A composite agitator in the automated control system of a continuous casting production line

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of continuous casting technology, and more particularly to an automated control system for a composite agitator in a continuous casting production line. The invention includes a composite agitator monitoring module, a composite agitator identification module, a billet response module, a feature clustering module, and a control module. The composite agitator identification module determines vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within a time-domain detection period, marking the first risk period. The billet response module determines the billet temperature characterization value and the billet width temperature characterization value, marking the second risk period. The feature clustering module performs time-series analysis on each risk period to determine the billet's clustering tendency category. The control module selects the control mode of the continuous casting process based on the clustering tendency category. This invention achieves rapid marking of risk periods based on multi-source information and adaptive adjustment of the composite agitator's control mode, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of continuous casting technology, and in particular to an automated control system for a composite agitator in a continuous casting production line. Background Technology

[0002] In modern continuous casting production, electromagnetic stirring technology utilizes the alternating magnetic field excited by electromagnetic stirring to penetrate the molten steel. The interaction between the induced current and the magnetic field generates electromagnetic force, thereby propelling the molten steel. This plays a crucial role in improving the equiaxed grain ratio of the billet, refining the solidification structure, reducing billet segregation, and improving inclusion distribution. Among these technologies, the composite electromagnetic stirrer employs a dual-inductor structure consisting of the billet, iron core, coil, and magnetic shield. It offers diverse magnetic field forms, high stirring efficiency, and flexible adjustment. Currently, the composite electromagnetic stirrer has become a core piece of equipment for improving billet quality, especially the internal quality of high-value-added steel grades. By applying controllable rotating, traveling wave, or linear electromagnetic fields in multiple process stages, such as the crystallizer and secondary cooling zone, it effectively stirs the liquid core of the billet, thereby breaking up dendrites, expanding the equiaxed grain region, significantly reducing center segregation and porosity, and suppressing the aggregation of bubbles and inclusions. However, in actual production line production… When electromagnetic stirring is applied in the secondary cooling zone, the working state of the composite stirrer and the solidification process of the billet have a complex interaction. Abnormal setting of stirring parameters can disturb the liquid core of the billet, affect the stability of the solidification front, and lead to uneven billet shell growth and temperature field fluctuations, which in turn can cause surface cracks or aggravate central defects. Mechanical or electrical faults of the composite stirrer itself, such as bearing wear or loose coils, can damage the equipment and may also be transmitted to the billet through the support structure, interfering with its solidification process. In the existing automated control of continuous casting production lines, it is difficult to perform correlation analysis and intelligent diagnosis of multi-source information, which can easily lead to delays in problem handling. Technicians often rely on personal experience to make judgments, lacking unified and scientific evaluation standards, which affects the efficiency of the composite stirrer in the continuous casting production line. Therefore, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite stirrer in the control system of the continuous casting production line is an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0003] For example, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. CN120734278A discloses a current control method for a continuous casting billet agitator. The current control method sets the control parameters of the frequency converter in the electromagnetic agitator so that the actual current first rises to the target current value, then the control current increases at a certain rate to the upper limit of current oscillation, and then decreases at a certain rate to the lower limit of current oscillation, repeating this cycle to make the current of the continuous casting electromagnetic agitator change in a periodic sinusoidal waveform. This invention improves the carbon segregation of the billet and reduces the carbon segregation range of the billet by controlling the electromagnetic agitation current to change in a periodic sinusoidal waveform, thereby making the internal composition of the billet more uniform and improving the performance of the billet.

[0004] The following problems still exist in the existing technology:

[0005] Existing technologies do not consider the various factors that may affect the quality of cast billets in continuous casting production lines based on composite agitators. Blindly adjusting process parameters may affect the reliability of composite agitators in continuous casting production lines. Existing technologies cannot quickly mark risk periods based on multi-source information and cannot adaptively adjust the control methods of continuous casting processes, thus affecting the efficiency and reliability of composite agitators in the control system of continuous casting production lines. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides an automated control system for a composite agitator in a continuous casting production line, which overcomes the problems of existing technologies that cannot quickly mark risk periods based on multi-source information and cannot adaptively adjust the control mode of the continuous casting process, thus affecting the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automated control system for a composite agitator in a continuous casting production line, comprising:

[0008] The composite agitator monitoring module is used to acquire the vibration parameters of the composite agitator in the secondary cooling zone and several infrared thermal images of the billet at several times within a preset acquisition period.

[0009] A composite mixer identification module, which is connected to the composite mixer monitoring module, is used to construct a vibration response curve based on several vibration parameters, divide the time domain in which the vibration response curve is located into several time domain detection segments, and determine the vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within the time domain detection segments to mark the first risk period.

[0010] The billet response module, which is connected to the composite agitator monitoring module, is used to determine the billet temperature characterization value and billet width temperature characterization value based on the infrared thermograms in each of the time-domain detection segments, so as to mark the second risk period.

[0011] The feature clustering module is connected to the composite stirrer identification module and the billet response module respectively, and is used to perform time series analysis on each risk period to obtain clustering characterization coefficients, and determine the clustering tendency category of the billet based on the clustering characterization coefficients.

[0012] The control module, which is connected to the feature clustering module, is used to select the control method of the continuous casting process according to the clustering tendency category. This method is to determine the current adjustment range of the composite agitator and the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the clustering characterization coefficient, or to determine whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period, and to determine the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the temperature characterization value during the second risk period.

