusts the work rolls 11 of the beveling machine 3 gradually to the final roll position gE according to the displacement curve. Petition 870250080459, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 23 / 52 16 / 22 movement K while the transitional section 5 passes through the beveling machine 3. Just like the adjustment for the initial roll position gA, the adjustment according to the displacement curve K can be implemented based on the monitoring performed. Finally, in a step S12, the controller 6 moves the work rolls 11 of the beveling machine 3 away from the metal wire 2 as soon as the transitional section 5 finishes passing through the beveling machine 3. The correct point in time can also be known from the controller 6 based on the monitoring performed.
[0043] By means of steps S9 to S12, it is thus ensured that the molten metal wire 2 moves in the transitional section 5 and only in that section. During the remainder of the time, the work rolls 11 of the beveling machine 3 retract and thus do not rest against the metal wire 2.
[0044] After passing through the beveling machine 3, the metal wire 2 is supplied to the roll holders 4 and rolled into them; this applies to the metal wire as a whole 2 and therefore also to the transitional section 5. The movement of the metal wire 2 in the transitional section 5 will therefore occur before the transitional section 5 is rolled into the roll holders 4.
[0045] Figures 6 and 7 show a section of the flat rolled product and its width bn, said section corresponding to the transitional section 5 of the molten metal wire 2. In this way, these figures show the transitional section 5 after rolling on the roll supports 4. Since the metal wire 2 is now rolled into the flat rolled product, the transitional section 5 will now have a considerably greater length Ln.
[0046] Figure 6 shows the case in which the initial width bA is greater than the final width bE, while Figure 7 shows the opposite case in which the initial width bA is less than the final width bE. Figures 6 and 7 show the width bn of the flat rolled product in solid lines, the roll position stroke g of the work rolls 11, or Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 52 17 / 22 is, ultimately, the displacement curve K, in dashed lines, and the width bn that will result without the displacement of the transitional section 5 in dashed and dotted lines.
[0047] According to Figure 6, the final roll position gE and the displacement curve K are determined such that the width bn of the flat rolled product in the region of the transitional section 5 corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product after the transitional section 5. Conversely, according to Figure 7, the initial roll position gA and the displacement curve K are determined such that the width bn of the flat rolled product in the region of the transitional section 5 corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product before the transitional section 5.
[0048] As already mentioned, the controller 6 controls the beveling machine 3 in each case, but it may, in particular, also control the roll supports 4. In this case, when necessary, the controller 6 will determine, at least for the roll support 4 directly downstream of the beveling machine 3, preferably also for the other roll supports 4, a roll position different from the working rolls of the roll support 4 in question and / or also a rolling speed different from that of the roll support 4 in question. The changes determined by the controller 6 will be such that the thickness dn of the flat rolled product remains constant.
[0049] Model 12, by which the initial roller position gA or the final roller position gE and the displacement curve K are determined, may be configured as required.
[0050] For example, model 12 could be in the form of a process model 13 corresponding to the diagram illustrated in Figure 8, whereby the displacement of the transitional section 5 in the beveling machine 3 and the lamination of the transitional section 5 in the roll supports 4 Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 52 Figures 18 / 22 are based on the physical-mathematical equations of the forming processes that occur in the beveling machine 3 and the roller supports 4. In this case, the flow stress of the molten metal wire 2 is determined in the preferred modeling for the beveling machine 3 and the roller supports 4 and is then taken into account to determine the initial roller position gA or the final roller position gE and the displacement curve K. The flow stress as such can be determined in particular by means of a neural network (not shown).
[0051] Alternatively, model 12 can be configured as a neural network 14 corresponding to the diagram illustrated in Figure 8. In this case, the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire 2 are supplied to the neural network 14, and the neural network 14 will determine the initial roll position gA or the final roll position gE and the displacement curve K. When it is necessary to determine the flow stress when the neural network 14 is used, this stress can alternatively occur in the neural network 14 as such, or in a separate neural network (not shown).
[0052] Alternatively, model 12 can be configured as an empirical model 15 corresponding to the diagram illustrated in Figure 8. In this case, it will generally not be necessary to determine the flux voltage.
