EP2873469A1 - Operating method for a cooling section - Google Patents

Abstract

A flat rolling stock (1) is transported through a cooling section (2), so that sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) successively pass through active areas (8, 9) of cooling devices (6, 7). The sections (15) are assigned virtual rolling stock points (P). During the transport of the sections (15) through the cooling section (2), a tracking of the sections (15) is performed with one working cycle ('t'). The cooling devices (6, 7) are controlled according to the corresponding rolling material points (P) for the cooling devices (6, 7) associated with actual cooling capacities (mi). As a result, in each case the portion (15) located in the effective region (8, 9) of the respective cooling device (6, 7) is subjected to a respective amount of coolant. The cooling devices (6, 7) are divided into released and non-released cooling devices. Iteratively, one rolling stock point (P) is picked out in each case. Before the corresponding section (15), starting from an initial location (xA), reaches the effective area (8, 9) of the next released cooling device (6, 7), a state (E) is determined which the corresponding rolling point (P) at Initial location (xA) has.

Description

• wobei die Kühlstrecke eine Vielzahl von Kühleinrichtungen aufweist,
• wobei das Walzgut durch die Kühlstrecke transportiert wird, so dass Abschnitte des Walzgutes Wirkbereiche der Kühleinrichtungen nacheinander durchlaufen,
• wobei den Abschnitten des Walzgutes jeweils ein virtueller Walzgutpunkt zugeordnet wird,
• wobei während des Transports der Abschnitte des Walzgutes durch die Kühlstrecke mit einem Arbeitstakt eine Wegverfolgung der Abschnitte des Walzgutes durchgeführt wird und die Kühleinrichtungen entsprechend den korrespondierenden Walzgutpunkten für die jeweiligen Kühleinrichtungen zugeordneten tatsächlichen Kühlleistungen gesteuert werden und dadurch jeweils der im Wirkbereich der jeweiligen Kühleinrichtung befindliche Abschnitt des Walzgutes mit einer jeweiligen Kühlmittelmenge beaufschlagt wird.

The present invention relates to an operating method for a cooling line for cooling a flat rolling stock,

• the cooling section having a plurality of cooling devices,
• wherein the rolling stock is transported through the cooling section, so that sections of the rolling stock pass through effective ranges of the cooling devices,
• wherein each of the sections of the rolling stock is assigned a virtual rolling stock point,
• wherein during the transport of the sections of the rolling stock through the cooling section with a power stroke, a tracking of the sections of the rolling stock is performed and the cooling devices are controlled according to the corresponding Walzgutpunkten for the respective cooling means associated actual cooling performance and thereby each of the effective range of the respective cooling device located portion of the Rolled good is applied with a respective amount of coolant.

The present invention further relates to a computer program comprising machine code which can be executed by a control device for a cooling line, wherein the processing of the machine code by the control device causes the control device to operate the cooling section according to such an operating method.

The present invention further relates to a control device for a cooling section, wherein the control device is programmed with such a computer program.

• wobei die Kühlstrecke eine Vielzahl von Kühleinrichtungen aufweist, mittels derer jeweils ein in einem Wirkbereich der jeweiligen Kühleinrichtung befindlicher Abschnitt des Walzgutes mit einer jeweiligen Kühlmittelmenge beaufschlagt wird,
• wobei die Kühlstrecke eine Transporteinrichtung aufweist, von der das Walzgut durch die Kühlstrecke transportiert wird, so dass die Abschnitte des Walzgutes die Wirkbereiche der Kühleinrichtungen nacheinander durchlaufen,
• wobei die Kühlstrecke eine derartige Steuereinrichtung aufweist, welche die Kühlstrecke gemäß einem derartigen Betriebsverfahren betreibt.

The present invention further relates to a cooling section for cooling a flat rolling stock,

• wherein the cooling section has a plurality of cooling devices, by means of which each one in an effective range the respective cooling device befindlicher portion of the rolling stock is acted upon with a respective amount of coolant,
• wherein the cooling section has a transport device, from which the rolling stock is transported through the cooling section, so that the sections of the rolling stock pass through the effective areas of the cooling devices in succession,
• wherein the cooling section comprises such a control device which operates the cooling section according to such an operating method.

In the production of flat rolled metal usually takes place after rolling in a finishing mill usually cooling in a cooling section. In the cooling section, the flat rolling stock is cooled in a predetermined manner. The cooling influences in particular the material properties of the flat rolling stock. To achieve particularly favorable material properties, it is in many cases not sufficient to set only one temperature at the outlet of the cooling section. In many cases, a precisely defined course of the temperature (or the enthalpy or another variable that is characteristic of the energy content) must be adhered to. The flat rolling stock may for example be a metal strip, in particular a steel strip. Alternatively, it may be a plate.

For cooling the flat rolling stock, the cooling section has a plurality of individually controllable cooling devices via which the rolling stock is exposed to a coolant (usually a liquid coolant, usually water or water with additives). In some cases, only the top of the rolling stock is acted upon by the cooling means with the coolant. In other cases, the top side is acted upon by a first part of the cooling devices and the coolant is applied to the underside of the rolling stock via a second part of the cooling devices. The cooling devices may be continuously adjustable or provided with on-off valves.

In the prior art, various approaches for the operation of a cooling line are known.

For example, from the EP 0 997 203 B1 or the corresponding one US Pat. No. 6,185,970 B1 It is known to continuously calculate and observe the temperature state of a metal strip over the length of the cooling section, to compare this temperature curve with a reference temperature curve and to regulate the control deviations individually over the cooling section length.

From the DE 199 63 186 A1 or the corresponding one US 2003/0 089 431 A1 It is known to specify for the rolling stock each have their own time course of cooling, carry out a tracking of the rolling stock through the cooling section and to control the cooling devices respectively according to the temporal course of the cooling that rolling point on which the respective cooling device acts straight.

From the EP 2 361 699 A1 or the corresponding one US 2012/0318478 A1 a method for cooling a heavy plate is known, wherein by means of cooling, a predetermined target state of the heavy plate is set at the exit of the cooling section or behind it. In this method, in particular, a targeted division of the applied coolant quantity is made in a subset applied from above and from below onto the heavy plate. By this measure, in particular an unevenness of the plate should be counteracted. The cooling devices are individually controlled.

Certain steels have particularly strict requirements for the temporal cooling process. They must be partially cooled to relatively low temperatures. At temperatures below about 350 ° C, however, the vapor film, which normally separates the coolant from the surface of the rolling stock, collapses. As a result, the heat transfer from the rolling stock to the coolant is highly nonlinear. The process is difficult to model causes a significantly uneven cooling in particular between the top and bottom of the rolling stock and sometimes even leads to plastic deformation of the cooled rolling stock. This negatively affects the quality of the rolling stock.

The object of the present invention is to provide possibilities by means of which an improved operation of the cooling section is possible.

The object is achieved by an operating method for a cooling section with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the operating method are the subject of the dependent claims 2 to 16.

• dass die Kühleinrichtungen in freigegebene Kühleinrichtungen und nicht freigegebene Kühleinrichtungen unterteilt werden,
• dass iterativ jeweils ein virtueller Walzgutpunkt herausgegriffen wird und, bezogen auf den jeweiligen virtuellen Walzgutpunkt, folgende Schritte durchgeführt werden, bevor der korrespondierende Abschnitt des realen Walzgutes, ausgehend von einem vorbestimmten Anfangsort, den Wirkbereich der nächsten freigegebenen Kühleinrichtung erreicht:
  • - es wird ein Zustand ermittelt, den der korrespondierende Abschnitt des Walzgutes am Anfangsort der Kühlstrecke aufweist,
  • - anhand einer gegebenen Gesamtkühlfunktion wird für den Walzgutpunkt eine Gesamtkühlmittelmenge ermittelt und dem Walzgutpunkt als Restkühlmittelmenge zugeordnet,
  • - der Transport des Walzgutpunktes durch die Kühlstrecke wird unter Verwendung eines Fahrdiagrammms bis zu einem vorbestimmten Zielort rechnerisch simuliert,
  • - während der Simulation wird mittels eines Modells die zeitliche Entwicklung des Zustands des Walzgutpunktes mitgerechnet,
  • - jedes Mal, wenn der Walzgutpunkt den Wirkbereich einer der freigegebenen Kühleinrichtungen erreicht, wird anhand des dann aktuellen Zustands des Walzgutpunktes unter Verwendung einer der jeweiligen freigegebenen Kühleinrichtung zugeordneten Kühlkurve eine jeweilige vorläufige Kühlleistung ermittelt, dem Walzgutpunkt für die jeweilige freigegebene Kühleinrichtung der kleinere der beiden Werte vorläufige Kühlleistung und Restkühlmittelmenge als endgültige Kühlleistung zugeordnet und die Restkühlmittelmenge um die endgültige Kühlleistung reduziert,
  • - anhand des Zustandes des Walzgutpunktes am Zielort wird eine Istgröße des Walzgutpunktes am Zielort ermittelt und mit einer vorgegebenen Zielgröße verglichen und anhand des Vergleichs die Gesamtkühlfunktion angepasst, und
• dass unter Verwendung der für den herausgegriffenen Walzgutpunkt ermittelten endgültigen Kühlleistungen die tatsächlichen Kühlleistungen für eine Anzahl an Walzgutpunkten ermittelt werden und den entsprechenden Walzgutpunkten unter Zuordnung zur jeweiligen freigegebenen Kühleinrichtung zugeordnet werden.

