Analysis and Design of Hierarchical Control Systems: With Special Reference to Steel Plant Operations(Advances in Industrial Engineering)

Of the major current developments in industrial plant computer control systems, many are in the area of developing total plant control systems with a hierarchy of computers. This book describes the implementation of such a system using the steel mill as an example. It thoroughly outlines the functional tasks which must be accomplished at each level of the computer system hierarchy. It specifies all of the process variables which need to be sensed and the control actuators to be adjusted to achieve dynamic control of the mill. The higher level functions required for overall production scheduling and process management are also specified. It also gives detailed specifications for the overall computer system required to carry out the above tasks, including quotations from two major computer control system manufacturers for implementing this system with their products. The book will be invaluable for all process and production control personnel in the steel industry and corresponding companies producing equipment for this use. It will also be useful for those in other industries who could use the steel industry system as an example for a similar development in their own industry.

Table of Contents:
Part I. General. 1. Some General Considerations Regarding Hierarchical Control. 2. Summary and Statement of Purpose of this Report. II. The Upper Levels of the Hierarchy (No Direct Sensor Contact). 3. Overall Management Information and Production Scheduling. 4. Area Control. III. Lower Levels of Control in the Steel Plant Hierarchy Computer Control System (Those Which May Have Sensor Contact). 5. General Topics - Lower Level Members. 6. Coke Oven Unit Control and Supervision. 7. Sinter Plant Unit Control and Supervision. 8. Blast Furnace Unit Control and Supervision. 9. Steel Making Unit Control and Supervision. 10. Continuous Casting Control and Supervision. 11. Slabbing Unit Control and Supervision. 12. Hot Mill Unit Control and Supervision. 13. Pickling and Cold Mill Unit Control and Supervision. 14. Finishing and Warehousing Unit Control and Supervision. 15. Gaseous and Liquid Fuel Collection and Distribution Unit Control and Supervision. 16. Steam and Electric Plant and Steam Distribution Control and Supervision. 17. Electric Power Distribution Control and Supervision. IV. A Description of the Computer System Contemplated for a Steel Mill Hierarchical Control System. 18. A Description of the Computer System Contemplated for a Steel Mill Hierarchical Control System. 19. Honeywell Plant Information Network as Prepared for the Plaic Steel Complex Control Project. 20. A Proposed Hardware and Software Description of the Steel Industry Hierarchical System as Developed by the International Business Machines Corporation. V. Description of the Example Steel Mill. 21. Description of the Example Steel Mill. Subject Index.