Modular rolling train, particularly hot rolling train, preferably in conjunction with an upstream casting facility

Abstract

The invention relates to modular rolling train, particularly hot rolling train (1), preferably in conjunction with an upstream casting facility, and to a method for operating a modular rolling train. The rolling train is standardized and modularized by dividing the rolling train into discrete units n and by modularization of the discrete units n. The rolling train can be flexibly adapted to new requirements by swapping a module m1, my.

Description

Area:

[0001] The invention relates to a modular rolling mill, in particular a hot rolling mill, preferably in conjunction with an upstream casting device, and to a method for operating a modular rolling mill. State of the art:

[0002] Rolling mills are used to form metallic starting products. In hot rolling mills in particular, starting products from a primary forming process are formed into an intermediate or final dimension while hot. The hot rolling mills can, for example, be directly connected to a continuous casting plant. Typically, a hot rolling mill has an equalising or reheating furnace for heating and / or homogenising the preliminary product to the desired forming temperature, as well as other units. Depending on the end products to be produced, e.g. the material, the target dimension or the desired degree of forming, these units are then permanently combined and arranged one after the other in a line to form a rolling mill. These are typically rolling stands, transport lines, cooling equipment, cutting equipment, heating equipment and / or surface treatment equipment. This results in a rolling mill that can only be adapted with great effort.

[0003] This also applies analogously to cold rolling mills, where temperatures and / or forming are typically lower and the tolerated dimensional or quality deviations are smaller.

[0004] WO 2011 / 015 365 A1 discloses a rolling mill in which a material-specific temperature control for a microalloyed steel is achieved by additionally incorporating furnaces and / or cooling devices into the rolling mill's continuous line. This ensures that the rolling mill can maintain the times and temperatures necessary for microstructure formation.

[0005] Due to the fixed configuration of each rolling mill, optimization of the manufacturing process is only possible to a limited extent, especially given the increasing demands placed on finished products in terms of material properties and quality. However, short-term adjustments to the rolling mill beyond the adjustment options for a single unit are not possible. Object of the invention:

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to further develop a rolling mill so that it can be flexibly adapted to different finished products, process controls, dimensions, materials and / or quality requirements. Invention:

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved by a modular rolling mill with the features of the Claim 1 and a method for operating a modular rolling mill with the features of the claim 14.

[0008] A rolling mill is divided into discrete units (n), and at least one discrete unit (n) has at least two modules (m). At least one module (m) of the divided discrete unit (n) is interchangeable with another module (m) by means of a transport device assigned to the discrete unit (n), preferably automatically and / or with automated means. By dividing the rolling mill into discrete units and subdividing the discrete units into modules, a modularization of the rolling mill is achieved. The discrete units and / or modules form technical and / or process- or material-related units, through which the rolling mill and thus the process control can be optimized and / or adapted during an exchange so that certain properties of a finished product and / or alternative or new finished products can be produced. This also includes an optimization of the productivity of the rolling mill, for example ifthe replacement of a furnace module can be completed faster than the time required to adjust the furnace's process parameters for a changed finished product.

[0009] A base length, preferably 0.25 m to 5 m, more preferably 0.25 m to 1 m, is provided to divide the rolling mill into a length grid, and the dimensions of at least one discrete unit and / or module of the rolling mill correspond to a base length or are integer multiples of the base length. This represents a simple way to standardize the units or modules. Even if parts of the rolling mill are constructed as conventional, permanently installed units, this design facilitates maintenance and, if necessary, modification of the rolling mill.

[0010] By exchanging a module using a transport device assigned to the discrete unit, the modules can be exchanged for one another more quickly and easily than during a normal conversion process of the rolling mill, e.g. during a maintenance shutdown. The exchange is preferably carried out laterally and essentially perpendicular, particularly preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal extent of the throughput section. This is supported in particular by systematic standardization of the modules used. Preferably, when the exchange is carried out automatically, the interfaces of the modules should adhere to uniform standards with regard to media supply, positioning, control or regulation. This also facilitates the replacement of modules during maintenance work. An exchange using an automatic means preferably takes over the essential work steps when exchanging two modules and reduces manual work in the process.

