Application of modern control to a continuous anneal line

A state-variable design approach is developed to control strip temperature in a continuous anneal process producing a variety of high-strength low-alloy steels. In this process, a steel strip passes continuously through five consecutive heat-treating operations to achieve desired metallurgical properties for the automotive industry market. Each operation is controlled by an individual controller designed to maintain the tight strip temperatures required for the product mix. Linear quadratic Gaussian control techniques are used to develop the control system.<
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