According to the invention, an operating method of the initially mentioned type is configured by

• that the cooling devices are subdivided into released cooling devices and unreleased cooling devices,
• that a virtual rolling stock point is iteratively picked out in each case and, based on the respective virtual rolling stock point, the following steps are carried out before the corresponding section of the real rolling stock, starting from a predetermined starting location, reaches the effective range of the next released cooling device:
  • a state is determined which the corresponding section of the rolling stock has at the starting location of the cooling section,
  • based on a given total cooling function, a total coolant quantity is determined for the rolling stock point and assigned to the rolling stock point as a residual coolant quantity,
  • the transport of the rolling stock point through the cooling section is mathematically simulated using a driving diagram up to a predetermined destination,
  • during the simulation, the temporal development of the condition of the rolling stock point is included by means of a model,
  • - Each time the rolling stock reaches the effective range of one of the released cooling devices, a respective provisional cooling capacity is determined based on the then current state of the rolling stock using a respective cooling device associated cooling curve, the Walzgutpunkt for the respective released cooling device of the smaller of the two values assigned provisional cooling capacity and residual coolant quantity as the final cooling capacity and the residual coolant quantity reduced by the final cooling capacity,
  • - Based on the state of the rolling stock at the destination an actual size of the rolling stock at the destination is determined and compared with a predetermined target size and adjusted based on the comparison, the overall cooling function, and
• that the actual cooling capacities for a number of rolling stock points are determined using the final cooling capacities determined for the selected rolling stock point and assigned to the corresponding rolling stock points allocated to the respective released cooling device.

The division of the cooling devices into shared and non-released cooling devices can be done as needed. For example, cooling devices can not be released because they are defective and / or because they are too close to the initial location. In principle, however, an arbitrary blocking (i.e., non-release) of cooling devices is possible and conceivable. The share of shared cooling devices can be up to 100% of the cooling devices in extreme cases, so that all cooling devices are released.

Insofar as cooling devices not released from the rolling stock point are passed, cooling capacities applied by these cooling devices are indeed taken into account within the framework of the development of the state of the rolling stock point. However, the cooling performance of these cooling devices are not in the frame the procedure according to the invention, but otherwise determined. As far as the procedure according to the invention is concerned, the cooling capacities of these cooling devices are taken for granted.

The actual size and the target size may be temperatures in particular.

The state of the rolling stock point comprises at least one energy quantity. The energy quantity may be, for example, the enthalpy or the temperature. In the simplest case, the energy size can be a scalar. In general, however, it will be a distribution at least in the thickness direction of the rolling stock. Furthermore, the selected Walzgutpunkt in addition to the energy quantity further, the state of the respective section of the rolling stock descriptive variables can be assigned. In this case, the other sizes are taken into account in carrying out the steps following the picking of the rolling stock point. Examples of such variables may in particular be the phase components of the respective section of the rolling stock.

The cooling capacities may be characteristic, for example, for an absolute or relative coolant quantity or for a relative valve opening position of the respective cooling device. In particular, the model may comprise a heat equation with or without a coupled phase transformation equation. The power stroke of the path tracking is usually 100 ms to 500 ms. In particular, it can be at about 250 ms to 300 ms.

It is possible that the picking out (including the steps following the picking out) for each Walzgutpunkt is made. In this case, the number of rolling stock points, for which then the actual cooling powers are determined, equal to 1, namely the corresponding Walzgutpunkt itself. In this case, the determination of the actual cooling performance is further reduced to the Direct assumption of the final cooling performance as actual cooling performance.

Alternatively, it is possible that at least one further virtual, not picked Walzgutpunkt lies between two immediately successive picked out virtual Walzgutpunkten. In this case, the number of rolling stock points, for which then the actual cooling capacities are determined, is greater than 1, namely the corresponding rolling stock itself and at least one further rolling stock point.

For the corresponding rolling stock itself, for which the final cooling performance has been determined, the actual cooling performance is reduced to the direct assumption of the final cooling performance as actual cooling performance in this case as well. For the other rolling stock points, ie for those rolling stock points that lie between two directly successive picked out virtual rolling stock points, different approaches are possible. Thus, it is possible, for example, to take over for those rolling stock points those final cooling powers as actual cooling powers, which were determined for the virtual rolling stock point that was picked out first. Preferably, however, the picking out of the later selected virtual rolling stock point and the execution of the calculations relating to this virtual rolling point point are completed before the sections of the rolling stock corresponding to the unmolded rolling point points reach the effective range of the next released cooling device starting from the starting point. In this case, it is possible to determine the actual cooling capacities for the rolling stock points not picked out by interpolation of the final cooling powers determined for the two adjacent selected rolled material points.

As in the prior art, at least a part of the cooling devices usually acts on the upper side of the rolling stock. In this case, the cooling curves for the cooling devices acting on the upper side of the rolling stock preferably coincide with one another. In addition, it is possible that another part of the cooling devices acts on the underside of the rolling stock. In this case, the cooling curves for the cooling devices acting on the underside of the rolling stock preferably coincide with one another.

In this latter case, namely that each part of the cooling means acts on the top and the bottom of the rolling stock and the respective cooling curves for the top coincide with each other and the respective cooling curves for the bottom match with each other, it is possible that the cooling curves for on On the other hand, the cooling devices acting on the upper side of the rolling stock on the one hand and the cooling curves for the cooling devices acting on the underside of the rolling stock coincide with one another, that is to say a total of only one cooling curve uniform for all cooling devices is used. Alternatively, it is possible for the cooling devices acting on the upper side of the rolling stock on the one hand and for the cooling devices acting on the underside of the rolling stock on the other hand to each have their own cooling curve, which, however, are different from one another.

The manner in which the overall cooling function is adapted on the basis of the comparison of the actual variable and the target variable determined on the basis of the state determined at the destination can be configured in various ways. For example, the overall cooling function can be scaled and / or offset with a factor. The offset may be vectorial, i. have a shift in the abscissa and / or a shift in the ordinate.

The starting location can be determined as needed. In particular, it can be located in front of the cooling section or in the cooling section. It is also possible that a temperature measuring point is arranged at the start, by means of which a temperature of corresponding section of the rolling stock is detected. In this case, the state of the rolling stock point at the initial location is preferably determined on the basis of the detected temperature. An arrangement of a temperature measuring station at the starting location is possible in particular when the starting point is in front of the cooling section. In this case, the temperature measuring station can be, for example, the so-called finishing street measuring station, at which the final rolling temperature of the rolling stock is detected. Alternatively, it is possible that no temperature measuring station is arranged at the initial location. In this case, the condition of the rolling stock point at the initial location is otherwise determined.

In an analogous manner, the destination can also be determined as needed. It can be located in particular in the cooling section or behind the cooling section. However, it must be seen in the transport direction of the rolling stock - of course - lie behind the initial location.

It is possible that, after adjusting the overall cooling function, the adapted overall cooling function is only utilized for the next selected rolling stock point. Alternatively, it is possible that, after adjusting the overall cooling function for the same rolling stock point, the steps following the picking of the rolling stock point are carried out again. It is therefore created in this case for this Walzgutpunkt a renewed, improved forecast. This procedure is possible in particular if a sufficiently high computing power is available.

The cooling devices often have considerable delay times. The delay times can be in the range of several seconds. When controlling the cooling devices, the delay times of the cooling devices are preferably taken into account. This leads advantageously to the result that during the transport of the sections of the rolling stock through the cooling section, the cooling means time correct according to the corresponding Walzgutpunkten be controlled for the respective cooling devices associated actual cooling performance.

Due to the fact that the cooling devices have delay times, the cooling devices should preferably be actuated in good time beforehand. However, the control can only take place when the corresponding cooling capacity for the respective cooling device is determined. The steps following the selection of the respective rolling stock point are completed at a time of completion. The corresponding section of the real rolling stock reaches, starting from the initial location, the effective range of the next released cooling device at a cooling start time. In order to be able to timely control the next released cooling device, a time difference between the termination time and the cooling start time is preferably at least as long as the delay time of the next released cooling device. To ensure this situation, for example, all cooling devices can be blocked (= not released), for which this criterion is not met.

