Papers by Keyword: Hot Charging

Abstract: The aim of this work is to investigate the dissolution behavior of Nb in hot charging hot rolling configurations. To do so, an indirect experimental procedure is used to quantify the amount of Nb present in solution before rolling. The method is based on the effect of dissolved Nb on static recrystallization kinetics due to its solute drag effect. After different thermal cycles, simulating cold and hot charging conditions, double hit torsion tests have been performed with a 0.23%C steel microalloyed with 0.03% Nb. By means of these tests, the static softening behavior has been determined. Comparison of the recrystallization times allows indirect evaluation of the amount of Nb in solid solution after each treatment. The results have been correlated with the precipitation state of the samples.

Abstract: Comparison of grain growth of fine-grained and coarse-grained austenite in a Nb-V-Ti microalloyed steel during reheating or equalization at the same temperature was investigated using cold-charging and hot-charging specimens respectively in this study. The results show that the different grain growth behavior appears in fine-grained and coarse-grained austenite. The uniform grain growth and lower growth rate at reheating temperature studied was found in fine-grained austenite, while partial grain growth and higher growth rate was present in coarse-grained austenite. During reheating or equalization, the slow growth rate in fine-grained austenite may be contributed to stronger pinning force of fine precipitates while higher grain growth rate in coarse-grained austenite were believed to the result of lager size difference among part of grains. Grain coarsening occurs in fine-grained austenite as result of precipitate unpinning at extending holding time, but coarse-grained austenite remained wide size distribution at the same condition and this should not be considered as grain coarsening. coarse-grained austenite remained wide size distribution at the

Abstract: A rapid flow of materials with little intermediate buffering between steel mill and hot strip mill has many benefits. One is energy savings due to raised charging temperature in the reheat furnaces of the hot strip mill. Another is that tied capital is freed up, thereby improving mill economy. Still, it is not unusual that average lead-time is in the order of days, or even weeks. The aim of the present work was to show how lead-times from casting to rolling could be improved by changes in the scheduling function. A System Dynamics model of a stainless steel strip production facility with continuous caster and hot rolling mill was created. The model was used to study the dynamics of the system in response to changes in parameters that defined the scheduling configuration. More frequent schedule updating generally resulted in less work in process (WIP) and shorter lead times from casting to rolling, with resulting higher charging temperatures. The amount of oscillation in the system was also reduced. More frequent work roll changes were required when scheduling frequency increased, resulting in an increased fraction of setup time in relation to total processing time. Therefore, a development towards increased scheduling frequency may have to be complemented by efforts to reduce changeover times. The conclusion was that dynamic scheduling routines with frequent schedule updating result in better overall performance of the system due to lower WIP and better heat utilization. Dynamic scheduling routines with frequent updates make the system respond better to changes in the system and give better overall performance. The result is lower WIP, increased energy efficiency and less oscillation in the system.