Application of Mix Optimization Scheduling Approach for Steelmaking-Continuous Casting Process Based on Actual Steelmaking Industry Original Research Article

The models, algorithms and implementation results of a computerized scheduling system were introduced for the steelmaking-continuous casting process (SCCP) of a steel plant in China. The scheduling of SCCP in this plant required that each cast plan should be processed on time, the charges in the same cast should be processed continuously on the same caster, and the waiting time of the charges which are in front of each caster cannot exceed the given threshold. At the same time, the processing time of charges cannot be conflicted mutually in the same converters or refining furnaces. Based on the research background, a hybrid optimal scheduling approach and its application were discussed. Aiming at the main equipment scheduling, an optimal scheduling method was proposed which consisted of equipment assignment algorithm based on dynamic program (DP) technique and conflict elimination algorithm based on linear program (LP) technique. The approach guarantees that the charges are continuously processed on the same caster. Meanwhile, the requirement for high temperature ladle can also be satisfied due to the ladle matching function. Numerical results demonstrate solution quality, computational efficiency, and values of the models and algorithm.