Rolling Train Cooling Control for Strip Temperature and Scale

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling the inlet temperature of rolling stock into a rolling train are inaccurate, leading to unnecessary losses in productivity and quality due to inefficient temperature adjustment and scale formation issues, which affect heat emission and conduction.

Innovation Solution

A method that calculates the total enthalpy and scale formation of the rolling stock using a temperature calculation model, adjusting the cooling device's capacity to achieve a precise temperature distribution, including the use of a pre-strip cooler and temperature measuring devices to control the cooling process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the metal strip is stopped or moved at reduced speed for cooling, then the temperature can be adjusted, but productivity is reduced and scaling problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature adjustmentVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a pre-strip cooler that cools the metal strip before it enters the rolling mill. This pre-cooling allows the strip to reach the optimal temperature range for rolling without requiring speed reductions or stops during the rolling process, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving proper temperature control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-strip cooler acts as an intermediary device between the continuous caster and the rolling mill. It provides a dedicated cooling section that adjusts the strip temperature to the optimal range for rolling, eliminating the need to use speed control as a temperature adjustment mechanism and thus preventing productivity losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the metal strip is stopped or moved at reduced speed for cooling, then the temperature can be adjusted, but scaling problems occur on the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature adjustmentVSAvoidscaling problems
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-strip cooler performs preliminary cooling action before the strip enters the rolling mill, adjusting the temperature in advance when the strip is still in a controlled environment. This prevents the strip from being exposed to air during speed reductions or stops, thereby avoiding oxidation and scaling on the surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the inlet temperature is not accurately controlled, then the rolling process can proceed, but temperature distribution irregularities occur and quality is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling process continuityVSAvoidtemperature distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using temperature measurement devices to monitor the strip temperature at the inlet of the rolling mill and adjusting the cooling capacity of the pre-strip cooler accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate temperature control and uniform temperature distribution, preventing quality issues while maintaining continuous production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the cooling parameters (cooling capacity, water flow rate) based on the measured temperature conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise temperature control and uniform temperature distribution across the strip, ensuring both productivity and manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach allows for accurate prediction and regulation of the inlet temperature, reducing surface defects and improving productivity by ensuring optimal temperature conditions for the rolling process without pauses, and homogenizing temperature irregularities across the rolling stock.

Implementation Method 1

The rolled stock is transported along a conveying direction through the cooling device... exposed to a liquid cooling medium, usually water with or without additives

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The scale layer reduces heat dissipation by radiation and influences heat conduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConduction (thermal): Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The scale layer reduces heat dissipation by radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3993918B1Method for controlling a cooling device in a rolling train
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP3993918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3993918B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3993918B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method and control device for controlling a cooling device (10), which is designed for controlling the temperature of a rolled product, preferably metal strip (B), which runs through the cooling device (10) along a conveying direction (F), wherein the cooling device (10) is preferably arranged upstream of a rolling train and the method comprises: Determining a total enthalpy of the system formed by the rolled product; determining a measure of the formation of scale, which preferably comprises a scale factor that depends on the chemical composition and the surface temperature of the rolled product; calculating a temperature distribution and/or average temperature in the rolled product on the basis of a temperature calculation model that allows for the determined total enthalpy and the measure of the formation of scale; and setting a cooling output of the cooling device (10) while taking into account the calculated temperature distribution and/or average temperature in the rolled product.