Automatic system for intelligent support of continuous cast billet production control processes.

The development of an automatic system for the intelligent support of continuous cast billet production control processes is described. The motivation for the development of the system is that it should improve the efficiency of production facilities and minimize the possibility of producing inferior and unacceptable quality products. A theoretical analysis of the information relating to the quality control of the processes and the finished products is presented, enabling the identification of the sources of information, methods of information acquisition, and techniques for processing it to ensure improved product quality. The development of mathematical support is described for a program analyzer that automatically and reliably identifies the defects and quality of the continuously cast billets. The application of graphic information acquisition and processing techniques concerning the quality of the metal products is also presented. The development of mathematical and software support is described for the set point adjustment module operating in the automatic system for the intelligent support of the multistage continuous cast billet production control facility. This module makes use of adaptive fuzzy trees with dynamic structures to provide scientifically grounded analysis of factors causing billet defects. The introduction of the developed systems, including practical issues, into the operation of a production facility is explained. The study identifies the general lack of automatic systems that encompass and control the whole production chain on the basis of product quality. Typical savings resulting from quality improvements in a continuous cast billet production facility can approach a million rubles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]