[0013] Furthermore, the composite stirrer identification module is used to determine vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within the time-domain detection segment, wherein,

[0014] The composite stirrer identification module is used to obtain the amplitude at several moments within the time domain detection segment, and to determine the variance of the amplitude as the vibration response characterization parameter of the time domain detection segment.

[0015] Furthermore, the composite mixer identification module is used to mark the first risk period, wherein,

[0016] The composite mixer identification module marks the time-domain detection segment as the first risk period based on the determination result that the vibration response characterization parameter of the time-domain detection segment exceeds the preset vibration response characterization parameter threshold.

[0017] Furthermore, the billet response module is used to determine several billet temperature characterization values ​​and billet width temperature characterization values ​​based on the infrared thermograms within each of the time-domain detection segments, wherein,

[0018] The billet response module is used to obtain an infrared thermal image at the midpoint of the time-domain detection segment;

[0019] The maximum and minimum temperatures are obtained along the throwing direction, and the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures is determined as the throwing temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment.

[0020] Temperature values ​​at several detection points are obtained along the width of the billet, and the standard deviation of the temperature values ​​is determined as the billet width temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment.

[0021] Furthermore, the billet response module is used to mark the second risk period, wherein,

[0022] The billet response module marks the time-domain detection segment as the second risk period based on the determination result that the billet temperature characterization value and the billet width temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment meet the time period marking conditions;

[0023] The time period marking condition is that the billet temperature characterization value exceeds the preset billet temperature characterization value threshold, or the billet width temperature characterization value exceeds the preset billet width temperature characterization value threshold.

[0024] Furthermore, the feature clustering module is used to perform time-series analysis on each risk period to obtain clustering characterization coefficients, wherein,

[0025] The feature clustering module is used to sort the first risk period and the second risk period in chronological order;

[0026] The number of time periods in which the first risk period and the second risk period overlap in time is determined as the clustering characterization coefficient.

[0027] Furthermore, the feature clustering module is used to determine the clustering tendency category of the cast billet based on the clustering characterization coefficients, wherein,

[0028] The feature clustering module determines that the clustering tendency category of the billet is an explicit clustering tendency category based on the determination result that the clustering characterization coefficient exceeds the preset clustering characterization coefficient threshold.

[0029] Based on the determination result that the clustering characterization coefficient does not exceed the preset clustering characterization coefficient threshold, the clustering tendency category of the billet is determined to be a non-obvious clustering tendency category.

[0030] Furthermore, the control module is used to select the control method of the continuous casting process according to the clustering tendency category, wherein,

[0031] The control module determines the current adjustment range of the composite stirrer and the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the clustering characteristic coefficient, based on the determination result that the clustering tendency category is an dominant clustering tendency category.

[0032] Based on the determination that the clustering tendency category is a non-obvious clustering tendency category, the system determines whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period, and determines the billet pulling speed adjustment range of the billet based on the temperature characterization value during the second risk period.

[0033] Furthermore, the control module is used to determine whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period, wherein,

[0034] The control module determines and issues an equipment warning signal based on the judgment result that the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period meet the warning conditions;

[0035] The warning condition is that the average value of the vibration response characterization parameter in each first risk period exceeds a preset average threshold.

[0036] Furthermore, the control module is used to determine the current adjustment range of the composite agitator and the billet casting speed adjustment range, wherein,

[0037] The current adjustment range is positively correlated with the clustering characterization coefficient, and the billet drawing speed adjustment range is also positively correlated with the clustering characterization coefficient.