• dass während des Transports der Abschnitte des Walzgutes durch die Kühlstrecke mit dem Arbeitstakt unter Berücksichtigung der Ansteuerung der Kühleinrichtungen in Echtzeit die Zustände der durch die Kühlstrecke transportierten Abschnitte des Walzgutes mitgerechnet werden,
• dass an einem Temperaturmessplatz eine tatsächliche Temperatur des den Temperaturmessplatz jeweils passierenden Abschnittes des Walzgutes erfasst wird und
• dass die jeweils erfasste Temperatur mit einer anhand des mitgerechneten Zustands ermittelten erwarteten Temperatur für diesen Abschnitt verglichen wird und anhand des Vergleichs mindestens ein Parameter des Modells nachgeführt wird.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is

• that during the transport of the sections of the rolling stock through the cooling section with the working cycle taking into account the control of the cooling devices in real time, the states of the transported through the cooling section sections of the rolling stock are counted,
• that an actual temperature of the section of the rolling stock passing through the temperature measuring station is detected at a temperature measuring station, and
• the temperature detected in each case is compared with an expected temperature for this section determined on the basis of the calculated state, and based on the comparison at least one parameter of the model is tracked.

As a result, in particular, the model can gradually be approximated better and better to the real behavior of the cooling.

In the simplest case, the operating method according to the invention, based on the extension of the cooling section, is used once within the cooling section. Alternatively, however, it is also possible that the operating method, based on the extent of the cooling section, is applied several times in respective areas of the cooling section. Such an approach may be particularly advantageous if a so-called dual-phase steel to be cooled. The initial location of the local rear area is in this case, seen in the transport direction of the rolling stock behind the destination of the local front area.

In the case where a dual-phase steel is to be cooled, between the sections of the cooling section, in which the operating method is used in each case, an intermediate section, in which the rolling stock is not actively cooled. In the intermediate section, therefore, there is a pure air cooling by convection and radiation as well as a contact cooling by the contact to transport rollers, but no cooling by means of a liquid coolant. Alternatively, it is possible that the portions of the cooling path in which the operation method is respectively applied overlap each other. For example, the destinations of the two areas may coincide with each other while the starting locations are falling apart. In this case, by the second application of the operating method for the remaining part of the cooling section, an improved determination of the actual cooling capacities can be achieved compared with the first application of the operating method.

It is possible that the overall cooling function is dependent on or independent of the state of the selected Walzgutpunktes at the start location. Which of these two approaches is more advantageous depends on the circumstances of each case.

The object is further achieved by a computer program having the features of claim 18. According to the invention, the processing of the machine code by the control device causes the control device to carry out an operating method according to the invention, as explained above.

The object is further achieved by a control device for a cooling section with the features of claim 19. According to the invention, the control device is programmed with a computer program according to the invention.

The object is further achieved by a cooling section for cooling a flat rolling stock with the features of claim 20. According to the invention, the cooling section has a control device according to the invention which operates the cooling section according to an operating method according to the invention.

FIG 1

eine Kühlstrecke,

FIG 2

einen Ausschnitt eines flachen Walzgutes,

FIG 3

ein Ablaufdiagramm,

FIG 4

ein weiteres Ablaufdiagramm,

FIG 5

eine Gesamtkühlfunktion,

FIG 6 bis 9

Ablaufdiagramme,

FIG 10 und 12

je einen Ausschnitt einer Kühlstrecke,

FIG 13 und 14

Ablaufdiagramme und

FIG 15

ein Zeitdiagramm.

The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which will be described in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Here are shown in a schematic representation:

FIG. 1

a cooling section,

FIG. 2

a section of a flat rolled stock,

FIG. 3

a flow chart,

FIG. 4

another flowchart,

FIG. 5

a total cooling function,

FIGS. 6 to 9

Flowcharts,

FIGS. 10 and 12

each a section of a cooling section,

FIGS. 13 and 14

Flowcharts and

FIG. 15

a time diagram.

According to FIG. 1 If a flat rolling stock 1 in a cooling section 2 to be cooled. The flat rolling stock 1 is made of metal. It may be as shown in FIG. 1 for example, be a metal strip, in particular a steel strip. Alternatively, you can the flat rolled stock 1 is a heavy plate (usually made of steel).

The cooling section 2 is usually downstream of a finishing train, in which the rolling stock 1 was hot rolled. The finishing train usually has several rolling stands. In FIG. 1 For the sake of clarity, only the last rolling stand 3 of the finishing train is shown. Similarly, it is possible that the finishing train has only a single rolling mill, for example, designed as Steckel rolling mill or as a reversing mill.

Between the finishing train and the cooling section 2 (or correspondingly before the cooling section 2), a temperature measuring station 4 is often arranged, at which a temperature T of the rolling stock 1 is detected. The temperature measuring station 4 is referred to below as the distinction of another, later introduced temperature measuring station as an input-side temperature measuring station 4.

The cooling section 2 has a plurality of transport rollers 5. By means of the transport rollers 5, the rolling stock 1 is transported through the cooling section 2. At least some of the transport rollers 5 are driven. The transport rollers 5 in their entirety form a transport device, from which the rolling stock 1 is transported through the cooling section 2 in a transport direction with a transport speed v.

The cooling section 2 also has a plurality of cooling devices 6, 7. By means of the cooling devices 6, 7, the rolling stock 1 (or more precisely, the section of the strip located in the effective area 8, 9 of the respective cooling device 6, 7 at this time Rolled material 1) is acted upon by a respective amount of coolant of a liquid, mostly water-based coolant 10.

It is possible that only upper cooling devices 6 are present, that is to say cooling devices which act on an upper side of the rolling stock 1. Alternatively, it is as shown in FIG FIG. 1 possible that in addition to the upper cooling means 6 lower cooling means 7 are present, ie cooling means acting on an underside of the rolling stock 1.

The cooling section 2 also has a control device 11. Under control and control by the controller 11, the cooling section 2 is operated.

The control device 11 is usually programmed with a computer program 12. The computer program 12 can be supplied to the control device 11, for example via a data carrier 13, on which the computer program 12 is stored in machine-readable form (preferably in an exclusively machine-readable form, in particular in electronic form). The data carrier 13 can be configured as desired. The representation in FIG. 1 , in which the data carrier 13 is shown as a USB memory stick, is purely exemplary.

The computer program 12 comprises machine code 14, which can be processed by the control device 11. The execution of the machine code 14 by the control device 11 causes the control device 11 to operate the cooling section 2 according to an operating method which will be explained in more detail below.

According to FIG. 2 the (real) rolling stock 1 within the control device 11 is subdivided into a plurality of sections 15 in terms of data technology. The sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 is assigned a Walzgutpunkt P each. The rolling stock points P are - in contrast to the sections 15 of the real rolling stock 1 - only virtually present in the control device 11. They represent in their entirety a data-technical image of the real rolling stock 1. The rolling stock points P are in FIG. 2 supplemented by a number. This indexing is used to distinguish the rolling stock points P in the context of the explanation of the invention, if necessary from each other. Unless it matters below which rolling stock point P is meant, the reference character P is used without the addition of a number.

This distinction between sections 15 of the real rolling stock 1 and virtual rolling stock points P is consistently maintained in the following description. If the sections 15 is mentioned, the sections 15 of the real rolling stock 1 are always and without exception meant. If the Walzgutpunkten P is mentioned, is always and without exception, the data-technical image of the sections 15 meant.

According to FIG. 3 The control device 11 divides the cooling devices 6, 7 into released cooling devices 6, 7 and unreleased (= blocked) cooling devices 6, 7 in a step S1. The division into released and non-released cooling devices 6, 7 is disjunctive in each case and in the FIGS Usually also complementary. Each cooling device 6, 7 is thus either enabled or disabled.

It is possible that all cooling devices 6, 7 are released cooling devices. Alternatively, some of the cooling devices 6, 7 may be locked. The blocking of cooling devices 6, 7 can be done as needed. For example, cooling devices 6, 7 may be disabled because they are defective and / or because they are too close to an initial location xA. In principle, however, an arbitrary blocking of cooling devices 6, 7 is possible and conceivable.

Then, in a step S2, the control device 11 determines final cooling powers mi at least for some of the rolling stock points P (selected rolling stock points P). Step S1 will be described below in connection with FIGS FIG. 4 and 6 be explained in more detail. The index i stands for the cooling capacities mi for the number of the respective released cooling device 6, 7 in the order in which the respective released cooling device 6, 7 is achieved by the respective section 15 of the rolling stock 1.

In a step S3, the control device 11 determines actual cooling capacities mi for a number of rolling stock points P. For the determination of the actual cooling powers mi, the control device 11 uses the final cooling powers mi determined for the selected rolling stock points P. The actual cooling performance mi assigns the control device 11 to the corresponding rolling stock points P assigned to the respective released cooling device 6, 7. Possible embodiments of step S3 will be described below in connection with FIGS FIGS. 7 and 8 be explained in more detail.

Then, the rolling stock 1 is transported through the cooling section 2. Due to the transport of the rolling stock 1 as a whole through the cooling section 2, the sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 successively pass through the effective areas 8, 9 of the cooling devices 6, 7. It is possible that as shown in FIG FIG. 3 the transport device 5 is controlled by the control device 11 in a step S4. Alternatively, it is possible that the transport device 5 is controlled by another, not shown in the FIG controller.

