Research and Application of Thickness Control Strategies in Steel Plate Rolling

Thickness accuracy of plate production depends on Automatic Gauge Control (AGC) in the plate mill area. A typical modern thickness control system design and implementation of a steel plate mill is discussed together with the impact on the design of process models, available measurements, available control actuators and material properties. A highlevel software design approach provides the ability to make quick and accurate modifications to both control loops and tuning constants. Control loop strategies and theoretical concepts of steel plate rolling are discussed. Performance results achieved during the startup of a steel plate mill are included.