[0011] Furthermore, a higher-level control or regulation system for the hot rolling mill and associated control or regulation systems for the existing discrete units and / or modules are available. This higher-level control or regulation system can initiate the automatic replacement of unsuitable modules with modules suitable for compliance with the production parameters. Modularization significantly increases the flexibility and complexity of a hot rolling mill compared to a state-of-the-art hot rolling mill. Appropriate control or regulation simplifies plant management and the targeted optimization of the hot rolling mill for different process configurations and / or finished products.

[0012] Preferably, at least one subdivided discrete unit is formed by a technical system, in particular by a roughing unit, a finishing unit, at least one transport unit, and / or at least one heat treatment unit of the rolling mill, and a module of the subdivided discrete unit is formed by an assembly of the technical unit, preferably by a roll set of a roughing stand, a roll set of a finishing stand, a roller table, an encapsulated roller table, a furnace module, a cooling section, a separation system, a surface treatment system, and / or a measuring device. By exchanging one or more such modules, adaptation to different finished products can be achieved particularly easily.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferred if the modules assigned to a discrete unit are at least interchangeable with one another. With this design, it is even possible to use different modules within the discrete unit, thus enabling different process configurations. For example, in a multi-part furnace unit, a furnace module can be replaced by a cooling section or a roller conveyor. Because these can be used in different positions as a replacement and / or within and / or in addition to the furnace unit, very different heat treatment processes can be implemented flexibly.

[0014] In a further embodiment, modules are interchangeable between at least two discrete units by means of a transport process between the respective associated transport devices. This allows modules that fulfill similar functions to be used in or on different discrete units. For example, a roller conveyor can be used both between the rolling stands and in the area of ​​a furnace unit. This reduces the number of modules required and lowers the investment costs.

[0015] Ideally, a subdivided, discrete unit is formed by a heat treatment unit, and at least one module of the heat treatment unit is formed by a furnace, roller table, encapsulated roller table, cooling section, surface treatment, and / or measuring section module. Targeted heat treatment is a key factor in adjusting the properties of the finished product. Improved line adaptability allows for rapid implementation of new properties or optimizations.

[0016] At least one furnace module is designed as a roller-hearth furnace module or an induction heating module. By exchanging these modules, ideal temperature control can be quickly achieved during heat treatment, which is not possible or can be changed in this form and / or speed with permanently installed systems.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferred if a subdivided, discrete unit is formed by a roughing unit, and at least one module of the roughing unit is formed by a roughing stand, preferably with two driven work rolls and / or two backup rolls. In particular, by adjusting the work roll set with a diameter difference of ≥ 6%, preferably ≥ 10%, in the roughing area, a quick response to a changed cast product or starting product is possible.

[0018] It is preferred if a subdivided, discrete unit is formed by a finishing rolling unit, and at least one module of the finishing rolling unit is formed by a finishing rolling stand, preferably with two driven work rolls and / or two backup rolls. By exchanging modules in this unit, it is possible to respond, in particular, to material properties, product properties, and / or quality requirements. For example, the existing work rolls in a rolling stand can be replaced with work rolls that have a diameter difference of ≥ 6%, preferably ≥ 10%. In the rolling stands, it is also advantageous if work rolls and / or backup rolls are interchangeable. Furthermore, cooling sections, roller tables, or heating devices can also be exchanged.

[0019] The rolling mill is preferably a hot rolling mill. Hot rolling mills typically require high furnace temperatures, and changing the temperature control in state-of-the-art systems takes a correspondingly long time. For example, by replacing a hot furnace module with a cooler one, the temperature curve can be adapted to a changed specification much more quickly.

