A Systems Approach to the Design of Modern Rolling Mill Automation

An overall systems approach of applying modern automation to rolling mills is provided. Emphasis is placed on the need to establish automation objectives beyond the normal performance objectives of control. For example, system reliability and maintainability, effective human engineering, and data analysis tools are discussed. System design objectives are outlined with special emphasis on designing for quality assurance. An example configuration is included which illustrates the detailed implementation of modern automation design. Several automated mills throughout the Canadian steel industry are highlighted. Recently, the Canadian steel industry has undergone a major expansion program, with two of the world's newest fully automated hot strip mills coming on stream during 1983.