Metal Strip Cooling Valve Control Without Flowmeters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling methods for metal strips during power cooling, such as those used in hot rolling, face challenges in precisely and dynamically setting coolant flow, often resulting in overshooting and requiring expensive flowmeters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a control device sets the valve device's opening position steplessly or in steps based on setpoint values, valve characteristics, and upstream/downstream conditions, allowing for precise and reproducible coolant flow adjustment without the need for expensive flowmeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flowmeter is used to detect coolant flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection device that measures upstream conditions (pressure, temperature) of the coolant instead of directly measuring flow. This indirect measurement approach avoids the complexity and cost of flowmeters while still enabling precise coolant flow control through the valve device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flowmeter with a control system that uses upstream condition detection and valve characteristic data to calculate and control coolant flow. This substitution eliminates the need for direct flow measurement hardware while achieving equivalent or superior control precision.
2Device complexity
If a switching valve is used with binary states, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of coolant flow control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static binary switching valve to a dynamic valve device with continuously variable opening positions. The valve can be set to different opening degrees to precisely control coolant flow rate, enabling dynamic and precise flow adjustment while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from binary states (open/closed) to continuous opening position parameters. This allows the valve to provide a range of flow rates by varying the opening degree, achieving precise flow control without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coolant flow is adjusted dynamically, then adaptability is improved, but overshooting occurs and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses upstream condition detection to determine the current state of the coolant before adjustment. The control device calculates the required valve opening position based on this preliminary information and the desired flow rate, enabling smooth transitions that prevent overshooting while maintaining dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the control device continuously monitors upstream conditions and adjusts the valve opening position accordingly. This feedback loop ensures stable coolant flow control by compensating for disturbances and preventing overshooting during dynamic adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A handling line that includes a valve in a feed line that sets the valve to a respective opening position (s) for adjusting a coolant flow (F) to a metal strip per unit of time; an upstream condition detection device upstream of the valve device in the feed line that detects an upstream condition (ZV) of the coolant; a control unit that determines a set point (s*) for an opening position (s) of the valve device corresponding to the set point (F*) for the coolant flow (F) based on a set point (F*) for the coolant flow (F*), the upstream condition (ZV) of the coolant and a valve characteristic (C) of the valve device.