[0038] The adjustment range of the billet drawing speed is negatively correlated with the billet temperature characterization value and negatively correlated with the billet width temperature characterization value.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention sets up a composite agitator monitoring module, a composite agitator identification module, a billet response module, a feature clustering module, and a control module. The composite agitator monitoring module acquires the vibration parameters of the composite agitator in the secondary cooling zone and several infrared thermograms of the billet at several moments within a preset acquisition period. The composite agitator identification module constructs a vibration response curve and divides the time domain of the vibration response curve into several time domain detection segments. Based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within the time domain detection segments, vibration response characterization parameters are determined to mark the first risk period. The billet response module determines the billet temperature characterization value and billet width temperature characterization value based on the infrared thermograms within each time domain detection segment to mark the second risk period. The feature clustering module performs time-series analysis on each risk period to obtain clustering characterization coefficients. Based on the clustering characterization coefficients, the clustering tendency category of the billet is determined. The control module selects the control mode of the continuous casting process according to the clustering tendency category. Thus, it realizes the rapid marking of risk periods based on multi-source information, adaptive adjustment of the control mode of the continuous casting process, and improves the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0040] In particular, this invention uses a composite agitator identification module to determine vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within the time-domain detection segment, thereby marking the first risk period. It is understood that vibration monitoring relying on the overall average or maximum value can easily mask brief, transient abnormal fluctuations. Through time-domain segmented analysis, brief abnormal vibrations can be identified more promptly, enabling early and accurate detection of anomalies. The magnitude of the vibration response characterization parameters reflects the intensity or dispersion of the vibration signal fluctuations. Stable-running equipment maintains a low amplitude variance, while when anomalies occur, the vibration signal becomes unstable, and the vibration response characterization parameters increase significantly. Obtaining these parameters reduces human error. Compared to peak or average values, variance, i.e., the vibration response characterization parameters, can identify continuous intensification of fluctuations and effectively capture intermittent impact signals. It is also insensitive to slow baseline drift, exhibiting stronger anti-interference capabilities and a higher fault identification rate under complex operating conditions. Therefore, it enables rapid marking of risk periods based on multi-source information, improving the efficiency and reliability of composite agitators in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0041] In particular, this invention uses a billet response module to determine the billet temperature characterization value and billet width temperature characterization value based on the infrared thermograms within each time-domain detection segment, thereby marking the second risk period. This simultaneously captures gradient anomalies in the billet direction and distribution anomalies in the billet width direction, avoiding single-dimensional omissions (e.g., focusing only on the longitudinal direction while ignoring transverse corner overcooling), improving risk identification coverage. It corresponds one-to-one with the time-domain detection segments of vibration detection, and sampling at the midpoint ensures that the time anchor points of temperature and vibration data are consistent, providing a high-quality data foundation for subsequent temporal correlation analysis of vibration and temperature risks, ensuring the accuracy of cluster tendency category determination. Furthermore, it achieves rapid marking of risk periods based on multi-source information, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0042] In particular, this invention determines the clustering tendency category of the billet based on the clustering characterization coefficient through a feature clustering module. It is understood that when abnormal vibration of the agitator causes abnormal temperature field of the billet, it will show a high degree of synchronicity in the occurrence time. When vibration and temperature abnormalities are caused by different independent factors, their occurrence time is often randomly distributed and lacks correlation. By performing temporal overlap analysis on the vibration and temperature risk periods, the root causes of production abnormalities can be classified. By calculating the clustering characterization coefficient, the limitations of traditional control systems in treating vibration and temperature abnormalities in isolation are avoided. This provides a basis for the subsequent implementation of differentiated control strategies, avoids the dilemma of treating the symptoms but not the root cause due to misjudging the root cause of the abnormality, improves the accuracy of quality control and the timeliness of equipment maintenance, and thus achieves rapid determination of the clustering tendency category of the billet, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0043] In particular, this invention, through a feature clustering module, determines the current adjustment range of the composite agitator and the billet casting speed adjustment range based on the clustering characterization coefficient under the explicit clustering tendency category. It can be understood that if the explicit clustering tendency category—that is, the abnormal vibration of the composite agitator and the abnormal temperature of the billet—are highly coupled, the root cause of the anomaly is more likely a mismatch between the agitator's stirring effect and the billet solidification process. For example, excessive stirring intensity can lead to turbulent steel flow, resulting in uneven temperature distribution, or abnormal solidification progress can alter the agitator load, leading to vibration imbalance. The clustering characterization coefficient can quantify the severity of this mismatch. The stirring current directly determines the magnitude of the electromagnetic driving force, thus affecting the stirring intensity and flow uniformity of the steel. The larger the clustering characterization coefficient, the more significant the coupling imbalance between stirring and solidification, leading to issues such as central segregation, porosity, and cracks in the billet. The higher the risk of quality defects, the more necessary it is to adjust the current to optimize the molten steel flow pattern. The billet casting speed determines the billet's residence time in the secondary cooling zone and the position of the solidification front. The larger the clustering characterization coefficient, the more severe the misalignment between the solidification progress and the stirring zone. This requires a greater adjustment of the casting speed to change the spatial position and propulsion speed of the solidification front, allowing the stirrer to act within a more reasonable solid fraction range. This ensures that the optimization effect of the molten steel flow can be effectively transferred to the solidification process, alleviating uneven temperature distribution, reducing the risk of quality defects, achieving precise quantitative adjustment, avoiding blind operation, dynamically adapting to the degree of imbalance, enhancing the targeting of control, ensuring the stability of the production rhythm, balancing quality and efficiency, and thus achieving adaptive adjustment of the control method of the continuous casting process, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite stirrer in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0044] In particular, this invention uses a feature clustering module to determine whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period under non-obvious clustering tendency categories. In the second risk period, it determines the adjustment range of the billet pulling speed based on the temperature characterization value. It is understood that the non-obvious clustering tendency categories, i.e., the agitator vibration anomaly and the billet temperature anomaly, have a low temporal correlation; they are relatively isolated anomalies. Vibration anomalies mostly originate from mechanical faults of the agitator itself, such as bearing wear, impeller imbalance, or misalignment, rather than coupling imbalance with the solidification process. Temperature anomalies are mostly caused by local process fluctuations. The vibration response characterization parameters can characterize the vibration stability of a single period. The mean value of the vibration response characterization parameters can comprehensively reflect the overall vibration health level of the agitator within a preset collection period. The larger the mean value, the more it indicates that the agitator has vibration instability in multiple periods, rather than a momentary disturbance like a water droplet. The impact is not a signal of equipment mechanical structure deterioration, such as progressive bearing wear or potential failure. At this time, an equipment warning is issued to prevent the equipment failure from escalating through maintenance intervention. The larger the billet temperature characterization value, the more significant the difference in the longitudinal solidification progress of the billet, and the higher the risk of thermal stress cracking. The larger the billet width temperature characterization value, the more uneven the transverse cooling, and the higher the risk of segregation and cracking caused by corner overcooling and center overheating. Reducing the casting speed can prolong the residence time of the billet in the secondary cooling zone, allowing the cooling system more time to achieve uniform heat exchange, alleviating longitudinal temperature difference and transverse temperature dispersion, and reducing solidification defects caused by temperature anomalies from the root. The larger the billet temperature characterization value and the billet width temperature characterization value, the greater the reduction in casting speed, thereby prolonging the cooling time and promoting temperature field homogenization. In turn, it realizes the adaptive adjustment of the control mode of continuous casting process, and improves the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the control system of continuous casting production line. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of the automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the composite stirrer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the logic of the composite mixer identification module marking the first risk period in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the logic of marking the second risk period in the billet response module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the logic of the feature clustering module in an embodiment of the present invention for determining the clustering tendency category of a cast billet.

