Abstract: A system for determining process parameters for the ladle refinement of steel includes a computer executing a number of software algorithms for determining one or more process parameters for various steel refinement process steps. In one embodiment, for example, the computer is configured to determine the total amount of flux additions to achieve a desired sulfur percentage as part of a steel desulfurization process. In another embodiment, the computer is configured to determine the total quantity of oxygen to be injected into the steel as part of a steel reoxidation process. In still another embodiment, the computer is configured to determine a melting temperature of inclusions within the refined steel, and to determine whether this melting temperature is within an acceptable range to successfully process the steel in a continuous steel strip casting apparatus/process, or whether the steel must be reworked to achieve an acceptable inclusion melting temperature.

Abstract: A method of controlling a continuous steel strip casting process based on customer-specified requirements includes a general purpose computer in which product specifications of steel product ordered by a customer is entered. The computer is configured to automatically map the product specifications to process parameters/set points for controlling the continuous steel strip casting process in a manner to produce the customer ordered product, and in one embodiment produces a process change report detailing such process parameters/set points for operator use in physically implementing such process parameters/set points in the strip casting process. Alternatively, the computer may provide the process parameters/set points directly to the strip casting process for automatic control thereof in producing the customer ordered steel product.

Abstract: A method of controlling a continuous steel strip casting process based on customer-specified requirements includes a general purpose computer in which product specifications of steel product ordered by a customer is entered. The computer is configured to automatically map the product specifications to process parameters/set points for controlling the continuous steel strip casting process in a manner to produce the customer ordered product, and in one embodiment produces a process change report detailing such process parameters/set points for operator use in physically implementing such process parameters/set points in the strip casting process. Alternatively, the computer may provide the process parameters/set points directly to the strip casting process for automatic control thereof in producing the customer ordered steel product.

Abstract: A model-based strategy is provided for determining casting roll operating temperature in a continuous thin strip casting process. A first temperature sensor produces a first temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid supplied to the casting rolls and a second temperature sensor produces a second temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid temperature exiting the casting rolls. A computer determines a heat flux value as a function of the first and second temperature signals, and computes the operating temperature of the casting rolls as a function of the heat flux value, the second temperature signal and a number of constants defined by fixed-valued operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process. A control strategy is also provided to modify one or more operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process as a function of the casting roll temperature.

Abstract: A model-based strategy is provided for determining casting roll operating temperature in a continuous thin strip casting process. A first temperature sensor produces a first temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid supplied to the casting rolls and a second temperature sensor produces a second temperature signal indicative of the temperature of cooling liquid temperature exiting the casting rolls. A computer determines a heat flux value as a function of the first and second temperature signals, and computes the operating temperature of the casting rolls as a function of the heat flux value, the second temperature signal and a number of constants defined by fixed-valued operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process. A control strategy is also provided to modify one or more operating parameters of the continuous thin strip casting process as a function of the casting roll temperature.