Optimal Scheduling and Control of Ingot Handling in a Steelmaking Environment

A scheduling procedure has been devised which controls the flow of steel ingots between the steelmaking process (open hearth, BOF, etc.) and the primary rolling process (slabs). The track time and soaking pit time of the ingots are under the influence of optimal heating models which allow ingot stripping prior to complete solidification. Soaking pit time is significantly reduced. Forward and backward scheduling methodologies have been developed which yield sequences with better soaking pit utilization and faster ingot throughput time. The scheduling methodology enables more efficient energy utilization.