During the transport of the sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 through the cooling section 2, the control device 11 performs in a step S5 a tracking of the sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 by. The control device 11 is therefore known at any time, which portion 15 of the rolling stock 1 is in the active area 8, 9 which cooling device 6, 7 is located. Furthermore, the control device 11 controls according to FIG. 3 in a step S6, the cooling means 6, 7. The control is such that by means of the released cooling means 6, 7 of the active area 8, 9 of the respective released cooling device 6, 7 located portion 15 of the rolling stock 1 is acted upon by the respective actual cooling power mi which has been determined for the respective section 15 for the respective released cooling device 6, 7.

Often, the control device 11 further implements a so-called observer in a step S7. In this case, during the transport of the sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 through the cooling section 2, the control device 11 continuously calculates a state E in real time, at least for these sections 15. The state E comprises at least one energy quantity. The energy quantity may be, for example, the enthalpy or the temperature. In the simplest case, the energy size can be a scalar. As a rule, however, it will be a distribution of the energy quantity at least in the thickness direction z of the rolling stock 1. Optionally, the state E may also include further, the Walzgutpunkten P associated variables. The control device 11 takes into account (of course) the activation of the cooling devices 6, 7 during the determination. The calculation takes place using a model 16 (see FIG FIG. 1 ). The model 16 is based on mathematical-physical equations. In particular, in the context of the model 16, the control device 11 generally dissolves at least one heat conduction equation. Optionally, in addition, under stepwise coupling with the heat conduction equation, a phase transformation equation can be solved. The heat conduction equation may in particular be the Fourier heat equation, see for example the DE 101 29 565 A1 , The phase transformation equation can be used in particular as a so-called Stefan problem.

Steps S5 and S7 will continue to be discussed later FIG. 12 be explained in more detail.

The steps S2 to S7 are in FIG. 3 shown sequentially one after the other. With regard to the steps S4 to S6 (or S7) this is also the case in fact. These steps (ie steps S4 to S6 or S7) are executed cyclically with a working cycle Δt '. The working clock δt 'is usually between 100 ms and 500 ms, for example at 250 ms to 300 ms. The step S2 can also be carried out cyclically with the working cycle δt '. Alternatively, a processing under detachment from the working cycle δt 'parallel to the steps S4 to S6 (or S7) is possible. This will become apparent from the following explanations.

The step S3 is coupled to the step S2. If the step S2 is executed cyclically with the working cycle δt ', this is also the case in step S3. If the step S2 is executed in parallel to the steps S4 to S6 (or S7), this is also the case in step S3. Again, this will be apparent from the following explanations.

The steps S2 to S7 will be explained in more detail in connection with the further FIG. The following will be in connection with FIG. 4 first step S2 explained in more detail.

According to FIG. 4 is from the controller 11 in a step S11 one of the Walzgutpunkte P - for example, the in FIG. 2 P1 marked Walzgutpunkt - singled out. The following explanations to FIG. 4 refer exclusively to this one Walzgutpunkt P, so the picked Walzgutpunkt P, unless expressly stated otherwise.

In a step S12, a state E is determined by the control device 11, which has the section 15 of the rolling stock 1 corresponding to the selected rolled material point P at an initial location xA of the cooling section 2. The determined state E is assigned to the selected rolling stock point P in step S12.

The initial location xA can be as shown in FIG. 1 lie in front of the cooling section 2. In particular, in this case, the initial location xA may be at the location of the input-side temperature measuring station 4, so that the input-side temperature measuring station 4 is arranged at the initial location xA. By means of the temperature measuring station 4, as in connection with FIG. 1 already mentioned, for the respective temperature measuring station 4 continuous section 15 whose current temperature T detected. In this case, the state E is determined in step S12, preferably based on the temperature T detected for the relevant section 15.

In a step S13, the controller 11 is further provided with a travel diagram 17 (see FIG FIG. 1 ) known. The travel diagram 17 indicates what speed vE is expected for the selected rolling stock point P at which simulation time t (calculated from the starting location xA). It is possible that the travel diagram 17 is based on assumptions and expectations, so that a speed vE expected on the basis of the travel diagram 17 generally coincides, but not necessarily, with the later actual transport speed v of the corresponding real section 15 of the rolling stock 1 must apply. Alternatively, it is possible for the travel diagram 17 to be based on a prediction of the transport speed v, which is also maintained with certainty or at least almost certainly later. Procedures for reliable prediction of transport speed v are known to those skilled in the art. It will be especially on the WO 2011/138 067 A2 directed.

In a step S14, a total coolant quantity is determined by the control device 11 on the basis of a given overall cooling function F1. The total cooling function F1 describes a cooling required to cool the corresponding section 15 in such a way, an actual size I of the relevant section 15 at a destination xZ (see FIG FIG. 1 ) has a target size EZ. The actual size I can be, for example, the temperature of the relevant section 15. However, it is in any case a quantity that can be determined on the basis of the state Z of the relevant section 15.

In the simplest case, the total cooling function F1 is a trivial function, ie independent of the state E of the selected one Walzgutpunktes P at the starting point xA. For example, the total amount of coolant may be equal to the total amount of coolant that was determined in the previous execution of step S20 (see there). Alternatively, however, the total cooling function F1 depends on the state E of the selected rolling stock point P at the initial location xA. In this case, the total quantity of coolant with which the corresponding section 15 of the rolling stock 1 is to be acted upon in total by means of the cooling devices 6, 7 is established by inserting the state E determined in step S 12 (or a variable determined by state E, for example a surface temperature of the rolling stock 1 or an average temperature of the rolling stock 1) determined in the total cooling function F1. The determined total amount of coolant is - regardless of the nature of their determination - the selected Walzgutpunkt P assigned in step S14 as residual refrigerant amount M.

It is possible that the overall cooling function F1 of the control device 11 is fixed, for example in the context of the computer program 12. Alternatively, it is possible that the total cooling function F1 of the controller 11 is known in other ways, for example by default or parameterization by a (in the FIG not shown) operator.

In steps S15 and S16, the control device 11 mathematically simulates the transport of the rolling stock point P through the cooling section 2. For this purpose, in step S15 the control device 11 sets the current location x of the selected rolling stock point P equal to the initial location xA, the simulation time t to the value 0 In step S16, the controller 11 continues to write the current location x of the picked rolling point P using the travel diagram 17 and a temporal increment δt. The simulation time t also continues using the time increment δt. The temporal step size Δt can be determined as needed. For example, it can be in the range of a few milliseconds. Under certain circumstances, the time increment δt be variable. In particular, the temporal step size Δt in regions of the cooling section 2 in which the rolling stock point P is not in the active region 8, 9 of one of the cooling devices 6, 7 can be selected to be greater than in regions of the cooling section 2 in which the rolling point point P is in the effective range 8, 9 one of the cooling devices 6, 7 is located.

In a step S17, the controller 11 calculates by means of the model 16 the time evolution of the state E of the considered rolling stock point P with. If the considered rolling stock point P is within the scope of the respective execution of step S17 in the active area 8, 9 of the released cooling devices 6, 7, the control device 11 further determines a final coolant quantity mi for the corresponding cooling device 6 within the framework of the respective execution of step S17 , 7. A possible embodiment of the step S17 will be later in connection with FIG. 6 be explained in more detail.

In a step S18, the control device 11 checks whether the target location xZ has been reached in the course of the simulation. As long as this is not the case, the controller 11 returns to step S16. Otherwise, the controller 11 proceeds to a step S19.

In step S19, the controller 11 determines the actual size I. The determination is carried out using the now determined based on the repeated processing of step S17 state E of the picked Walzgutpunktes P. Furthermore, the controller 11 compares the determined actual size I with the predetermined target size EZ in step S19 , In particular, the control device 11 usually determines the deviation .DELTA.E between the now determined actual size I and the target size EZ. In a step S20, the control device 11 adjusts the overall cooling function F1 on the basis of the comparison-as a rule based on the deviation ΔE.

As part of the adaptation of the overall cooling function F1, it is possible that as shown in FIG. 5 - See there the dot-dash line - a shift of the total cooling function F1 by an (possibly vectorial) offset takes place, wherein the offset of the deviation .DELTA.E depends. Alternatively, it is possible to make a scaling of the total cooling function F1 within the context of the adaptation of the overall cooling function F1, the scaling factor depending on the deviation ΔE. This is in FIG. 5 indicated by a dashed line.

With regard to the rolling stock point P selected in step S11, the procedure of FIG FIG. 4 completed. The procedure of FIG. 4 will however - see the loop in FIG. 3 - Repeatedly, in each case another Walzgutpunkt P is picked out. As part of the next execution of the procedure of FIG. 4 In the execution of step S14, the total cooling function F1 adapted in the previous execution of step S20 is assumed.