[0053] The displacement curve K can be defined as required. For example, the displacement curve K could be defined such that a number of support points 16 distributed along the length L0 of the transitional section 5 is predefined. The number of support points 16 is at least three and generally at most 10. The minimum number of support points 16 is fixed, since there must be a support point 16, in each case, at the beginning and end of the transitional section 5, and similarly, there must be at least one support point 16 between them. By Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 26 / 52 19 / 22 For example, the support points 16 can be uniformly distributed along the length L0 of the transitional section 5 corresponding to the diagram illustrated in Figure 9. In the case of the support points 16, the controller 6 initially determines the roller position g at each support point 16 only for the support points 16. This determination will be made using the width b0 given for the support point 16 in question and the smaller of the two values for the initial width bA and the final width bE. In the configuration illustrated in Figure 9, the displacement curve K between the support points 16 is defined according to a specific functionality that will depend only on the roller positions g at the support points 16. In the simplest case, a linear interpolation will occur between adjacent support points 16.
[0054] According to Figure 10, controller 6 preferably implements an AWC control 17 in the actuation of the beveling machine 3 during its displacement from the transitional section 5. The AWC control is supplied with the current roller position g of each of the work rollers 11 of the beveling machine 3 as a desired value. In addition, the AWC control 17 will be supplied with an expected positioning force FE for this roller position g with the positioning force F that actually occurs in each case. Using the deviation of the positioning force F that actually occurs with respect to the expected positioning force FE, the AWC control 17 determines a correction value δg for the roller position g, taking into account the stiffness of the beveling machine 3. The work rollers 11 of the beveling machine 3 are then positioned against the metal wire 2 with the correspondingly correct value.
[0055] After the molten metal wire 2 is rolled onto at least one of the roll supports 4, the controller 6 preferably receives a measured width b1, bn of the molten metal wire 2 downstream of that roll support 4. In this case, the casting plant and la Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 52 20 / 22 continuous rolling will have a corresponding measuring device 18 downstream of the corresponding roll support 4 (see Figure 1). The measurement is performed iteratively repeatedly. In the simplest case, the measured width is the width b1 downstream of roll support 4, which is located directly downstream of the beveling machine 3. However, it could also be the width downstream of the other roll support 4, in particular the width bn downstream of the last roll support 4 of the casting and rolling plant. Since monitoring can also be easily implemented, the controller 6 can simply determine which of the measured widths b1, bn refers to the transitional section 5 and which region of the transitional section 5 they refer to. The operating method can therefore be improved as explained in relation to Figure 11.The procedure illustrated in Figure 11 is explained below with respect to the width b1 of the cast metal wire 2 downstream of the roller support 4 which is directly downstream of the beveling machine 3. However, the procedure illustrated in Figure 11 can also be easily performed with the downstream width of the other roller support 4, in particular also with the width bn downstream of the last roller support 4.
[0056] According to Figure 11, the controller 6 receives the corresponding measured width b1 of the molten metal wire 2 in a step S21. The corresponding measured width b1 refers to the transitional section 5 and, within the transitional section 5, to a specific region, for example, to one of the support points 16. In a step S22, the controller 6 will determine a corresponding expected width b1E for that region of the transitional section 5. The expected width b1E may alternatively be determined in a pre-calculation or in a post-calculation.
[0057] In a step S23, controller 6 determines a correction value δP for a model parameter P of model 12 using Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 52 21 / 22 a deviation of the measured width b1 and the expected width b1E. In a step S24, the controller 6 updates the model parameter P using the determined correction value δP. The model parameter P is a parameter that is taken into account by the controller 6 when determining the initial roller position gA or the final roller position gE and the displacement curve K in model 12.
[0058] The present invention has many advantages. In particular, productivity can be increased when the width changes, both in the case of an increase and also in the case of a reduction in width. A re-expansion during lamination on the roll supports 4, in particular on the roll support 4 directly downstream of the beveling machine 3, can be taken into account by means of model 12. This applies even if a known "dog bone" frequently occurs during displacement. If necessary, other variables can also be taken into account in model 12, for example, the casting speed.