[0020] A casting facility, preferably located upstream of the hot rolling mill, can produce different cast products, preferably of different materials and / or dimensions. The cast products, in particular thin slabs, slabs or billets, can be fed to the hot rolling mill directly after the casting and solidification process. "Direct" as used here means that the cast products do not usually cool down to ambient temperature. However, this may be necessary for certain material groups or types. In this case, provision should preferably be made for a means of introducing and discharging the cast products and for targeted heat treatment. Roll gap adjustment can be advantageous, particularly during the hot forming of cast products from permanent mold castings with a high variability of dimensions and materials. For cast products from continuous casting, optimization with regard to the materials is usually the most effective.

[0021] Ideally, the casting facility is a continuous casting plant, with an interchangeable mold to accommodate changes in the dimensions of the cast product. By changing the mold, the throughput of the continuous casting plant can be quickly varied for a fixed number of cast strands. This allows production output and quality to be adjusted to match each other, and the associated hot rolling mill can also be adapted by exchanging modules.

[0022] A continuous casting facility with an interchangeable mold, a heat treatment unit upstream of a roughing unit, a heat treatment unit between the roughing and finishing rolling units, and downstream of the finishing rolling unit are provided, and the heat treatment unit between the roughing and finishing rolling units has at least two modules. This corresponds in basic design to a conventional hot rolling mill, which can be flexibly adapted to different dimensions and materials thanks to the modularization according to the invention. The finished product here is preferably a hot strip, a blank, or a black bar. By preferably exchanging modules, preferably the modules of the heat treatment unit between the roughing and finishing rolling units, as well as at least one of the two rolling units, the modular rolling mill can be adapted to different materials and dimensions.

[0023] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a method for operating a modular hot rolling mill, preferably according to one of claims 1 to 14, with the features of Claim 15.If a desired change in the format, properties, and / or material of the finished product is required, the process control in the hot rolling mill is adapted based on specified production parameters through the following steps: Checking the modules present in the throughput section to determine whether the production parameters can be achieved by adjusting at least one of the modules, in particular roll gap adjustments and / or cooling parameters. Replacing unsuitable modules, preferably automatically, with modules suitable for compliance with the production parameters. Replacing unsuitable modules, especially automatically, enables the hot rolling mill to be adapted to changed requirements without the need for complex conversion.By replacing modules using an existing transport system in conjunction with a modularized and standardized design, the time required for replacement can be reduced to such an extent that replacing a module does not result in a significant interruption in operations. Preferably, modules are replaced within 90 minutes, more preferably within 30 minutes, and even more preferably within 10 minutes. Particularly preferably, the replacement takes place laterally to the throughput path, and most preferably laterally and perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the throughput path.

[0024] In the sense of the invention, an exchange by means of a transport device means that one module of the hot rolling mill can be replaced by another in a limited number of work steps. To do this, for example, couplings to neighboring modules and / or connecting components are first released. The module is then moved out by horizontal and / or vertical displacement and another module is brought into this position. Ideally, the media supply should remain the same. This allows, for example, furnace temperatures or atmospheres to be maintained. For this purpose, the two modules can be detachably attached to a common device and the exchange takes place via a transverse displacement on a rail structure. The module not in the throughput section can then be detached from the device and replaced by another one if necessary.This significantly increases the flexibility and adaptability of the rolling mill during operation.

[0025] The preferred higher-level control system suggests alternative formats and / or materials if no interchangeable modules suitable for maintaining the production parameters are available. This avoids defective production and increases process reliability, especially when a large number of different modules are in stock. This alternative suggestion makes equal sense for logical production planning, both when comprehensive production planning for the steelworks and rolling mill exists and when it is lacking.

[0026] It is preferred if the higher-level control system for controlling the rolling mill, preferably the hot rolling mill, uses process models for discrete units and / or modules. This simplifies the optimization of process specifications and improves the quality of the finished product.

