A new mill-setup system for hot strip rolling mill that integrates a process model and expertise

This paper describes a new mill-setup system for a hot strip rolling mill in the iron and steel making industry, that integrates mathematical models and operator expertise. Operator expertise is expressed in terms of roll gap differences between neighbouring rolling stands to avoid excessive rolling loads that may lead to shape defects in the rolled material. The problem is formulated as that of minimizing deviation between the know-how-based roll gap difference pattern and the actual one. Applying the system to an actual plant, it was found that operator intervention was reduced by 80%.