[0059] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail using preferred exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the examples described, and other variations may be derived therefrom by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS Continuous casting machine - Metal wire Beveling machine - Roll holders Transitional section Controller - Control program Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 52 22 / 22 - Machine code, 18 - Measuring devices Operator - Work rollers - Model - Process model Neural network Empirical model Support points - AWC b0, b1, bn, bA, bE, b1 E - Widths C - Chemical composition d0, d1, dn - Thicknesses F, FE - Positioning forces g, gA, gE - Roll positions K - Displacement curve L0, Ln - Lengths P - Parameter S1 to S24 - Stages T - Temperature δg, δP - Correction values Petition 870250080459, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 30 / 52
Claims
1 / 7 CLAIMS 1. Method of operation of a continuous casting and rolling plant, - the method being characterized in that a metal wire (2) is cast in a continuous casting machine (1) of the continuous casting and rolling plant, - wherein the molten metal wire (2) is rolled into a flat rolled product, without first being divided into sections, from the melting heat of a number of roll supports (4) of the continuous casting and rolling plant, which are arranged downstream of the continuous casting machine (1), - wherein, during the casting of the metal wire (2), a width (b0) of the metal wire (2) is changed by the continuous casting machine (1) from an initial width (bA) to a final width (bE) such that the molten metal wire (2) has a transitional section (5) in which the width (b0) of the molten metal wire (2) changes from the initial width (bA) for the final width (bE), - where,Before the transitional section (5) of the molten metal wire (2) is rolled onto the roll supports (4) in a beveling machine (3) of the continuous casting and rolling plant, and before said beveling machine is arranged upstream of the roll supports (4), the work rolls (11) of the beveling machine (3) are positioned against the transitional section (5) as the transitional section (5) passes through the beveling machine (3) so that the molten metal wire (2) moves into the transitional section (5), wherein the work rolls (11) of the beveling machine (3) are adjusted by a controller (6) that controls at least the beveling machine (3) to an initial roll position (gA) as soon as the transitional section (5) begins to pass through the beveling machine (3), they are gradually adjusted to a final roll position (gE) according to a Petition curve 870250080459, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 31 / 52 2 / 7 displacement (K) while the transitional section (5) passes through the beveling machine (3),and are moved out of the metal wire (2) as soon as the transitional section (5) has passed through the beveling machine (3), - wherein, when the initial width (bA) is greater than the final width (bE), the final roll position (gE) will correspond to the final width (bE), and the controller (6) will determine the initial roll position (gA) and the displacement curve (K) online by means of a model (12) based on the static and dynamic properties that the molten metal wire (2) exhibits before passing through the beveling machine (3), so that a width of the flat rolled product in the region of the transitional section (5) corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product after the transitional section (5), and - wherein, when the initial width (bA) is less than the final width (bE), the initial roll position (gA) will correspond to the initial width (bA),and the controller (6) will determine the final roll position (gE) and the displacement curve (K) online by means of the model (12) based on the static and dynamic properties that the molten metal wire (2) exhibits before passing through the beveling machine (3), so that the width of the flat rolled product in the transitional section region (5) corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product before the transitional section (5).
2. Method of operation, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the static and dynamic properties of the metal wire (2) include its width (b0), its thickness (d0), its chemical composition (C), and its temperature (T).
3. Method of operation, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller (6) receives at least one of the static and dynamic properties of the metal wire (2), in particular its shape (b0) and / or its temperature (T), in the form of a variable measured between the continuous casting machine (1) and the beveling machine (3).
4. Method of operation, according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the model (12) is in the form of a process model (13), whereby the displacement in the transitional section (5) of the beveling machine (3) and the lamination in the transitional section (5) of the roll supports (4) are made based on the physical-mathematical equations of the forming processes that occur in the beveling machine (3) and in the roll supports (4).
5. Method of operation, according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the model (12) is in the form of a neural network (14), for which the static and dynamic properties of the molten metal wire (2) are supplied and which determines the initial roller position (gA) or the final roller position (gE) and the displacement curve (K).
6. Method of operation, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement curve (K) is defined by a roller position (g) at each of a predefined number of predefined support points (16) along the transitional section (5), and the displacement curve (K) between the support points (16) is defined according to a specific functionality that will depend only on the roller positions (g) at the support points (16).
7. Method of operation, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (6) implements an AWC control (17) in the actuation of the beveling machine (3) during its movement in the transitional section (5).
8. Method of operation, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the molten metal wire (2) is rolled on at least one of the roller supports (4), the controller (6) receives a measured width (b1) of the molten metal wire (2) downstream of that roller support (4), and that the controller (6) updates at least one model parameter (P) of the model (12) which is taken into account by the controller (6) when determining the initial roller position (gA) or the final roller position (gE) and the displacement curve (K) in the model (12), using a deviation of the measured width (b1) with respect to a corresponding expected width (b1E).
