A reheat furnace optimisation control system using fuzzy control

Abstract

This thesis describes the development of a fuzzy control system for an existing reheat furnace in a steel mill in NatSteel Ltd. Singapore. The control requirements have been analyzed first and then, the fuzzy control technology has been applied to develop a PC-based optimisation system to emulate the actions of an experienced operator in the control of the heating process. Since the system is very complicated, the fuzzy controller has been divided into three sub-controllers. Shift fuel consumption (cost of the furnace operation)has been used as an index for system parameter tuning. The system has been implemented successfully in the actual plant and has achieved 8% cost saving or US$92,000 per year.