The following will be in connection with FIG. 6 a possible embodiment of the step S17 of FIG. 4 explained.

According to FIG. 6 checks the controller 11 in a step S21, whether the current location x, to which the transport of the picked Walzgutpunktes P was simulated, the effective range 8, 9 one of the cooling devices 6, 7 corresponds.

If so, the controller 11 proceeds to a step S22. In step S22, the control device 11 checks whether the current location x, up to which the transport of the selected rolling stock point P was simulated, corresponds to the effective area 8 of one of the released upper cooling devices 6.

If so, the controller 11 proceeds to a step S23. In step S23, the controller 11 determines based on the then current state E of the picked out Walzgutpunktes P a preliminary cooling power mi for the corresponding approved upper cooling device 6. The determination is carried out using a - preferably smooth - cooling curve F2, which is associated with the respective upper cooling device 6. The preliminary cooling power mi is always greater than 0. At least it is not less than 0. The value 0 itself is therefore still allowed. By contrast, the preliminary cooling power mi can not assume negative values, which would correspond to heating up the rolling stock point P. Optionally, the preliminary cooling capacity mi may be limited upward.

It is possible that the cooling curve F2 is individual for the respective upper cooling device 6. In general, however, the cooling curves F2 for the upper cooling devices 6 coincide with one another. In this case, the cooling curve F2 must be determined only once for all upper cooling devices 6. The cooling curve F2 describes, for example as a function of the current state E, a quantity of coolant with which the section 15 of the rolling stock 1 corresponding to the corresponding rolling stock point P is to be acted upon. Alternatively, for example, a relative flow rate (0% to 100%) or an open position (from fully closed to fully open) of a valve of the respective cooling device 6 may be described. If the cooling devices 6 have switching valves (open-close), it can be indicated, for example by means of an approximation, how many released cooling devices 6, 7 are to be skipped, starting from a respectively enabled shared cooling device 6.

Furthermore, in a step S24, the control device 11 sets the final cooling capacity mi for the released upper cooling device 6 to the smaller of the two values provisional cooling capacity mi and residual coolant quantity M. Furthermore, it reduces the residual coolant quantity M by the final cooling capacity mi in step S24. Further, in a step S25, the controller 11 arranges the determined final one Cooling power with the selected Walzgutpunkt P under assignment to the corresponding approved upper cooling device 6.

On the other hand, if the current location x, up to which the transport of the selected rolling stock point P was simulated, does not correspond to the effective area 8 of one of the released upper cooling devices 6, the control device 11 proceeds to a step S26. In step S26, the control device 11 checks whether the current location x, up to which the transport of the selected rolling stock point P was simulated, corresponds to the effective area 8 of one of the non-released upper cooling devices 6.

If so, the controller 11 proceeds to a step S27. In step S27, the control device 11 sets the final cooling power mi to a predetermined value for this upper cooling device 6. However, an assignment to the corresponding upper cooling device 6 does not take place. The value determined in the course of step S27 is utilized only in the context of a step S28.

In step S28, the controller 11 updates the state E by applying the model 16. The controller 11, when using the model 16 in the step S28, takes into account the cooling capacity mi set in the step S24 or the step S27.

In an analogous manner, the control device checks in a step S29 whether the current location x, up to which the transport of the selected rolling stock point P was simulated, corresponds to the effective area 9 of one of the released lower cooling devices 7.

If so, the controller 11 proceeds to a step S30. In step S30, the control device 11 uses the then current state E of the selected rolling stock point P to determine a preliminary cooling capacity mi for the corresponding released lower cooling device 7. If step S28 has already been carried out beforehand, the state E which has already been modified in step S30 is used as part of step S30.

The determination is made - analogous to step S23 - using a - preferably smooth - cooling curve F3, which is associated with the respective lower cooling device 7. The preliminary cooling capacity mi is always greater than 0 or minimally assumes the value zero. It can not accept negative values. It is possible that the cooling curve F3 is individual for the respective lower cooling device 7. In general, however, the cooling curves F3 for the lower cooling devices 7 coincide with one another. In this case, the cooling curve F3 must be determined only once for all lower cooling devices 7.

Furthermore, in a step S31, the control device 11 sets the final cooling capacity mi for the released lower cooling device 7 to the smaller of the two values provisional cooling capacity mi and residual coolant quantity M. Furthermore, in step S31 it reduces the residual coolant quantity M by the final cooling capacity mi. If step S24 has already been carried out, the amount of residual coolant M already reduced in step S24 is used as part of step S31. Furthermore, in a step S32, the control device 11 assigns the determined final cooling power mi to the selected rolling stock point P assigned to the corresponding released lower cooling device 7.

On the other hand, if the current location x, up to which the transport of the selected rolling stock point P has been simulated, does not correspond to the effective area 9 of one of the released lower cooling devices 7, the control device 11 proceeds to a step S33. In step S33, the control device 11 checks whether the current location x, up to which the transport of the selected rolling stock point P has been simulated, is within the effective range 9 corresponds to one of the unreleased lower cooling devices 7.

If so, the controller 11 proceeds to a step S34. In step S34, the control device 11 sets the final cooling capacity mi to a value predetermined for this lower cooling device 7. An assignment to the corresponding lower cooling devices 7 does not take place. The value set in the context of step S34 is utilized only in the context of a step S35.

In step S35, the controller 11 updates the state E by using the model 16. The controller 11, when using the model 16 in the step S35, takes into account the cooling capacity mi set in the step S31 or the step S34. If step S28 has already been carried out beforehand, the state E that has already been modified in step S28 is used as part of step S35.

In the no branch of step S21, the state E of the selected rolling stock point P is updated in a step S36 using the model 16. In the context of step S36, however, only an interaction with the environment is modeled, which is not caused by the active cooling by the cooling means 6, 7 (air cooling and / or contact cooling via the transport rollers 5).

Due to the procedure according to FIG. 6 are thus, as far as not passed from the rolling point P cooling devices 6, 7, although the cooling of these cooling devices 6, 7 applied cooling mi taken into account in the development of the state E of Walzgutpunktes P. The cooling capacities mi of these cooling devices 6, 7 are not determined in the context of the procedure according to the invention, but accepted as given. Only the cooling capacities mi for the released cooling devices 6, 7 are determined by the procedure according to FIG. 6 determined.

As part of the approach of FIG. 6 is important, that even in the case that at the same location x both the effective area 8 of an upper cooling device 6 and the effective area 9 of a lower cooling device 7, the cooling capacities mi for the corresponding upper and the corresponding lower cooling device 6, 7 are determined in succession, wherein in the determination of the cooling capacity mi for the later determined cooling capacity mi the change in the state E and the residual coolant quantity M is already taken into account by the first determined cooling capacity mi. On the other hand it is of subordinate importance, whether according to the representation in FIG. 6 First, the cooling capacity mi for the upper cooling device 6 or first the cooling power mi for the lower cooling device 7 is determined.

According to the procedure of FIG. 6 Furthermore, the cooling curve F2 for the upper cooling means 6 and the cooling curve F3 for the lower cooling means 7 are predetermined independently. The two cooling curves F2, F3 can therefore in particular - see also FIG. 1 - be different from each other. Alternatively, it is possible that the cooling curves F2 and F3 coincide with each other. For the specification of the cooling curves F2, F3, the statements on the specification of the total cooling function F1 apply accordingly.

The procedure of FIG. 4 and 6 can, as already mentioned, be carried out with the working clock Δt ', with which the steps S4 to S6 (or S7) of FIG FIG. 3 be executed. In particular, in this case, it is possible to pick out each Walzgutpunkt P successively. Step S3 of FIG. 3 degenerates in this case to the trivial solution. For only the determined final cooling capacities mi 1: 1 have to be taken over as the actual cooling capacities mi for this one rolling stock point P.

As also already mentioned, it is alternatively possible to carry out the step S2 of FIG FIG. 3 under detachment from the working cycle δt 'in parallel to the steps S4 to S6 (or S7) of FIG. 3 perform. In this case, too, a rolling stock point P is iteratively selected. However, not all Walzgutpunkte P are picked out. In this case, at least one further rolling material point P, which is not picked out, therefore lies, at least as a rule, between two directly successive selected rolling stock points P. However, as far as the Walzgutpunkt P picked out in each case, in this case the determined final cooling capacities mi 1: 1 can still be adopted as actual cooling powers mi for this rolling stock point P - ie the selected rolling stock point P in step S3.

In both cases, the actual cooling outputs mi are identical to the final cooling outputs mi for the selected rolling stock points mi. Since the actual cooling capacities mi are required in the course of step S6 and the final cooling powers mi are required for the selected rolling stock point P to determine the actual cooling capacities mi, it is readily apparent that the procedure of FIG FIG. 4 and 6 must be completed before the corresponding with the selected Walzgutpunkt P section 15 of the real rolling stock 1, starting from the initial location xA, the next released effective range 8, 9 reached.