[0050] In the diagram: 1 - casting billet; 2 - iron core; 31 - coil A; 32 - coil B. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To make the objectives and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described below with reference to embodiments; it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," etc., which indicate the direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 The diagram shown is a functional block diagram of an automated control system for a composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automated control system for a composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to the present invention includes:

[0056] The composite agitator monitoring module is used to acquire the vibration parameters of the composite agitator in the secondary cooling zone and several infrared thermal images of the billet at several times within a preset acquisition period.

[0057] Specifically, the embodiments of the present invention do not specifically limit the structure of the composite agitator monitoring module. Preferably, it can be a vibration acceleration sensor installed on the support structure of the composite agitator in the secondary cooling zone and an infrared thermal imager installed at the outlet of a specific fan-shaped section in the secondary cooling zone, facing the surface of the billet, to obtain vibration parameters and infrared thermal images. The vibration parameters can be vibration acceleration. Of course, other forms can also be used, which will not be elaborated here.

[0058] Specifically, the preset acquisition period and the interval between adjacent moments used for data acquisition can be set by those skilled in the art according to the accuracy requirements of the continuous casting production line control system. The higher the accuracy requirement, the shorter the preset period should be. The preset acquisition period can be in the range of [10, 20], with the unit being min. Preferably, it can be 15 min. The interval can be in the range of [20, 50], with the unit being s. Preferably, it can be 30 s.

[0059] A composite mixer identification module, which is connected to the composite mixer monitoring module, is used to construct a vibration response curve based on several vibration parameters, divide the time domain in which the vibration response curve is located into several time domain detection segments, and determine the vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within the time domain detection segments to mark the first risk period.

[0060] Specifically, the embodiments of the present invention do not specifically limit the structure of the composite stirrer identification module. Preferably, it can be a microprocessor to construct a vibration response curve and mark the first risk period. Of course, other forms can also be used, which will not be elaborated here.

[0061] There are no restrictions on the method for constructing the vibration response curve. For example, the vibration response curve can be fitted using MATLAB correlation fitting software. Of course, other methods can also be used, which will not be elaborated here.

[0062] Specifically, the vibration response curve is constructed with vibration parameters as the vertical axis and time as the horizontal axis.

[0063] Specifically, the number of time-domain detection segments can be set by those skilled in the art based on the accuracy requirements of the continuous casting production line control system. The higher the accuracy requirement, the more segments can be set. The value range can be [8, 15], with the interval unit being a unit. Preferably, it can be 10 segments.

[0064] The billet response module, which is connected to the composite agitator monitoring module, is used to determine the billet temperature characterization value and billet width temperature characterization value based on the infrared thermograms in each of the time-domain detection segments, so as to mark the second risk period.

[0065] Specifically, the embodiments of the present invention do not specifically limit the structure of the billet response module. Preferably, it can be a microprocessor used to mark the second risk period. Of course, other forms can also be used, which will not be elaborated here.

[0066] The feature clustering module is connected to the composite stirrer identification module and the billet response module respectively, and is used to perform time series analysis on each risk period to obtain clustering characterization coefficients, and determine the clustering tendency category of the billet based on the clustering characterization coefficients.

[0067] Specifically, the embodiments of the present invention do not impose specific limitations on the structure of the feature clustering module. Preferably, it can be a processor used in a computer to determine the clustering tendency category of the billet. Of course, other forms can also be used, which will not be elaborated here.

[0068] The control module, which is connected to the feature clustering module, is used to select the control method of the continuous casting process according to the clustering tendency category. This method is to determine the current adjustment range of the composite agitator and the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the clustering characterization coefficient, or to determine whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period, and to determine the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the temperature characterization value during the second risk period.

[0069] Specifically, the embodiments of the present invention do not impose specific limitations on the structure of the control module. Preferably, it can be a microprocessor used to select the control mode of the continuous casting process. Of course, other forms can also be adopted, which will not be elaborated here.

[0070] Specifically, the composite stirrer identification module is used to determine vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within the time-domain detection segment, wherein,

[0071] The composite stirrer identification module is used to obtain the amplitude at several moments within the time domain detection segment, and to determine the variance of the amplitude as the vibration response characterization parameter of the time domain detection segment.