[0027] Ideally, the higher-level control or regulation system exchanges data with a production planning system. This allows required modules to be prepared before replacement. This can shorten a production interruption and / or ramp-up curve. For example, a furnace module can be heated to a target temperature off-line.

[0028] The higher-level control or regulation system, in conjunction with production planning, optimizes the production sequences in terms of material, dimensions, throughput, and / or deadlines. This allows the number of replacement processes to be reduced to a necessary minimum.

[0029] The following three figures are attached to the description of the invention: Figure 1:Plant diagram of rolling mill Figure 2:Plant diagram of hot rolling mill with continuous casting plant Figure 3:Module exchange with transport device using the example of a furnace module Figure 4:Operation of the higher-level control device

[0030] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the figures mentioned in the form of exemplary embodiments. In all figures, identical technical elements are designated by identical reference numerals.

[0031] Figure 1shows a diagram of a rolling mill 1 divided into discrete units n with n 1 to nx. Some of the discrete units n have at least one subdivision into modules m with m 1 to my. In this example, the rolling mill 1 is divided into the discrete units heat treatment unit n 2 , rough rolling unit n 3 , finish rolling unit n 4 and transport unit n 5. In this example, the discrete units n 2 and n 3 have exchangeable modules m. The modules are exchanged by means of a transport device T assigned to the discrete unit.

[0032] Figure 2shows a schematic representation of a hot rolling mill 1 for a metallic flat product with an upstream continuous casting plant 6. The continuous casting plant 6 consists of at least one discrete unit n 6 , the hot rolling mill 1 has as discrete units n a preheating unit n 21 , a rough rolling unit n 3 , an intermediate heating unit n 22 , a finishing rolling unit n 4 , a transport unit n 5 and a winding unit n 8 , as well as various separation units n 7 . The rolling mill 1 can have further units, such as scale washers, possible induction heating devices, etc. in addition to the modules or units shown in the figure.

[0033] In this embodiment, the discrete unit n 6 of the continuous casting plant 6 has an exchangeable module m in the form of the mold. The mold m 6.1 as module m of the continuous casting plant 6 can be funnel-shaped. Alternatively, a parallel mold m 6.2 is available as an exchangeable module. With a funnel-shaped mold, thickness reduction can be achieved during the solidification process. It is particularly suitable for casting thicknesses in the range of 100 mm to 130 mm. With a parallel mold m 6.2, particularly rapid solidification and a large casting thickness can be achieved. It can be used for larger casting thicknesses of, for example, 150 mm, and is preferably used for the production of peritectic materials and tubular steels.

[0034] In the present embodiment, according to Figure 2 ,The preheating unit n 21 is designed as a non-modular discrete unit n . According to the invention, however, this could be replaced by a discrete unit with at least one interchangeable module. Thus, comparable modules m could be interchangeable with the intermediate heating unit m 22 described later.

[0035] In this exemplary embodiment, the roughing unit n 3 is designed as a two-stand roughing mill in a 4-roll design with driven work rolls. The number of stands can usually vary between 1 and 3. In this example, the interchangeable modules m are the work roll sets m 3.1 and m 3.2, which have different diameter ranges. The work roll diameter ranges between the two roll sets differ by more than the usual wear range of a work roll of around 10% and allow different forming conditions to be set. For example, a work roll module m 3.1 can have a diameter range from 1050 mm to 950 mm and is used for roughing large casting thicknesses up to 150 mm. The interchangeable work roll module m 3.2 can, for example, have a diameter range from 950 mm to 850 mm.The module exchange in the form of one work roll set for another work roll set with a different work roll diameter range creates a roll gap adjustment within the meaning of the invention. The module exchange of the work roll sets m 3.1 , m 3.2 is carried out by a transport device T in the form of a work roll changing device, which removes the work rolls to be replaced from the stand and inserts the replacement rolls.

[0036] The example of the work roll diameter ranges of work roll sets m 3.1 and m 3.2 clearly shows that matching dimensional ranges is possible. This is entirely intentional, as it provides complete and comprehensive coverage of technologically viable production options and thus contributes to improving production flexibility.