If not all rolling stock points P are picked out in the course of step S1, the actual cooling outputs mi must also be determined in the course of step S2 for the other rolled material points P not picked out. In this case, different approaches are possible. Possible procedures are described below in connection with the FIGS. 7 and 8 explained. As part of the FIGS. 7 and 8 it is assumed that - see FIG. 2 - The Walzgutpunkte P1 and P5 are picked out, so that between the two immediately successive, selected Walzgutpunkten P1 and P5 a total of three other, not picked Walzgutpunkte P are, namely the Walzgutpunkte P2, P3 and P4.

However, analogous procedures are also possible if other rolling stock points P are picked out and / or if between the two selected rolling stock points P more or less than three other, not picked Walzgutpunkte P are.

So it is according to the representation in FIG. 7 In particular, it is possible to take over the cooling capacities mi 1: 1 determined for a selected rolling stock point P - for example the rolling stock point P1 - for the following rolling stock points P. The acquisition takes place in this case until a new determination for another selected Walzgutpunkt P takes place, for example, the rolling stock P5. Concrete in this example would be so according to the representation in FIG. 7 the cooling powers mi determined for the rolling stock point P1 are taken over for the rolling stock points P2, P3 and P4.

The procedure according to FIG. 7 is always executable. If, however, a sufficiently high computing power is available - this will be specified later - it is alternatively according to FIG. 8 it is possible to determine the actual cooling capacities mi for the rolling stock points P not picked out (by way of example the rolling stock points P2, P3 and P4) by interpolation of the cooling capacities mi which were determined for the two selected rolling stock points P (according to the example, the rolling stock points P1 and P5).

In the procedure according to FIG. 8 the calculation has to be done according to the FIG. 4 and 6 be completed for the later selected Walzgutpunkt P (according to the Walzgutpunkt P5) to determine the actual cooling performance mi for the first selected Walzgutpunkt P (according to the Walzgutpunkt P1 following), not picked Walzgutpunkt P (according to the example Walzgutpunkt P2) to be able to. The determination of the actual cooling capacities mi for the later selected Walzgutpunkt P (according to example the rolling stock point P5) must therefore be completed before the rolling stock point following the first selected Walzgutpunkt P1 P (according to example, the rolling stock point P2) starting from the initial location xA reaches the effective range 8, 9 of the next released cooling device 6 and / or 7. Only under this condition, this procedure is possible.

FIG. 9 shows a modification of the procedure of FIG. 4 which is possible if a sufficiently high computing power is available. As part of the approach of FIG. 9 Steps S11 to S20 of FIG FIG. 4 grouped together. The individual procedures in detail are therefore not explained in more detail, since this already in connection with FIG. 4 is done.

According to FIG. 9 First, a step S41 is executed. The content of step S41 corresponds to steps S11 to S13 of FIG FIG. 4 , Then, a step S42 is executed. The content of step S42 corresponds to steps S14 to S20 of FIG FIG. 4 , Thus, first of all the procedure of FIG. 4 once processed. However, the step S42 is followed by a further step S43, which also contains the contents of steps S14 to S20 of FIG FIG. 4 corresponds. As a result, by the procedure according to FIG. 9 after adjusting the overall cooling function F1 for the same rolling stock point P, the steps S14 to S20 following the picking of the rolling stock point P are carried out again. Steps S12 and S13 may also be repeated. However, this is not absolutely necessary because the values have not changed. In the second execution of step S14 in the context of step S43, the total cooling function F1 adapted in step S20 of step S42 is used as the basis of the evaluation of step S14.

As already mentioned, the initial location xA can be as shown in FIG. 1 lie in front of the cooling section 2. In particular, in this case, as already mentioned, a temperature measuring station 4 can be arranged at the initial location xA. Alternatively, it is possible for the starting location xA to correspond to the representation of FIG. 10 lies in the cooling section 2. In In this case, no temperature measuring station is usually arranged at the initial location xA. The state E must be determined otherwise in this case. For example, state E may be known based on the observer mentioned in connection with step S7.

Due to the distance of the rolling stock points P from each other, it is possible that at the time when one of the rolling stock points P is to be picked out, just no rolling stock point P passes the initial location xA. In this case, for example, based on the states E of the two rolling stock points P immediately before and immediately after the initial location xA - determined in particular by weighted or unweighted interpolation of the two corresponding states E - the state E of a fictitious Walzgutpunktes P and subsequently used.

Analogously, it is possible that the destination xZ as shown in FIG. 1 lies behind the cooling section 2. Alternatively, it is as shown in FIG FIG. 10 However, also possible that the destination xZ is located in the cooling section 2. Regardless of the location of the starting location xA and the destination xZ, however, it must of course be seen in the transport direction of the rolling stock 1 that the destination xZ lie behind the initial location xA.

It is according to the representation in the FIGS. 11 and 12 even possible that the above in connection with the 1 to 10 explained operating method, based on the extension of the cooling section 2, several times in respective areas 18, 19 of the cooling section 2 is applied. It is according to the illustration in FIG. 11 possible that the areas 18, 19 follow each other. In this case, between the two areas 18, 19 is usually an intermediate portion 20 in which the rolling stock 1 is not actively cooled. In the intermediate section 20, therefore, cooling takes place only by natural convection, contact with the transport rollers 5 and radiation of heat, but not by the coolant 10. This procedure may be particularly advantageous when cooling a dual-phase steel. Alternatively, it is possible that the areas 18, 19 overlap each other. In particular, as shown in FIG FIG. 12 the destination xZ for both areas 18, 19 will be the same, while the starting locations xA are different from each other.

The following will be in connection with FIG. 13 a possible implementation of the tracking of step S5 of FIG. 3 and a possible implementation of an observer according to step S7 of FIG FIG. 3 explained in more detail. Combined with FIG. 13 Here, only the procedure for a single section 15 is explained. The procedure of FIG. 13 however, is performed in parallel for many sections 15. At least the procedure of FIG. 13 for those sections 15 that are located at a certain time between the starting location xA and the destination xZ. However, it can also be carried out for other sections 15 located outside this area. Due to the fact that FIG. 13 an implementation of steps S5 and S7 of FIG. 3 shows, of course, that the approach of FIG. 13 is executed with the working clock δt '.

According to FIG. 13 the controller 11 sets in a step S51 at the moment in which a particular section 15 passes the initial location xA, in contrast to the procedure of FIG. 4 now real - location x of the corresponding section 15 to the initial location xA. In a step S52, the control device 11 detects the actual actual transport speed v. In a step S53, the control device 11 updates the location x of the tracked section 15 on the basis of the actual actual transport speed v and the working cycle δt '. The steps S51 to S53 essentially correspond to the path tracking of the section 15 as such, ie to the step S5 of FIG FIG. 3 , In a step S54, the control device 11 checks whether the corresponding section 15 is located in the effective region 8, 9 of a cooling device 6, 7. If this is the case, the control device 11 controls the corresponding cooling device 6, 7 in a step S55. If the corresponding section 15 is in the active region 8, 9 of a released cooling device 6, 7, the control is carried out according to the actual cooling power mi corresponding to the corresponding rolling point P for the corresponding cooling device 6, 7 in the context of step S3 FIG. 3 was assigned. If the corresponding section 15 is in the active region 8, 9 of a non-released cooling device 6, 7, the control is carried out according to the cooling power mi, which otherwise was assigned to the corresponding rolling stock point P, ie not to the procedure according to the invention. Otherwise, step S55 is skipped. Steps S54 and S55 essentially correspond to step S5 of FIG FIG. 3 ,

In a step S56, the controller 11 updates the state E of the corresponding section 15. Specifically, the controller 5 solves the heat equation in accordance with the model 16 in the step S56. In the context of step S56, the control device 11, if necessary, takes into account the respective control of the respective cooling device 6, 7. The step S56 substantially corresponds to the step S7 of FIG FIG. 3 ,

The procedure according to FIG. 13 is, as already mentioned, carried out at least for all sections 15 of the rolling stock 1, which are located between the initial location xA and the destination xZ. The control device 11 thus calculates during the transport of the sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 through the cooling section 2 with the working cycle δt 'the states E of the transported through the cooling section 2 sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 with. Since the step S56 is further executed with the duty cycle δt ', the controller 11 determines the states E of the sections 15 in real time.

As shown in FIG. 13 For example, additional steps S57 to S60 are often present in addition to steps S51 to S56. If the steps S57 to S60 are present, the controller 11 checks in step S57 whether the relevant section 15 passes a temperature measuring station 21. The temperature measuring station 21 is arranged - in contrast to the input-side temperature measuring station 4 - behind the initial location xA. Depending on the location of the individual case, the temperature measuring station 21 can be arranged in front of the destination xZ, at the destination xZ or behind it. Usually, the temperature measuring station 21 (output-side temperature measuring station) is arranged behind the cooling section 2, for example between the cooling section 2 and a reel 22.