[0072] Please see Figure 2 As shown, this is a schematic diagram of the composite stirrer of the present invention. In this embodiment, the composite electromagnetic stirrer can adopt a dual-inductor structure consisting of a billet 1, an iron core 2, coils, and a magnetic shield. The electromagnetic stirrer has two sets of coils, including coil A31 and coil B32. The iron core is made of stacked silicon steel sheets and divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower. It is assembled and fixed by an A3 steel pressure ring and bolts, forming three stirring zones along the billet pulling direction. The middle zone achieves magnetic field superposition through the middle connecting iron core with connecting teeth, forming a fixed spiral magnetic field stirring zone. The upper and lower zones can achieve flexible switching between multi-dimensional magnetic field / traveling wave magnetic field and traveling wave magnetic field / rotating magnetic field, depending on whether they are installed in the crystallizer or the secondary cooling zone. Two stirring modes are formed by controlling the rotation direction. The overall structure independently controls each coil through a multi-phase power supply, realizing the efficient combination of three magnetic field forms: rotating magnetic field, spiral magnetic field, and traveling wave magnetic field.

[0073] Please see Figure 3 The diagram shown is a logic flowchart of the composite mixer identification module marking the first risk period according to an embodiment of the present invention. The composite mixer identification module is used to mark the first risk period, wherein...

[0074] The composite mixer identification module marks the time-domain detection segment as the first risk period based on the determination result that the vibration response characterization parameter of the time-domain detection segment exceeds the preset vibration response characterization parameter threshold.

[0075] Based on the determination result that the vibration response characterization parameters of the time-domain detection segment do not exceed the preset vibration response characterization parameter threshold, the time-domain detection segment is not marked.

[0076] Specifically, the preset threshold for vibration response characterization parameters is the product of the reference value of the vibration response characterization parameters and the response factor. The reference value of the vibration response characterization parameters is the average value of the vibration response characterization parameters under the same working conditions in historical data. The response factor can be set by those skilled in the art according to the accuracy requirements of the continuous casting production line control system. The higher the accuracy requirement, the smaller the value should be. The value range can be [1.1, 1.2], and preferably, it can be 1.15.

[0077] Specifically, this embodiment of the invention uses a composite agitator identification module to determine vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within a time-domain detection segment, thereby marking the first risk period. It is understood that vibration monitoring relying on overall average or maximum values ​​can easily mask brief, transient abnormal fluctuations. Time-domain segmented analysis allows for more timely identification of brief abnormal vibrations, enabling early and accurate detection of anomalies. The magnitude of the vibration response characterization parameters reflects the intensity or dispersion of the vibration signal fluctuations. Stable-running equipment maintains a low amplitude variance, while during anomalies, the vibration signal becomes unstable, and the vibration response characterization parameters increase significantly. Obtaining these parameters reduces human error. Compared to peak or average values, variance, i.e., the vibration response characterization parameters, can identify continuous intensification of fluctuations and effectively capture intermittent impact signals. It is also insensitive to slow baseline drift, exhibiting stronger anti-interference capabilities and a higher fault identification rate under complex operating conditions. Therefore, it enables rapid marking of risk periods based on multi-source information, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0078] Specifically, it can be understood that the vibration of a composite agitator during operation is a direct physical manifestation of its comprehensive operating state, including electromagnetic force, mechanical structure, and fluid forces. Any abnormality will be reflected in the vibration signal. Constructing a vibration response curve can transform this continuous physical phenomenon into quantifiable parameter characteristics. Dividing it into time-domain detection segments allows the analysis to focus on detailed changes within local time periods, improving the sensitivity to detect transient abnormal events. For a stably operating agitator, its amplitude fluctuates slightly around a mean with a small variance, meaning the vibration response characterization parameter is small. By marking the first risk period using the vibration response characterization parameter, it is possible to quickly mark risk periods based on multi-source information, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0079] Specifically, the billet response module is used to determine several billet temperature characterization values ​​and billet width temperature characterization values ​​based on the infrared thermograms within each of the time-domain detection segments, wherein...

[0080] The billet response module is used to obtain an infrared thermal image at the midpoint of the time-domain detection segment;

[0081] The maximum and minimum temperatures are obtained along the throwing direction, and the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures is determined as the throwing temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment.

[0082] Temperature values ​​at several detection points are obtained along the width of the billet, and the standard deviation of the temperature values ​​is determined as the billet width temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment.

[0083] Specifically, the detection points can be set by evenly distributing them along the width of the billet.

[0084] Please see Figure 4 As shown, this is a logic flowchart of the billet response module marking the second risk period in an embodiment of the present invention. The billet response module is used to mark the second risk period, wherein...

[0085] The billet response module marks the time-domain detection segment as the second risk period based on the determination result that the billet temperature characterization value and the billet width temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment meet the time period marking conditions;

[0086] Based on the determination result that the billet temperature characterization value and the billet width temperature characterization value of the time domain detection segment do not meet the time period marking conditions, the time domain detection segment is not marked.

[0087] The time period marking condition is that the billet temperature characterization value exceeds the preset billet temperature characterization value threshold, or the billet width temperature characterization value exceeds the preset billet width temperature characterization value threshold.

[0088] Specifically, the preset threshold value for billet temperature is the product of the reference value for billet temperature and the billet factor. The preset threshold value for billet width temperature is the product of the reference value for billet width temperature and the billet width factor. The reference value for billet temperature is the average value of billet temperature under the same working conditions in historical data. The reference value for billet width temperature is the average value of billet width under the same working conditions in historical data. The billet factor and the billet width factor can be set by those skilled in the art according to the accuracy requirements of the continuous casting production line control system. The higher the accuracy requirement, the smaller the value should be. The value range of the billet factor can be [1.05, 1.2], preferably 1.1. The value range of the billet width factor can be [1.1, 1.2], preferably 1.15.

