Thermal modeling of strip across the transfer table in the hot rolling process

The transfer table is a fundamental stage between the roughing and finishing rolling stands in a hot-strip rolling process. The high temperature of the strip and the long time of its exposure to air at this stage lead to a considerable heat loss in the strip that accounts for its heterogeneous temperature distribution, non- uniform surfaces, reduced product quality, and increased production costs. Strip temperature prediction is essential for calculating the rolling force required and forecasting the resulting microstructure. Reliable prediction of strip temperature is also essential for the proper set up of a hot strip mill. The use of thermal shields on the transfer table is considered to be an effective exterior tool for saving energy and improving the product quality. This paper investigates the temperature distribution and heat loss from a strip passing through the transfer table. For this purpose, the hot rolling process operating at Mobarakeh Steel Complex (MSC), Isfahan, Iran is used under three cases, namely, in the absence of a thermal shield, in the presence of a thermal shield, and using both a thermal shield and a heat source. The results from the numerical solution indicate that the last case is the most beneficial for reducing heat losses and achieving a better temperature distribution in the strip. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.