When the inspected section 15 passes the output-side temperature measuring station 21, the controller 11 acquires an actual temperature T of the corresponding section 15 of the rolling stock 1 in step S58. In step S59, the controller 11 compares the detected temperature T with a temperature based on that in the frame the repeated execution of the step S56 determined state E is determined. In particular, the control device 11 usually determines the deviation ΔT between the detected temperature T and the temperature determined on the basis of the state E. In step S60, the control device 11 then uses the comparison - as a rule based on the deviation ΔT - to trace at least one parameter k of the model 16. By means of the parameter k, for example, the heat transfer from the rolling stock 1 to the coolant 10 can be adjusted.

From the foregoing, another significant advantage of the present invention results. For in particular, the present invention can also be applied when the transport speed v is not consistently the same direction, but the rolling stock 1 is transported back and forth in the cooling section 2.

For the implementation of steps S54 and S55, the procedure is preferably as described below in connection with FIG FIG. 14 is explained.

According to FIG. 14 In a step S62, the control device 11 determines those sections 15 of the rolling stock 1, which in the considered working cycle Δt 'in the effective region 8, 9 of the cooling device 6 selected in step S61 , 7 are located. In a step S63, the control device 11 uses the sections 15 determined in step S62 to determine the corresponding rolling stock points P and the actual cooling outputs mi associated with these rolling stock points P for the corresponding cooling device 6, 7. Based on the actual cooling powers mi determined in step S63, the control device 11 determines an effective control of the corresponding cooling device 6, 7 in a step S64. In a step S65, the control device 11 checks whether the procedure of steps S61 to S64 already applies to all cooling devices 6 , 7 has performed. If this is not the case, the control device 11 returns to step S61, in which it now selects another, previously not yet selected cooling device 6, 7. Otherwise, the controller 11 proceeds to a step S66. In step S66, the control device 11 outputs the now determined effective drives to the cooling devices 6, 7.

The cooling devices 6, 7 have according to FIG. 15 often significant delay times t1, t2. The delay times t1, t2 are those times that pass from a change in the manipulated variable S of the respective cooling device 6, 7 to their reaction R. The delay times t1, t2 can be in the range of several seconds. The delay times t1, t2 may be the same or different. They can also be different from the cooling device 6, 7 to the cooling device 6, 7. The control device 11 preferably takes into account the activation of the cooling devices 6, 7 the delay times t1, t2. For example, when the delay time t1 of the coolers 6, 7 is uniformly 2 seconds at power-on and the current transport speed v is 10 m / s, the coolers 6, 7 are turned on at a timing at which the respective section 15 advances 20 m the corresponding effective range 8, 9 is located. In order to properly take into account the delay times t1, t2, step S62 of FIG FIG. 14 modified such that the control device 11, using the travel diagram 17, determines those sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 which are located in the operating cycle δt 'plus the delay time t1, t2 to be considered in the active region 8, 9 of the cooling device 6, 7 selected in step S61 , The remaining steps of FIG. 14 can be retained.

As part of the forecast of FIG. 4 and 6 it is not necessary to take account of the delay times t1, t2. As part of the forecast of FIG. 4 and 6 Rather, it can be assumed that the cooling devices 6, 7 react without delay.

As already mentioned, the approach of the FIG. 4 and 6 be completed before the corresponding, with the selected Walzgutpunkt P corresponding section 15, starting from the initial location xA, the effective range 8, 9 reaches the next released cooling device 6, 7. The time at which this procedure is completed is referred to below as the completion time. The corresponding section 15 reaches the effective area 8, 9 of the next released cooling device 6, 7 at a time, which is referred to below as the cooling start time. In order to ensure a timely control of the cooling device 6, 7 with the corresponding actual cooling power mi, the control of the cooling device 6, 7 must be before the cooling start time by the corresponding delay time t1, t2. At the latest at this time should therefore determine the appropriate actual cooling performance mi be completed. In order to achieve proper control of the cooling devices 6, 7, therefore, a time difference between the termination time and the cooling start time should be at least as large as the - possibly greater - the delay times t1, t2 of the next released cooling device 6, 7. However, it may be acceptable if this condition is violated.

The present invention has many advantages. For example, a so-called rattling of valves is almost completely avoided. The control of the cooling devices 6, 7 instead runs very quiet. Furthermore, the inventive method works very reliably even at very low temperatures (for example, below about 350 ° C). Even a tenfold increase in heat transfer at low temperatures is well controlled. The operating method according to the invention is thus also particularly suitable when so-called dual-phase steel is to be cooled. This also applies if acceleration can not be avoided in the production of the dual-phase steel, because otherwise other target variables such as, for example, a final rolling temperature, a rolling stock thickness and the like would fall out of a permissible tolerance range. Furthermore, the procedure according to the invention offers great flexibility. For example, a high cooling rate can still be used up to a surface temperature of approx. 400 ° C. Then it can be reduced to a very small value, when about 350 ° C below. As a result, even at the critical point at which the so-called Leidenfrost temperature is reached, the cooling can be reduced without this point having to be known in advance. The method according to the invention also offers the possibility of multiple use within one and the same cooling section 2. It merely has to be taken into account that the initial location xA of the respectively subsequent execution - possibly taking into account the instantaneous transport direction - lies behind the starting location xA of the respectively preceding execution got to. In particular, the possibilities of a cooling section 2 with continuously controllable cooling devices 6, 7 can be fully utilized to achieve an optimal cooling result.

• Ein flaches Walzgut 1 wird durch eine Kühlstrecke 2 transportiert, so dass Abschnitte 15 des Walzgutes 1 Wirkbereiche 8, 9 von Kühleinrichtungen 6, 7 nacheinander durchlaufen. Den Abschnitten 15 werden virtuelle Walzgutpunkte P zugeordnet. Während des Transports der Abschnitte 15 durch die Kühlstrecke 2 wird mit einem Arbeitstakt δt' eine Wegverfolgung der Abschnitte 15 durchgeführt. Die Kühleinrichtungen 6, 7 werden entsprechend den korrespondierenden Walzgutpunkten P für die Kühleinrichtungen 6, 7 zugeordneten tatsächlichen Kühlleistungen mi gesteuert. Dadurch wird jeweils der im Wirkbereich 8, 9 der jeweiligen Kühleinrichtung 6, 7 befindliche Abschnitt 15 mit einer jeweiligen Kühlmittelmenge beaufschlagt. Die Kühleinrichtungen 6, 7 werden in freigegebene und nicht freigegebene Kühleinrichtungen unterteilt. Iterativ wird jeweils ein Walzgutpunkt P herausgegriffen. Bevor der korrespondierende Abschnitt 15, ausgehend von einem Anfangsort xA, den Wirkbereich 8, 9 der nächsten freigegebenen Kühleinrichtung 6, 7 erreicht, wird ein Zustand E ermittelt, den der entsprechende Walzgutpunkt P am Anfangsort xA aufweist. Anhand einer Gesamtkühlfunktion F1 wird eine Gesamtkühlmittelmenge ermittelt und dem Walzgutpunkt P als Restkühlmittelmenge M zugeordnet. Der Transport des Walzgutpunktes P durch die Kühlstrecke 2 wird unter Verwendung eines Fahrdiagrammms 17 rechnerisch simuliert. Dabei wird mittels eines Modells 16 die zeitliche Entwicklung des Zustands E mitgerechnet. Wenn der Walzgutpunkt P einen freigegebenen Wirkbereich 8, 9 erreicht, wird anhand des dann aktuellen Zustands E eine jeweilige vorläufige Kühlleistung mi ermittelt. Dem Walzgutpunkt P wird für die jeweilige freigegebene Kühleinrichtung 6, 7 das Minimum von vorläufiger Kühlleistung mi und Restkühlmittelmenge M als endgültige Kühlleistung mi zugeordnet. Die Restkühlmittelmenge M wird entsprechend reduziert. An einem Zielort xZ wird eine anhand des dortigen Zustands E ermittelte Istgröße I mit einer Zielgröße EZ verglichen. Anhand des Vergleichs wird die Gesamtkühlfunktion F1 angepasst. Unter Verwendung der ermittelten endgültigen Kühlleistungen mi werden für eine Anzahl an Walzgutpunkten P die tatsächlichen Kühlleistungen mi ermittelt und den Walzgutpunkten P unter Zuordnung zur jeweiligen freigegebenen Kühleinrichtung 6, 7 zugeordnet.