[0089] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the billet response module determines the billet temperature characterization value and billet width temperature characterization value based on the infrared thermograms within each time-domain detection segment to mark the second risk period. This simultaneously captures gradient anomalies in the billet direction and distribution anomalies in the billet width direction, avoiding single-dimensional omissions (e.g., focusing only on the longitudinal direction while ignoring transverse corner overcooling), thus improving risk identification coverage. The system corresponds one-to-one with the time-domain detection segments of vibration detection, and sampling at the midpoint ensures that the time anchor points of temperature and vibration data are consistent, providing a high-quality data foundation for subsequent temporal correlation analysis of vibration and temperature risks. This ensures the accuracy of cluster tendency category determination, thereby enabling rapid marking of risk periods based on multi-source information and improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0090] Specifically, it can be understood that the temperature distribution on the surface of the continuously cast billet in the secondary cooling zone is an external manifestation of the interaction between its internal solidification process, heat transfer, and external cooling conditions. Internal solidification anomalies, such as uneven billet shell thickness, will leave imprints on the surface temperature field, which can be captured by infrared thermography. Under stable process conditions, the surface temperature of the billet should show a smooth and continuously decreasing curve from when it comes out of the crystallizer until it is completely solidified. When the value of the billet pulling temperature is too high, it indicates that there is an abnormality of local overcooling or reheating in the pulling direction. Cooling should allow the billet to cool in a relatively stable manner. Uniform and symmetrical cooling on the same cross-section, when the temperature characterization value of the billet width is too large, indicates the presence of significant cold or hot spots on the billet width. This is one of the causes of serious defects such as billet bulging, bending, corner cracks, and center segregation. Infrared thermography is used to obtain the full picture of the surface temperature field of the billet non-contactly. Based on heat transfer and solidification theory, the characteristic parameters that best reflect the solidification quality and process state are extracted from the temperature field. Thus, risk periods can be quickly marked based on multi-source information, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the control system of the continuous casting production line.

[0091] Specifically, the feature clustering module is used to perform time-series analysis on each risk period to obtain clustering characterization coefficients, wherein,

[0092] The feature clustering module is used to sort the first risk period and the second risk period in chronological order;

[0093] The number of time periods in which the first risk period and the second risk period overlap in time is determined as the clustering characterization coefficient.

[0094] Please see Figure 5 The diagram shows the logic flowchart of the feature clustering module in this embodiment of the invention for determining the clustering tendency category of the cast billet. The feature clustering module is used to determine the clustering tendency category of the cast billet based on the clustering characterization coefficients.

[0095] The feature clustering module determines that the clustering tendency category of the billet is an explicit clustering tendency category based on the determination result that the clustering characterization coefficient exceeds the preset clustering characterization coefficient threshold.

[0096] Based on the determination result that the clustering characterization coefficient does not exceed the preset clustering characterization coefficient threshold, the clustering tendency category of the billet is determined to be a non-obvious clustering tendency category.

[0097] Specifically, the preset clustering characterization coefficient threshold is the product of the clustering characterization coefficient reference value and the clustering factor. The clustering characterization coefficient reference value is the mean value of the clustering characterization coefficient under the same working conditions in historical data. The clustering factor can be set by those skilled in the art according to the accuracy requirements of the continuous casting production line control system. The higher the accuracy requirement, the larger the value should be. The value range can be [1.1, 1.25], preferably 1.15.

[0098] Specifically, this invention uses a feature clustering module to determine the clustering tendency category of the billet based on the clustering characterization coefficient. It is understood that when abnormal vibration of the agitator causes an abnormal temperature field in the billet, the occurrence time exhibits a high degree of synchronicity. When vibration and temperature anomalies are caused by different independent factors, their occurrence times are often randomly distributed and lack correlation. By performing temporal overlap analysis on the vibration and temperature risk periods, the root causes of production anomalies can be classified. Calculating the clustering characterization coefficient avoids the limitation of traditional control systems that isolate vibration and temperature anomalies, providing a basis for subsequent implementation of differentiated control strategies. This avoids the predicament of superficial control due to misjudging the root cause of the anomaly, improving the accuracy of quality control and the timeliness of equipment maintenance. Furthermore, it enables rapid determination of the billet's clustering tendency category, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0099] Specifically, the control module is used to select the control method of the continuous casting process according to the clustering tendency category, wherein,

[0100] The control module determines the current adjustment range of the composite stirrer and the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the clustering characteristic coefficient, based on the determination result that the clustering tendency category is an dominant clustering tendency category.

[0101] Based on the determination that the clustering tendency category is a non-obvious clustering tendency category, the system determines whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period, and determines the billet pulling speed adjustment range of the billet based on the temperature characterization value during the second risk period.

