NEW PROCESS-CONTROL SYSTEM OF HOOGOVENS HOT STRIP MILL - KEY TO IMPROVED PRODUCT QUALITY

A modernisation programme for Hoogovens' no. 2 hot strip mill was initiated in 1984. One of the objectives was to improve product quality. To achieve this goal, a new advanced process control system was required. The new system contains a new generation of setup and control models, to a great extent derived from offline mathematical models, describing the physics of the rolling process. The new process control system in the finishing mill and runout table area was commissioned simultaneously with the new mill automation system. A short description is given of the computer system and the main features of the new process control in the finishing mill area. Various precommissioning activities were of vital importance to bring the new system successfully into operation. Results after one year in operation are presented.