An integrated batch annealing furnace simulator

Abstract
An integrated batch annealing furnace simulator with the capability of predicting spatial and temporal evolution of temperature, microstructure and mechanical properties of the coils during the batch annealing operation has been developed. The prediction capability of this integrated simulator has been extensively validated with data collected from several industrial batch annealing operations. In this article, the problems in controlling a batch annealing operation via conventional temperature based control strategy has been highlighted. These problems can be effectively resolved by using the integrated simulator. Furthermore, the utility of this simulator has been illustrated by a case study on optimization of coil dimensions for maximization of furnace productivity.