[0102] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the feature clustering module determines the current adjustment range of the composite agitator and the billet casting speed adjustment range based on the clustering characterization coefficient under the explicit clustering tendency category. It can be understood that if the explicit clustering tendency category, i.e., the abnormal vibration of the composite agitator and the abnormal temperature of the billet, are highly coupled, the root cause of the abnormality is more likely to be a mismatch between the agitator's stirring effect and the billet solidification process. For example, excessive stirring intensity leads to turbulent steel flow, resulting in uneven temperature distribution, or abnormal solidification progress alters the agitator load, leading to vibration imbalance. The clustering characterization coefficient can quantify the severity of this mismatch. The stirring current directly determines the magnitude of the electromagnetic driving force, thus affecting the stirring intensity and flow uniformity of the steel. The larger the clustering characterization coefficient, the more significant the coupling imbalance between stirring and solidification, leading to billet center segregation, porosity, etc. The higher the risk of quality defects such as cracks, the more necessary it is to adjust the current to optimize the molten steel flow pattern. The billet casting speed determines the billet's residence time in the secondary cooling zone and the position of the solidification front. The larger the clustering characterization coefficient, the more serious the misalignment between the solidification progress and the stirring zone. The more necessary it is to adjust the casting speed to change the spatial position and advancement speed of the solidification front, so that the stirrer can act in a more reasonable solid fraction range. This allows the optimization effect of molten steel flow to be effectively transferred to the solidification process, alleviating uneven temperature distribution, reducing the risk of quality defects, achieving precise quantitative adjustment, avoiding blind operation, dynamically adapting to the degree of imbalance, enhancing the targeting of control, ensuring the stability of production rhythm, balancing quality and efficiency, and thus achieving adaptive adjustment of the control method of continuous casting process, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite stirrer in the continuous casting production line control system.

[0103] Specifically, the control module is used to determine whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period, wherein,

[0104] The control module determines and issues an equipment warning signal based on the judgment result that the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period meet the warning conditions;

[0105] The warning condition is that the average value of the vibration response characterization parameter in each first risk period exceeds a preset average threshold.

[0106] Specifically, the preset mean threshold is the product of the mean reference value and the warning factor. The mean reference value is the average value of the vibration response characterization parameters under the same working conditions in historical data. The warning factor can be set by those skilled in the art according to the accuracy requirements of the continuous casting production line control system. The higher the accuracy requirement, the smaller the value should be. The value range can be [1.05, 1.15], preferably 1.1.

[0107] Specifically, the control module is used to determine the current adjustment range of the composite agitator and the billet casting speed adjustment range, wherein,

[0108] The current adjustment range is positively correlated with the clustering characterization coefficient, and the billet drawing speed adjustment range is also positively correlated with the clustering characterization coefficient.

[0109] The adjustment range of the billet drawing speed is negatively correlated with the billet temperature characterization value and negatively correlated with the billet width temperature characterization value.

[0110] Specifically, the current adjustment range is calculated as (reference value of billet temperature characterization) / (billet temperature characterization value × current factor); the billet speed adjustment range is calculated as (cluster characterization coefficient) / (reference value of cluster characterization coefficient × control factor); the billet temperature characterization reference value is the average billet temperature characterization value under the same working conditions in historical data; the billet width temperature characterization reference value is the average billet width temperature characterization value under the same working conditions in historical data; the current factor and control factor can be calculated by those skilled in the art based on the average of several experimental data; the current factor can be in the range of [0.1, 0.3], preferably 0.2, to avoid the current adjustment of the composite stirrer being too large or too small; the control factor can be in the range of [0.2, 0.4], preferably 0.3, to avoid the billet speed adjustment being too large or too small.

[0111] Specifically, the adjustment range of the billet drawing speed is: first speed factor × reference value of billet temperature characterization / billet temperature characterization value + second speed factor × reference value of billet width temperature characterization value / billet width temperature characterization value. The reference value of billet temperature characterization value is the average value of billet temperature characterization value under the same working conditions in historical data, and the reference value of billet width temperature characterization value is the average value of billet width temperature characterization value under the same working conditions in historical data. The first speed factor and the second speed factor can be calculated by those skilled in the art based on the average of several experimental data. The first speed factor can be 0.4, and the second speed factor can be 0.6.

[0112] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, the feature clustering module determines whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period under the non-obvious clustering tendency category. In the second risk period, the billet pulling speed adjustment range is determined based on the temperature characterization value. It is understood that the non-obvious clustering tendency category, i.e., the agitator vibration anomaly and the billet temperature anomaly, has a low temporal correlation; both are relatively isolated anomalies. Vibration anomalies are mostly caused by mechanical faults in the agitator itself, such as bearing wear, impeller imbalance, or misalignment, rather than coupling imbalance with the solidification process. Temperature anomalies are mostly caused by local process fluctuations. The vibration response characterization parameters can characterize the vibration stability of a single period. The mean value of the vibration response characterization parameters can comprehensively reflect the overall vibration health level of the agitator within a preset collection period. The larger the mean value, the more it indicates that the agitator has vibration instability in multiple periods, rather than instantaneous interference. The impact of water droplets is not a signal of mechanical structural deterioration, such as progressive bearing wear or potential failure. At this time, an equipment warning is issued to prevent the equipment failure from escalating through maintenance intervention. The larger the billet temperature characterization value, the more significant the difference in the longitudinal solidification progress of the billet, and the higher the risk of thermal stress cracking. The larger the billet width temperature characterization value, the more uneven the transverse cooling, and the higher the risk of segregation and cracking caused by corner overcooling and center overheating. Reducing the casting speed can prolong the residence time of the billet in the secondary cooling zone, allowing the cooling system more time to achieve uniform heat exchange, alleviating longitudinal temperature difference and transverse temperature dispersion, and reducing solidification defects caused by temperature anomalies at the root. The larger the billet temperature characterization value and the billet width temperature characterization value, the greater the reduction in casting speed, thereby prolonging the cooling time and promoting temperature field homogenization. In turn, it realizes the adaptive adjustment of the control mode of continuous casting process, improving the efficiency and reliability of the composite agitator in the control system of continuous casting production line.

