ACCUBAND CROP OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM

ACCUBAND C965-C: The Transfer Bar: Slab Movement Between Roughing and Finishing Mills

Crop Optimization System improves yield by optimizing the trimming of transfer bar head and tail ends in a Hot Strip Mill. Depending on the configuration, the Crop Optimization System can provide four key functions:

• Imaging of the head and tail
   
• Determination of the optimum cut lines
   
• Tracking of the cut lines to the shear
   
• Control of the shear blades in order to hit the cut lines exactly

Proven Performance, Guaranteed Results

Cropping accuracy is affected by errors across multiple processes, which accumulate into an overall accuracy figure. By using the most precise components available for each stage, KELK engineers can provide a written performance guarantee for cropping accuracy on every application — a commitment that has been met or exceeded 100% of the time, with no competitor ever matching it.

The results speak for themselves: one KELK Crop Optimization customer has reported savings of USD $18 million per year.

KELK Crop Optimization Systems are available in three different configurations depending on the installation location:

• Rougher Exit
• Coil Box Entry
• Crop Shear Entry

Benefits

The ACCUBAND Crop Optimization System improves yield in hot strip mills by optimizing the cropping of the transfer bar head and tail ends.

• The crop optimization process will return significant cost savings that can be estimated in dollar value based on mill production capacity and current steel price.
• The KELK Crop Optimization System can be installed without the removal of the existing system.
• Reliable system performance with low maintenance requirements.
• Highly flexible system allows for customization of system configurations and installation locations.
• Supports fast rolling pace for maximum productivity.

Application Information

KELK Crop Optimization systems are available in three levels:
 

• Imaging:
  The head and tail ends of each transfer bar are mapped but the rest of the optimization processes are performed by the host control system (*)
   

• Open Loop Crop Optimization:
  Head and tail ends are imaged, cut lines determined and tracked to the shear, but control of the shear is handled by the host control system (*)
   

• Closed Loop Crop Optimization:
  Imaging, tracking and shear control are all by KELK
   

For each application KELK application specialists will work with the customer to determine the level of Crop Optimization required, and the best location and mounting arrangement for each sensor. The scope of supply will include components such as the ACCUBAND Strip Width Gauge, the ACCUSPEED Laser Velocimeter, the KELK ACCUSCAN Hot Metal Detector, and the KELK ACCUCROP Crop Shear Controller. A complete documentation package including detailed installation drawings and a spreadsheet for calculation of guaranteed savings will be provided for customer consideration.

In the case of an upgrade to a KELK Crop Optimization system means can be provided to allow the end user to switch back and forth between old and KELK systems to demonstrate improvements realized.