9. Control program for a controller (6) of at least one beveling machine (3) in a continuous casting and rolling plant, which has, in addition to the beveling machine (3), a continuous casting machine (1), which is arranged upstream of the beveling machine (3), and a number of roll holders (4), which are arranged downstream of the beveling machine (3), the control program being characterized in that a metal wire (2) is melted in the continuous casting machine (1) and is rolled into a flat rolled product, without first being divided into sections, from the melting heat in the roll holders (4), wherein the control program comprises a machine code (8) that can be processed by the controller (6), wherein the processing of the machine code (8) by the controller (6) has the effect that the controller (6): - receives an initial width (bA) and a final width (bE) of the metal wire (2) melted by means of the machine of continuous casting (1),wherein the final width (bE) is of a different value from the initial width (bA) such that the molten metal wire (2) has a transitional section (5) in which the width of the molten metal wire (2) changes from the initial width (bA) to the final width (bE), - determines an initial roll position (gA) or a position Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page. 34 / 52 5 / 7 final roll (gE) of the work rolls (11) of the beveling machine (3) and also a displacement curve (K) for the work rolls (11) of the beveling machine (3) online by means of a model (12) based on the static and dynamic properties that the molten metal wire (2) exhibits before passing through the beveling machine (3), - adjusts the work rolls (11) of the beveling machine (3) to the initial roll position (gA) when the transitional section (5) begins to pass through the beveling machine (3),The controller gradually adjusts them to the final roll position (gE) according to the displacement curve (K) while the transitional section (5) passes through the beveling machine (3), and moves them away from the metal wire (2) when the transitional section (5) has just passed through the beveling machine (3), so that the molten metal wire (2) moves in the transitional section (5), - wherein, when the initial width (bA) is greater than the final width (bE), the final roll position (gE) will correspond to the final width (bE), and the controller (6) will determine the initial roll position (gA) and the displacement curve (K) in such a way that a width of the flat rolled product in the region of the transitional section (5) corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product after the transitional section (5), and - wherein, when the initial width (bA) is less than the final width (bE), the initial roll position (gA) will correspond to the initial width (bA),and the controller (6) will determine the final roll position (gE) and the displacement curve (K) such that the width of the flat rolled product in the transitional section region (5) corresponds as closely as possible to a desired width of the flat rolled product before the transitional section (5).
10. Control program, according to claim 9, characterized in that the processing of the machine code (8) by the controller (6) has the effect that the controller (6) implements the additional features as defined in at least one of claims 2 to 8.
11. A software programmable controller for at least one beveling machine (3) in a continuous casting and rolling plant, which, in addition to the beveling machine (3), has a continuous casting machine (1) that is arranged upstream of the beveling machine (3) and a number of roll supports (4) that are arranged downstream of the beveling machine (3), the controller being characterized in that it is programmed with a control program (7) as defined in any one of claims 9 or 10 such that the controller controls the beveling machine (3) during its operation according to an operating method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8.
12. Continuous casting and rolling plant, characterized in that: - the continuous casting and rolling plant has a continuous casting machine (1) in which a metal wire (2) is melted during its operation, wherein a width (b0) of the metal wire (2) can be changed by the continuous casting machine (1) from an initial width (bA) to a final width (bE) such that the molten metal wire (2) has a transitional section (5) in which the width (b0) of the molten metal wire (2) changes from the initial width (bA) to the final width (bE), - wherein the continuous casting and rolling plant has a number of roll supports (4), which are arranged downstream of the continuous casting machine (1) and in which the molten metal wire (2) is rolled into a flat rolled product, without first being divided into sections, from the heat of melting during its operation, Petition 870250080459, dated 08 / 09 / 2025, page.36 / 52 7 / 7 - wherein the continuous casting and rolling plant has a beveling machine (3), which is disposed between the continuous casting machine (1) and the roll support quantity (4), - wherein the beveling machine (3) has work rolls (11), - wherein the continuous casting and rolling plant has a controller (6), - wherein the controller (6) is designed as a controller, as defined in claim 11. Petition 870250080459, dated 09 / 08 / 2025, p. 37 / 52.