[0037] In this exemplary embodiment, the intermediate heating unit n 22 is designed in the form of a discrete unit with a fixed portion and four modules m 22.1, M 22.2, m 22.4 and m 22.5. The two modules m 22.1 and m 22.2 are designed as individual roller hearth furnace modules and are arranged one behind the other along the throughput section D. In addition, the modules m 22.4 and m 22.5 are available in the form of open roller tables as exchange modules. By exchanging the module m 22.1 for the exchange module m 22.4 and / or by exchanging the module m 22.2 for the exchange module m 22.5, a partial length of the intermediate heating unit n 22 is created from an open roller table where the preliminary strip is exposed to appropriate cooling.

[0038] Other module combinations are also conceivable. Thus, the number of modules along the throughput section D from m 22.1 to m 22.x can be chosen as desired, the same applies to the number and / or type of exchangeable modules. Thus, in a variant not shown, a single roller hearth furnace module m 22.1 installed in the throughput section (D) can be exchanged for a single open roller table module m 22.4 or alternatively for an encapsulated roller table module m 22.6 or alternatively a cooling section m 22.7, etc. An overhead crane can be used as the transport device T; automatable embodiments are preferred, as shown in Figure 3 are described in more detail.

[0039] The finishing rolling unit n 4 of the present embodiment is designed as a non-modular, discrete unit. In the exemplary embodiment, the finishing rolling unit n 4 is designed as a 6-stand finishing rolling mill in a 4-roll design with driven work rolls. In an alternative not shown, the finishing rolling mill n 4 can also be designed as a modular, discrete unit. Following the principle of the roughing rolling unit n 3, exchangeable modules with different work roll diameters or cooling devices are then available. However, other exchangeable modules in the form of inter-stand devices, such as leveling units, additional cooling devices, and / or inter-stand heating devices, can also be provided.

[0040] The rolling mill 1 further comprises a transport unit n 5 , in the exemplary embodiment with an integrated cooling section module m 5.4 , and a winding unit n 8 . The various possible embodiments of the cooling section module m 5.4 and the winding unit n 8 are known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art.

[0041] The control device C shown here is connected by signaling to those discrete units n which have modules m. In the rolling mill 1 shown, these are the continuous casting plant 6 with the modules m 6.1 and m 6.2 , the roughing unit n 3 with the modules m 3.1 and m 3.2 , and the intermediate heating unit n 22 with the modules m 22.1 , m 22.2 , m 22.4 and m 22.5 .

[0042] The Figure 3a and Figure 3b show schematically the exchange of a module m with a transport device T using the example of an intermediate heating unit n 22 , as well as a transport unit n 5 in side view ( Figure 3a ) and top view ( Figure 3b ). In the Figure 3 Various transport devices T and designs are shown combined for example purposes.

[0043] The intermediate heating unit n 22 consists of three modules m 22.1 , m 22.2 and m 22.3 , which are arranged one behind the other in the throughput section D and are designed as roller hearth furnace modules. Each of the modules m is mounted on a rail system S1 belonging to the transport devices T, which extends transversely to the throughput section in the direction of the double arrow P1 and on which the module m, which can be moved into or out of the throughput section, can be transported. This rail system is shown in dash-dotted lines in the plan view. Two exchange modules are mounted in a position adjacent to the direction of travel; in this case, an open roller table m 22.4 and an encapsulated roller table m 22.6 are positioned parallel to the throughput section D.

[0044] In one variant, the roller hearth furnace module m 22.3 can be exchanged simultaneously with the open roller table module m 22.4 in a simple, semi-automatic or fully automated manner through a connected operation. For this purpose, the cylinder T 1 , as a further component of the transport device T, is coupled to the roller table module m 22.4, and the two modules are moved together perpendicular to the throughput section D, so that the roller table module m 22.4 is now positioned in the throughput section.

