Steel ladle exchange models during steelmaking and continuous casting process

The models and influencing factors of steel ladles exchange during the steelmaking and continuous casting process of H steel plant were investigated. Based on analysis of the operation process and turnover time of steel ladles, relationship models for the turnover number, turnover rate, continuous casting number, number of ladles with additional turnover, and number of ladles without additional turnover were built. The turnover rules of steel ladles for one basic oxygen furnace (BOF) matching one continuous caster (CC) and two BOFs matching two CCs modes were simulated by using a Gantt chart. The models of steel ladle exchange were proposed for casting of a single CC and overlapping casting of two CCs. By analyzing the influencing factors, the following conclusions were drawn. The exchange ladle should not have the task of transporting liquid steel in the CC that stops casting earlier. The end time of the empty ladle in the CC that stops casting earlier should be earlier than the start time of the full ladle in the CC that stops casting later. After evaluating the factors influencing the start casting time, turnover cycle, casting time, continuous casting number, and overlapping time, a prioritization scheme of steel ladle exchange was proposed based on the steel grade. First, the turnover cycle and single heat casting time were determined; based on these, a reasonable ladle turnover number was calculated. Second, the turnover number and continuous casting number were optimized for maximizing the number of ladles without additional turnover. Lastly, to reduce the casting number during the overlapping time to be lower than the turnover number, the overlapping time was shortened.