Improving the technology of rolling rail steels by a comprehensive optimization parameter

Abstract

The authors have developed a technique for improving the rolling modes of rail steels based on a complex optimization parameter. The technology of rolling rail profiles in the roughing stands of rail-and-structural steel mills and the technology of rolling ball blanks and grinding balls from the rejection of continuously cast blanks of rail steels are selected as the methodology objects. The generalized optimization parameter is the generalized Harrington desirability function, which depends on the partial desirability indicators according to the criteria of energy efficiency, quality of rolled products, material conservation and mill productivity. The share of influence of the listed partial optimization criteria on the generalized desirability function is taken into account by using weighting coefficients. Justification of the coefficient values is based on the results of a comparative analysis of reserves for reducing costs or losses in value terms. An algorithm for applying the technique has been developed. The analysis and generalization of the available initial data and additional research were carried out as a part of the first block. These studies are aimed at obtaining justified analytical dependencies of particular optimization criteria and measured rolling parameters. The second block is justification of the specific direction of rolling modes, the choice of which is carried out on the basis of checking the compliance of boundary conditions. The third block includes development of the parameters of the new rolling mode and assessment of its applicability and effectiveness. The fourth block involves pilot testing of a new rolling mode in the conditions of an existing rolling mill and if it is necessary, adjusting the methodology for determining the forecast values of the measured indicators. With the use of the developed methodology, the modes of rolling of railway and sharp rails in the roughing stands of universal rail-and-structural steel mill of JSC “EVRAZ ZSMK” were improved, and the mode of rolling grinding balls from the rejection of rail blanks at the cross-screw rolling mill of JSC “GMZ” was changed. There is a significant improvement in the quality, technical and economic indicators, which indicates the effectiveness of the developed methodology.