[0045] In a further design variant, which is shown using the example of the middle roller hearth furnace module m 22.2, either the module m 22.4 or the module m 22.6 can be used as the replacement module. For this design variant, a second rail system S2 belonging to the transport device T must be provided parallel to the throughput section D, which runs as a double line with a full and dashed line in the direction of the arrow P2. To replace the roller hearth furnace module m 22.2, the position on the second rail system S2 transverse to the throughput section D must initially be unoccupied. By a drive device T 2 belonging to the transport device T, in this variant a motor with pinion and rack, the roller hearth furnace module m 22.2 is transported from the throughput section D onto the axis of the transport section in the direction of the arrow P2 and then moved on the rail set S2. If the encapsulated roller table module m 22.6 are introduced into the throughput section D, the modules m located on the rail set S2 are moved so that the module m 22.6 is located in front of the rail system of the transport device of the middle module and can then be transported into the throughput section D. The roller hearth furnace module m 22.1 can be replaced in the same way.

[0046] The exchange of modules m between two discrete units n is shown with regard to the transport unit n 5. The transport unit n 5 has two roller table modules m 5.1 and m 5.2, which can be moved on the rails S3 via assigned transport devices T. The transport options correspond to those described for the intermediate heating unit n 22. An additional inductive heating module m 5.3 is assigned to the transport unit n 5. The roller table module m 5.2 can be exchanged for the roller table module m 22.4 assigned to the intermediate heating unit n 22 using the method described above, for example for repair reasons. The positioning and movement in the direction of the arrows P1 and P2 takes place as already described. Likewise, the inductive heating module m 5.3 assigned to the transport unit m 5 can replace the roller table module m 5 within the transport unit n 5.1 and thus increase the total heating capacity; alternatively, it can be placed at any position within the intermediate heating unit n 22 if required. The exchange of modules m between two different discrete units n can thus further increase the flexibility of the entire system.

[0047] The Figure 4shows an exemplary embodiment of the operation of a higher-level controller C. The control unit C receives data on the target product to be manufactured with regard to the alloy, dimensions and metallurgical properties. In addition, the control unit C must know the current composition of all discrete units n 1 to nx with their modules m 1 to my in the throughput section D and the exchange modules. This composition results in a current system configuration. The next step is to determine whether the production of the target product is possible with the current composition of all discrete units n with their modules m in the throughput section D. For this purpose, the control unit performs extensive calculations. It is useful if the control device for the calculations is linked to other calculation systems or can exchange data.A link to a casting model or a pass schedule calculator can support and simplify the calculations required for the decision. Further links to a cooling model, a profile and flatness model, an energy consumption calculation (e.g., based on a model), and other models can be provided.

[0048] If the calculation result confirms that the target product can be manufactured with the current plant configuration, production is initiated. If the feasibility is negative, the control unit asks whether an alternative target product should be manufactured.

[0049] If the answer is yes, a modified target product is set. By setting a new target product, even a short downtime for a necessary module replacement can be avoided, resulting in increased productivity. Products that can be manufactured on a uniform system configuration of all discrete units can be manufactured as a sequence. For this reason, it is helpful to link the setting of the new target product to a production planning system or production control plan. Linking it to maintenance planning, which, for example, stipulates regular intervals for roll or mold changes, can also influence this decision.

[0050] If the production of an alternative target product is rejected, the control unit determines the required configuration of modules m, in conjunction with the configuration of all discrete units n in the throughput line. In the next step, the necessary replacement of those modules m that are necessary to achieve the required configuration is initiated. This results in a new, updated configuration of all discrete units n with modules m in the throughput line D being ready for the production of the target product. A modified plant configuration is present, and production can be initiated.

