ABOUT ECONOMICAL CONTROL OF METAL HEATING IN BROACHING FURNACES AND UNITS IS CONSIDERED

Abstract

The current problem of optimizing the control of metal heating in broaching furnaces and units is considered. Purpose of the study. Develop an algorithm for calculating the temperature distribution of the working space by zones, ensuring the implementation of a control principle that is economical in terms of fuel or electricity consumption for heating. Materials and methods. The previously established principle of economical heating control is discussed, its validity is emphasized, and its features are indicated. The essence of the principle is to adapt the temperature level of the working space in the zones to the characteristics of the heated metal and the productivity of the furnaces. Results. Variants of the algorithm have been developed that are applicable both for furnaces without a preheating zone and for furnaces with such a zone. The resulting temperature distribution across zones is characterized by the fact that the region of highest temperatures shifts, as far as possible from the point of view of heating quality, towards the end of the furnace. Typical graphs of the optimal temperature distribution by zone and a specific calculation of the mode for a three-zone horizontal broaching furnace (without a preheating zone) for heating steel wire are given. It is indicated that using the corresponding functional dependencies, the calculation procedure is also applicable for broaching thermal units with electric contact heating of the wire. The economic efficiency of the principle in the industrial operation of the corresponding control systems is noted. Recommendations are given for solving the problem of parametric identification of the heating model used as part of the algorithm. Conclusion. The developed algorithm can be used as part of the algorithmic support for automated control systems for heating metal in broaching furnaces and units.