[0113] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0114] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated control system for a composite agitator in a continuous casting production line, characterized in that, include: The composite agitator monitoring module is used to acquire the vibration parameters of the composite agitator in the secondary cooling zone and several infrared thermal images of the billet at several times within a preset acquisition period. A composite mixer identification module, which is connected to the composite mixer monitoring module, is used to construct a vibration response curve based on several vibration parameters, divide the time domain in which the vibration response curve is located into several time domain detection segments, and determine the vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within the time domain detection segments to mark the first risk period. The billet response module, which is connected to the composite agitator monitoring module, is used to determine the billet temperature characterization value and billet width temperature characterization value based on the infrared thermograms in each of the time-domain detection segments, so as to mark the second risk period. The feature clustering module is connected to the composite stirrer identification module and the billet response module respectively, and is used to perform time series analysis on each risk period to obtain clustering characterization coefficients, and determine the clustering tendency category of the billet based on the clustering characterization coefficients. The control module, which is connected to the feature clustering module, is used to select the control method of the continuous casting process according to the clustering tendency category. This method is to determine the current adjustment range of the composite agitator and the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the clustering characterization coefficient, or to determine whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period, and to determine the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the temperature characterization value during the second risk period.

2. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 1, characterized in that, The composite stirrer identification module is used to determine vibration response characterization parameters based on the fluctuation trend of the vibration response curve within the time-domain detection segment, wherein, The composite stirrer identification module is used to obtain the amplitude at several moments within the time domain detection segment, and to determine the variance of the amplitude as the vibration response characterization parameter of the time domain detection segment.

3. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 2, characterized in that, The composite mixer identification module is used to mark the first risk period, wherein... The composite mixer identification module marks the time-domain detection segment as the first risk period based on the determination result that the vibration response characterization parameter of the time-domain detection segment exceeds the preset vibration response characterization parameter threshold.

4. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 3, characterized in that, The billet response module is used to determine several billet temperature characterization values ​​and billet width temperature characterization values ​​based on the infrared thermograms within each time-domain detection segment, wherein... The billet response module is used to obtain an infrared thermal image at the midpoint of the time-domain detection segment; The maximum and minimum temperatures are obtained along the throwing direction, and the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures is determined as the throwing temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment. Temperature values ​​at several detection points are obtained along the width of the billet, and the standard deviation of the temperature values ​​is determined as the billet width temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment.

5. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 4, characterized in that, The billet response module is used to mark the second risk period, wherein... The billet response module marks the time-domain detection segment as the second risk period based on the determination result that the billet temperature characterization value and the billet width temperature characterization value of the time-domain detection segment meet the time period marking conditions; The time period marking condition is that the billet temperature characterization value exceeds the preset billet temperature characterization value threshold, or the billet width temperature characterization value exceeds the preset billet width temperature characterization value threshold.

6. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 5, characterized in that, The feature clustering module is used to perform time-series analysis on each risk period to obtain clustering characterization coefficients, wherein... The feature clustering module is used to sort the first risk period and the second risk period in chronological order; The number of time periods in which the first risk period and the second risk period overlap in time is determined as the clustering characterization coefficient.

7. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 6, characterized in that, The feature clustering module is used to determine the clustering tendency category of the cast billet based on the clustering characterization coefficients, wherein, The feature clustering module determines that the clustering tendency category of the billet is an explicit clustering tendency category based on the determination result that the clustering characterization coefficient exceeds the preset clustering characterization coefficient threshold. Based on the determination result that the clustering characterization coefficient does not exceed the preset clustering characterization coefficient threshold, the clustering tendency category of the billet is determined to be a non-obvious clustering tendency category.

8. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module is used to select the control mode of the continuous casting process according to the clustering tendency category, wherein, The control module determines the current adjustment range of the composite stirrer and the billet pulling speed adjustment range based on the clustering characteristic coefficient, according to the determination result that the clustering tendency category is an dominant clustering tendency category. Based on the determination that the clustering tendency category is a non-obvious clustering tendency category, the system determines whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period, and determines the billet pulling speed adjustment range of the billet based on the temperature characterization value during the second risk period.

9. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control module is used to determine whether to issue an equipment warning signal based on the vibration response characterization parameters for each first risk period. The control module determines and issues an equipment warning signal based on the judgment result that the vibration response characterization parameters of each first risk period meet the warning conditions; The warning condition is that the average value of the vibration response characterization parameter in each first risk period exceeds a preset average threshold.

10. The automated control system of the composite agitator in a continuous casting production line according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control module is used to determine the current adjustment range of the composite agitator and the billet casting speed adjustment range, wherein, The current adjustment range is positively correlated with the clustering characterization coefficient, and the billet drawing speed adjustment range is also positively correlated with the clustering characterization coefficient. The adjustment range of the billet drawing speed is negatively correlated with the billet temperature characterization value and negatively correlated with the billet width temperature characterization value.

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