[0051] Optionally, the control system can also integrate a change of operating mode for the production of a target product. This is Figure 4with the dashed additional queries and specifications. Operating a hot rolling mill 1 in various operating modes increases its flexibility and its production spectrum. Operating modes ranging from continuous production to batch operation, as well as various intermediate modes, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. In conjunction with the modular design of hot rolling mill 1, the availability of multiple operating modes allows for even greater flexibility and an even wider production spectrum.

[0052] The current operating mode must be known for the control system to function. If the question about producing an alternative target product is answered negatively, the control system then determines whether the intended target product can be produced using a different operating mode. To do this, the control system performs various calculations, which can be supported by the models already listed, etc. If the answer is yes, the operating mode is changed, thus enabling the production of the target product. If the answer is negative, the usual next step is initiated to determine the necessary configuration of modules m.

[0053] Control system C can be connected online to hot rolling mill 1 and / or continuous caster 6 via signaling. However, it can also operate offline. Offline operation can simulate production sequences and thus optimize advance production planning.

[0054] By considering the hot rolling mill as a whole and subdividing it into discrete units n, at least one of which has several modules m, a step is taken away from a punctual consideration of individual units towards an overall system consisting of connected units n with modules m. The combination of the modules m in conjunction with the sum of the discrete units n within the throughput section D, but also as available exchange modules, allows the entire hot rolling mill to be expanded in terms of its flexibility and its possible production spectrum. Table 1: Reference symbols number Description 1 rolling mill 6 Continuous casting plant C Higher-level control D Throughput route m module m 22.1 Roller hearth furnace module m 22.2 Roller hearth furnace module m 22.3 Roller hearth furnace module m 22.4 Open roller table module m 22.5 Open roller table module m 22.6 Encapsulated roller table module m 22.7 Cooling section module m 3.1 First work roll set as a module of the pre-rolling unit m 3.2 Second work roll set as a module of the pre-rolling unit m 5.1 Roller table module m 5.2 Roller table module m 5.3 Inductive heating module m 5.4 Cooling section module m 6.1 Funnel-shaped mold as the first module of the continuous casting plant m 6.2 Parallel mold as the second module of the continuous casting plant my Module y N Discrete unit n 1 First discrete unit as a transport unit n 2 Heat treatment unit n 2 Second discrete unit as n 21 Preheating unit n 22 Intermediate heating unit n 23 drive device n 24 drive device n 3 Pre-rolling unit n 3 Pre-rolling unit n 4 Finishing rolling unit n 4 Finishing rolling unit n 5 transport unit n 7 Separation unit nx Discrete unit x P1 Direction arrow P2 Direction arrow S1 rails S2 rails S3 rails T Transport device T 1 cylinder T2 drive unit

Claims

1. Modular rolling train, particularly a hot-rolling train, preferably in conjunction with an upstream casting facility, comprising at least one heat treating unit, a rough-rolling unit, a finish-rolling unit and a transport unit for the reshaping of a metallic starting product to form a finished product along a transit path of the starting product through the rolling train, wherein - the rolling train is subdivided along the transit path into discrete units (n); and - at least one discrete unit (n) comprises at least two modules (m), characterised in that - at least one module (m) of the subdivided discrete unit (n) is exchangeable for another module (m) automatically and / or by automatic means by way of a transport device (T) associated with the discrete unit (n), - a basic length, preferably 0.25 m to 5 m, still more preferably 0.25 m to 1 m, is present for division of the rolling train in a length grid, - the dimensions of the discrete unit (n) and / or a module (m) of the rolling train (1) are an integral multiple of the basic length, - a superordinate control or regulation (C) for the rolling train (1) and thereby respectively connected controlling or regulating actions for the discrete units (n) and / or modules (m), which are present, are present, and - automatic exchange of unsuitable modules (m) for modules (m) suitable for maintaining the production parameters can be effected by the superordinate control or regulation (C).

