An MPC Strategy for Hot Rolling Mills and Applications to Strip Threading Control Problems

Strip threadability is an ability to keep a strip flowing smoothly between interstands and run-out tables without severe longitudinal and lateral movements. The occurrence of a longitudinal movement is mainly related to looper–tension control performance, while a lateral movement is affected by steering control actions. Unstable threading may induce folding and pinching of a strip, thus resulting in damage to the strips and rolls and, in the worst case, an emergency shutdown. This paper investigates the potential of an MPC algorithm for the strip threading control problem and evaluates its efficacy through looper–tension and strip steering control case studies.