Continuous Casting Rolling Apparatus Mode Transition Wastage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In minimill processes, there is wastage of steel sheets during the transition from discontinuous rolling to continuous rolling modes due to the cutting and discarding of strands that are not fully utilized.
Innovation Solution
A continuous casting and rolling apparatus with a cutting machine positioned between the first and second rolling units, spaced apart by a distance that ensures the entire strand length is utilized, preventing wastage by allowing seamless switching between rolling modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a cutting machine is positioned close to the second rolling unit to enable quick switching between rolling modes, then the switching speed is improved, but steel sheets are partially discarded during mode transitions causing material wastage
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer zone of sufficient length is introduced between the cutting machine and the second rolling unit. This buffer acts as an intermediary space that allows the cutting machine to operate independently without forcing premature cutting during mode transitions, thereby preventing material wastage while maintaining quick switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer zone is pre-configured with a specific length that is calculated in advance based on the maximum expected transition time and strand speed. This preliminary design ensures that when mode switching is needed, the buffer already exists to accommodate the transition without causing wastage
2Loss of substance
If the distance between the cutting machine and the second rolling unit is increased to prevent wastage, then material utilization is improved, but the equipment footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer length is optimized by adjusting key parameters such as strand speed, cutting frequency, and transition time. By changing these parameters within reasonable ranges, the buffer length is minimized to just enough to prevent wastage, avoiding excessive equipment footprint and complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous casting and rolling apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention provides: a continuous caster for generating a steel sheet; a first rolling unit associated with the continuous caster; and a second rolling unit which is spaced apart in the outlet of the first rolling unit and comprises: a rolling mill for pressing down the steel sheet; and a cutter for cutting a portion of the steel sheet, wherein the cutter is spaced from the second rolling unit by a length corresponding to the length of the steel sheet discharged in an at least discontinuous rolling mode, and may comprise a cut withdrawal unit provided between the first rolling unit and the second rolling unit. In addition, a continuous casting and rolling method according to another embodiment of the present invention is a continuous casting and rolling method in which a continuous rolling mode and a discontinuous rolling mode are switched to and from each other, and may comprise: a continuous casting step for generating a steel sheet; a rolling step for pressing down the steel sheet to a rolling mill after the continuous casting step; and a cutting step for cutting the steel sheet between the continuous casting step and the rolling step in a discontinuous rolling mode, and cutting the steel sheet with a cutter provided by being spaced apart from the rolling mill at an interval corresponding to the length of the steel sheet being cut and discharged in an at least discontinuous rolling mode.