2. Modular rolling train according to claim 1, characterised in that - at least one subdivided discrete unit (n) is formed by a technical installation, particularly by a rough-rolling unit, a finish-rolling unit, at least one transport unit and / or at least one heat treating unit of the rolling train (1), and - a module (m) of the subdivided discrete unit (n) is formed by a subassembly of the technical unit, preferably by a roll set of a rough-rolling stand, a roll set of a finish-rolling stand, a roller path, an encapsulated roller path, a furnace module, a cooling path, a separating installation, a surface treatment installation and / or a measuring device.

3. Modular rolling train according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the modules (m) associated with a discrete unit (n) are at least interchangeable.

4. Modular rolling train according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least in the case of two discrete units (n) modules (m) are interchangeable by means of a transport procedure between the respectively associated transport devices (T).

5. Modular rolling train according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - a subdivided discrete unit (n) is formed by a heat treating unit, and - at least one module (m) of the heat treating unit is formed by a furnace module, a roller path module, an encapsulated roller path module, a cooling path module, a surface treatment module and / or a measuring path module.

6. Modular rolling train according to claim 6, characterised in that the furnace module is configured as a roller hearth furnace module.

7. Module rolling train according claim 6, characterised in that the furnace module is configured as an induction heating module.

8. Modular rolling train according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - a subdivided discrete unit (n) is formed by a pre-heating unit and - at least one module (m) of the rough-rolling unit is formed by a rough-rolling stand, preferably with two driven work rolls and / or two backing rolls.

9. Modular rolling train according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - a subdivided discrete unit (n) is formed by a finish-rolling unit and - at least one module (m) of the finish-rolling unit is formed by a finish-rolling stand, preferably with two driven work rolls and / or two backing rolls.

10. Modular rolling train according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - the rolling train (1) is a hot-rolling train, - different casting products, preferably different materials and / or dimensions, can be produced by an upstream casting device, and - the cast products, particularly billets, slabs or thin slabs, can be fed to the hot-rolling train directly subsequent to the casting and hardening process.

11. Modular rolling train according to claim 11, characterised in that - the casting device is a continuous casting plant (6) and - the mould is exchangeable for change in dimension.

12. Modular rolling train according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - a continuous casting plant (6) with an exchangeable mould, a heat treating unit upstream of a rough-rolling unit, a heat treating unit between the rough-rolling unit and finish-rolling unit and a heat treating unit downstream of the finish-rolling unit is present, and - the heat treating unit comprises at least two modules (m) between rough-rolling unit and finish-rolling unit.

13. Modular rolling train according to claim 12, characterised in that the modular rolling train is adaptable to different materials and dimensions by change of modules (m), preferably the modules (m) of the heat-treating unit between rough-rolling unit and finish-rolling unit as well as the two rolling units.

14. Method of operating a modular rolling train according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein in the case of a desired change of format and / or material of the finished product the process management in the rolling train is adapted on the basis of predetermined production parameters by the work steps of: - checking the modules (m) present in the transit path (D) with regard to whether the production parameters are achievable by adaptation of the module (m), particularly rolling gap adaptations and / or cooling parameters; - exchange, preferably automatic exchange, of unsuitable modules (m) for modules (m) suitable for maintaining the production parameters.

15. Method of operating a modular rolling train according to claim 14, characterised in that the exchange of modules (m) takes place within 90 minutes, preferably 30 minutes, still more preferably 10 minutes.

16. Method of operating a modular rolling train according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the superordinate control or regulation (C) proposes alternative formats and / or materials if no modules (m) suitable for maintenance of the production parameters are exchangeable.

17. Method of operating a modular rolling train according to claim 16, characterised in that - the superordinate control or regulation (C) for controlling or regulating the rolling train (1) uses process models for discrete units (n) and / or modules (m).

18. Method of operating a modular rolling train according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the superordinate control or regulation (C) exchanges data with a production planning system.

19. Method of operating a modular rolling train according to claim 16 to 18, characterised in that the superordinate control or regulation (C) in conjunction with a production planning system optimises the production sequences with respect to material, dimension, throughput and / or deadline.

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