A contemplative stance on the automation of continuous casting in steel processing

This paper gives a contemplative stance on the automation of continuous cas ting in steel processing. It gives a brief overview of the control techniqu es used in this industry, typical applications of such techniques, and disc usses supportive technologies that form a critical part of the implementati on of such techniques. The casting process and operational issues are descr ibed. Particular attention is paid to production planning and scheduling, c omputer-aided quality control, and the crucial role that instrumentation pl ays in the automation of a caster. The importance of integrating casting au tomation systems into plant wide production systems, and the development of new instrumentation, are highlighted. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.