Aluminum Hot Strip Rolling Layout for Precise Temperature-Time Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aluminum hot strip rolling mills lack the ability to independently adjust and control the temperature-time path during the hot rolling process, limiting the material properties of the produced aluminum alloys and requiring additional processing steps, while also facing challenges with compact design and maintenance accessibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an intermediate stand cooling system and a cooling section at the exit of the tandem finishing rolling train, along with a trimming shear and strip drying unit, to allow for precise control of cooling curves and temperature adjustments, enabling targeted temperature control and reduced production time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If compact tandem rolling mill design with short stand spacing is used, then installation space is reduced and productivity is improved, but maintenance accessibility of equipment deteriorates and strip centricity control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tandem rolling mill is divided into multiple independent stands (first stand, second stand, third stand, etc.) with distinct functions. Each stand can be independently maintained or adjusted without shutting down the entire line, as the continuous processing capability allows intermediate storage and re-threading of strips. This segmentation enables maintenance of individual components while preserving overall productivity.
2Area of stationary object
If compact tandem rolling mill design with short stand spacing is used, then installation space is reduced, but strip centricity control deteriorates due to lateral drift
Solution Approach 1:
Tension measuring rolls are installed between stands to continuously monitor strip tension and position. This feedback system detects lateral drift early and allows automatic adjustment of guiding mechanisms or rolling parameters to maintain centricity, even in compact configurations with short stand spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
Transfer tables and guiding mechanisms act as intermediaries between stands, actively controlling strip position and orientation. These intermediary devices compensate for lateral drift by mechanically adjusting the strip path, ensuring centric alignment is maintained despite reduced stand spacing.
3Productivity
If rolling speed is increased to achieve coiling temperature above 300°C in compact mills, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision of temperature-time path deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control process is segmented into distinct zones: heating zone in the first stand, controlled cooling zone in intermediate stands, and final cooling zone before the coiler. Each zone has independent cooling capability, allowing precise control of the temperature-time path even at high rolling speeds by adjusting cooling in each segment independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes cooling parameters (water flow rate, spray intensity) in different stands based on real-time temperature measurements. This allows the temperature-time path to be precisely controlled by adjusting parameters in each zone independently, maintaining manufacturing precision despite high rolling speeds.
4Manufacturing precision
If cooling section is added to control strip temperature, then temperature-time path control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling stands serve multiple functions: they perform the primary rolling function and simultaneously serve as cooling zones through integrated water spray systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling sections, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is merged with the rolling stands by integrating water spray nozzles and cooling channels directly into the stand structures. This combination consolidates multiple functions into unified components, reducing the number of separate devices and simplifying the overall system while achieving precise temperature control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for improved microstructure control, increased production output, and the ability to produce aluminum alloys with enhanced mechanical properties without the need for additional cold rolling steps, while maintaining a compact mill design and preventing surface defects.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling of a few degrees Celsius caused by natural convection between the last stand and the coiler
Implementation Method 2
the cooling section...allows to cool down the aluminum hot strip to a coiling temperature
Implementation Method 3
interstand cooling systems...arranged between the individual tandem rolling stands
Implementation Method 4
the temperature-dependent recrystallization and diffusion processes that occur during hot rolling of aluminum
Implementation Method 5
the temperature-dependent recrystallization and diffusion processes that occur during hot rolling of aluminum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an aluminum hot strip rolling train comprising a multi-stand tandem finish rolling train (2) with at least one winding reel (8) arranged downstream in the rolling direction and at least one paired cooling section (4). The aim of the invention is to provide a solution which allows cooling curves and temperature-time paths in the rolling stock to be adjusted in an improved manner during an aluminum hot strip rolling process in a tandem finish rolling train. This is achieved in that the at least one cooling section (4) is arranged in the discharge region of the aluminum hot strip rolling train, and the tandem finish rolling train (2) is paired with at least one trimmer (6) arranged downstream in the rolling direction.