Parallel Casting and Rolling Layout for Continuous Flat Product Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling plants face limitations in productivity and flexibility, particularly when transitioning between endless, semi-endless, and coil-to-coil rolling modes, and are unable to maintain high productivity during interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method and plant configuration with at least three parallel casting lines, including two lateral and one central line, allowing flexible operation in various rolling modes by alternating the use of mobile and fixed tunnel furnace modules to direct slabs to rolling lines, ensuring continuous production even with interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple casting lines work in parallel to feed a single rolling mill, then productivity of the rolling mill is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel furnace is designed with mobile modules that can perform multiple functions: serving as heating furnaces for slabs from any casting line, and alternatively functioning as transfer devices to convey slabs between casting lines and rolling lines. This multi-functionality allows the same equipment to support both endless and semi-endless/coil-to-coil rolling modes, resolving the contradiction by enabling one piece of equipment to handle multiple operational roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel furnace incorporates mobile modules that can dynamically change position and function. These modules can be moved to different locations to either heat slabs or transfer them between lines, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic capability enables the plant to switch between different rolling modes without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each mode.
2Device complexity
If tunnel furnaces act as both heating devices and feed/transport devices, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and operational flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel furnace is segmented into fixed sections and mobile sections. The fixed sections provide stable heating functionality, while the mobile sections can be repositioned to perform either heating or transfer functions. This segmentation allows the furnace to maintain its heating capability while adding transport functionality through the mobile modules, thereby achieving both simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile modules act as intermediaries between the fixed furnace sections and the slabs. These modules can be inserted into or removed from the furnace system to provide transfer functionality when needed, while the fixed furnace sections continue to provide heating. This intermediary approach allows the system to switch between heating-only mode and heating-plus-transfer mode without compromising either function.
3Ease of operation
If the rolling train is aligned with one casting line, then endless rolling mode is enabled, but productivity decreases when other casting lines are stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The tunnel furnaces are designed to serve multiple purposes: they can heat slabs for the rolling line aligned with their casting line, and they can also transfer slabs from other casting lines to rolling lines. This multi-functionality ensures that even when one casting line is stopped, other casting lines can continue producing slabs that are transferred via the tunnel furnaces to active rolling lines, maintaining overall productivity while enabling endless rolling mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunnel furnaces act as intermediary transfer paths between casting lines and rolling lines. When a casting line is stopped, its slabs can be transferred through the tunnel furnace to a different rolling line that is still operational. This intermediary function ensures continuous production flow and maintains productivity even when individual casting lines are stopped for maintenance or other reasons.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method and a plant for obtaining strips (S), wherein the plant has at least three casting lines (11, 12, 13) disposed in parallel, of which two are lateral (11, 13) and one is central (12), and at least two rolling lines (14, 15) aligned with two of said at least three lateral casting lines (11, 12 13).