Simulation of the steelmaking process using collision avoiding cranes moving models

Abstract

The paper discusses a steelmaking process and its optimisation using simulation. The optimisation goal is to reduce the total distance travelled by cranes in all spans as well as to reduce the steel waiting time before casting on a continuous casting machine. Models of the process under study have been developed in the AnyLogic simulation software and the modelling subsystem of the metallurgical enterprise automated system. A comparative analysis of the simulation results has been conducted. All results are feasible in terms of meeting the technological constraint on the steel downtime in front of the continuous casting machine for no more than 15 minutes. When comparing two collision avoiding cranes moving models, a choice has been made in favour of a model that provides cranes movement to the nearest steel processing aggregate. Using this model allows to reduce the total path travelled by cranes by 6%. The results of using different modelling systems are consistent. © 2020 Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.