In summary, the present invention relates to the following facts:

• A flat rolling stock 1 is transported through a cooling section 2, so that sections 15 of the rolling stock 1 through active areas 8, 9 of cooling devices 6, 7 successively. The sections 15 are assigned virtual rolling stock points P. During the transport of the sections 15 through the cooling section 2, a tracking of the sections 15 is performed with a working cycle Δt '. The cooling devices 6, 7 are controlled according to the corresponding rolling material points P for the cooling devices 6, 7 associated actual cooling performance mi. As a result, in each case the portion 15 located in the effective region 8, 9 of the respective cooling device 6, 7 is subjected to a respective amount of coolant. The cooling devices 6, 7 are subdivided into released and unreleased cooling devices. Iteratively, one rolling stock point P is picked out in each case. Before the corresponding section 15, starting from an initial location xA, reaches the effective area 8, 9 of the next released cooling device 6, 7, a state E is determined which the corresponding rolling point P has at the initial location xA. Based on a total cooling function F1, a total amount of coolant is determined and assigned to the rolling stock point P as residual coolant quantity M. The transport of the rolling stock point P through the cooling section 2 is simulated using a Fahrdiagrammms 17 mathematically. In this case, by means of a model 16, the temporal evolution of state E is included. When the rolling stock point P reaches a released active area 8, 9, a respective provisional cooling capacity mi is determined on the basis of the then current state E. The rolling stock point P is for the respective released cooling device 6, 7, the minimum of preliminary cooling capacity mi and residual refrigerant amount M assigned as the final cooling capacity mi. The residual amount of coolant M is reduced accordingly. At a destination xZ, an actual variable I determined on the basis of the local state E is compared with a target variable EZ. Based on the comparison, the total cooling function F1 is adjusted. Using the determined final cooling powers mi, the actual cooling powers mi are determined for a number of rolling stock points P and assigned to the rolling stock points P assigned to the respective released cooling device 6, 7.

Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

Operating method for a cooling line (2) for cooling a flat rolling stock (1), - wherein the cooling section (2) has a plurality of cooling devices (6, 7), - wherein the rolling stock (1) through the cooling section (2) is transported, so that sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) active areas (8, 9) of the cooling means (6, 7) successively through, - Wherein each of the sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) is associated with a virtual Walzgutpunkt (P), - Wherein during the transport of the sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) through the cooling section (2) with a power stroke (δt ') a tracking of the sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) is performed and the cooling means (6, 7) controlled according to the corresponding Walzgutpunkten (P) for the respective cooling devices (6, 7) associated actual cooling capacities (mi) and thereby in each case in the effective range (8, 9) of the respective cooling device (6, 7) located portion (15) of the rolling stock (1) is charged with a respective amount of coolant, - wherein the cooling devices (6, 7) are subdivided into released cooling devices and unreleased cooling devices, - Iteratively each one virtual Walzgutpunkt (P) is picked out and, based on the respective virtual Walzgutpunkt (P), the following steps are performed before the corresponding portion (15) of the real rolling stock (1), starting from a predetermined initial location (xA ), the effective range (8, 9) of the next released cooling device (6, 7) is reached: a state (E) is determined which the corresponding section (15) of the rolling stock (1) has at the initial location (xA) of the cooling section (2), - - Based on a given total cooling function (F1) a total amount of coolant is determined for the rolling stock point (P) and assigned to the rolling stock point (P) as residual coolant quantity (M), the transport of the rolling stock point (P) through the cooling section (2) is mathematically simulated using a travel diagram (17) up to a predetermined destination (xZ), - - During the simulation, the temporal evolution of the state (E) of the rolling stock point (P) is included in the simulation by means of a model (16), Each time the rolling stock point (P) reaches the active region (8, 9) of one of the released cooling devices (6, 7), the current state (E) of the rolling stock point (P) is determined using one of the respective released cooling devices (FIG. 6, 7), a respective provisional cooling capacity (mi) is determined, the rolling stock point (P) for the respective released cooling device (6, 7) the smaller of the two values provisional cooling capacity (mi) and residual coolant quantity (M) assigned as the final cooling capacity (mi) and the residual coolant quantity (M) reduced by the final cooling capacity (mi), an actual variable (I) determined on the basis of the state (E) of the rolling stock point (P) at the destination (xZ) is compared with a predefined target variable (EZ) and the overall cooling function (F1) is adjusted on the basis of the comparison, wherein the actual cooling capacities (mi) for a number of rolling stock points (P) are determined by using the final cooling capacities (mi) determined for the selected rolling stock point (P) and the corresponding rolling stock points (P) assigned to the respective released cooling device (6, 7). Operating method according to claim 1,
characterized, that between at least one further virtual, not picked Walzgutpunkt (P2 to P4) lies between two immediately successive picked out virtual Walzgutpunkten (P1, P5), - That the picking out of the later selected virtual rolling point (P5) and the implementation of the calculations on this virtual rolling point (P5) calculations are completed before the corresponding with the not selected Walzgutpunkten (P2 to P4) corresponding sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) starting from the starting point (xA) reach the effective range (8, 9) of the next released cooling device (6, 7), and - That the actual cooling capacities (mi) are determined for the not selected Walzgutpunkte (P2 to P4) by interpolation of the determined for the two adjacent selected Walzgutpunkte (P1, P5) final cooling capacities (mi). Operating method according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
in that at least some of the cooling devices (6, 7) act on the upper side of the rolling stock (1) and that the cooling curves (F2) for the cooling devices (6) acting on the upper side of the rolling stock (1) coincide with one another. Operating method according to claim 3,
characterized,
that a further part of the cooling devices (7) on the underside of the rolling stock (1) acts, and that the cooling curves (F3) acting on the underside of the rolling stock (1) cooling means (7) coincide with each other. Operating method according to claim 4,
characterized,
are that the cooling curves (F2) acting on the on the top of the rolled stock (1) cooling means (6) on the one hand and the cooling curves (F3) on the other match acting for on the underside of the rolling stock (1) cooling means (7) with each other or different from each , Operating method according to one of the above claims,
characterized,
that the initial location (xA) before the cooling section (2) or in the cooling line (2). Operating method according to claim 6,
characterized,
that at the initial location (xA) a temperature measuring station (4) is arranged, by means of which a temperature (T) of the corresponding section (15) of the rolling stock (1) is detected and that the condition (E) of the Walzgutpunktes (P) (at the initial location xA ) is determined on the basis of the detected temperature (T). Operating method according to claim 6,
characterized,
that no temperature measuring station is arranged at the initial location (xA). Operating method according to one of the above claims,
characterized,
that the destination (XZ) in the cooling line (2) or downstream of the cooling path (2). Operating method according to one of the above claims,
characterized,
that after adjusting the overall cooling function (F1) for the same rolling stock point (P), the steps following the picking of the rolling stock point (P) are carried out again. Operating method according to one of the above claims,
characterized,
that during the control of the cooling devices (6, 7) delay times (t1, t2) of the cooling devices (6, 7) are taken into account. Operating method according to one of the above claims,
characterized,
in that the cooling devices (6, 7) have delay times (t1, t2) such that the steps following the picking of the respective rolling stock point (P) at a termination time point be concluded that the corresponding portion (15) of the real rolling stock (1), starting from the initial location (xA), the effective range (8, 9) of the next released cooling device (6, 7) reaches a cooling start time and that a time difference between the termination time and the cooling start time is at least as long as the delay time (t1, t2) of the next released cooling device (6, 7). Operating method according to one of the above claims,
characterized, - That during the transport of the sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) through the cooling section (2) with the power stroke (öt ') taking into account the control of the cooling devices (6, 7) in real time, the states (E) of the through the cooling section (2) transported sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) are counted, - That at a temperature measuring station (21) an actual temperature (T) of the temperature measuring station (21) respectively passing portion (15) of the rolling stock (1) is detected and - That the respectively detected temperature (T) is compared with a calculated based on the calculated state (E) expected temperature for this section (15) and based on the comparison at least one parameter (k) of the model (16) is tracked. Operating method according to one of the above claims,
characterized,
in that , based on the extent of the cooling section (2), it is applied several times in respective regions (18, 19) of the cooling section (2). Operating method according to claim 14,
characterized,
in that between the areas (18, 19) of the cooling section (2), in which the operating method is used in each case, an intermediate section (20), in which the rolling stock (1) is not actively cooled. Operating method according to claim 15,
characterized,
that the areas (18, 19) of the cooling line in which the operating method is applied in each case (2), overlap each other. Operating method according to one of the above claims,
characterized,
that the total cooling function (F1) is dependent on or independent of the state (E) of the picked Walzgutpunktes (P) at the initial location (xA). Computer program comprising machine code (14) which can be executed by a control unit (11) for a cooling section (2), wherein the processing of the machine code (14) by the control device (11) causes the control device (11) to control the cooling section (11). 2) operates according to an operating method according to one of the above claims. Control device for a cooling line (2), wherein the control device is programmed with a computer program (12) according to claim 18. Cooling section for cooling a flat rolling stock (1), - Wherein the cooling section has a plurality of cooling devices (6, 7), by means of which in each case an active region (8, 9) of the respective cooling device (6, 7) befindlicher section (15) of the rolling stock (1) acted upon by a respective amount of coolant becomes, - wherein the cooling section comprises a transport device (5) from which the rolling stock (1) is transported through the cooling section, so that the sections (15) of the rolling stock (1) the effective areas (8, 9) of the cooling devices (6, 7) go through one after the other, - Wherein the cooling section has a control device (11) which operates the cooling section according to an operating method according to one of claims 1 to 17.

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