MODELING AND OPTIMIZED CONTROL OF THE BAT CH ANNEALING PROCESS

Cockerill Sambre, with the collaboration of the Faculte Polytechnique de Mons, has developed a mathematical model for the batch annealing pr ocess. In a few minutes, the entire annealing cycle can be simulated. After the parameters of the model have been adjusted and suitably plac ed reference thermocouples have been added in the base, industrial ope n loop control of the process with the model is now being used. The co ntrol of the hot spot is improved, the productivity is increased and t he mechnical properties are closer to specifications. Further applicat ions of the model are under development.