Controller for improving the quality of the tandem rolling of hot metal strip

The tandem hot metal strip rolling process presents a difficult control challenge because of its highly complex and nonlinear nature. This challenge is heightened by the hostile hot metal rolling environment which precludes the location of certain sensors to measure variables that are important for control. Based on our previous work using a state-dependent Riccati equation technique for development of a controller for the tandem cold metal rolling process, it is considered that a similar basis could be expanded upon to realize an improved method for the control of this more complex application. In this paper we present a comprehensive model of this process plus the results of our first efforts in the development of a suitable controller, which for control of this application is different than previous methods. The results of simulations of the controller coupled to the model show a strong potential for improvement in the quality of the final product.