Optimization of an Automatic Blast Furnace through Integrated Simulation Modeling
Titel:
Optimization of an Automatic Blast Furnace through Integrated Simulation Modeling
Auteur:
Ali Azadeh, Ph.D. S. Farid Ghaderi, Ph.D.
Verschenen in:
Journal of computer science
Paginering:
Jaargang 2 (2006) nr. 4 pagina's 382-387
Jaar:
2006
Inhoud:
The objective of this study was to develop an integrated simulation model of an automaticblast furnace in a full-scale steelmaking factory. The integrated simulation model introduces a set ofoptimizing alternatives through sensitivity analysis. The simulation model is built by considering allmajor and detailed operations and interacting systems of the blast furnace workshop. The workshop iscomposed two parallel blast furnace each containing of a joint raw material storage and furnace andcast-iron stations. Furthermore, there are 54 operations for each blast furnace workshop. The resultsand the structure of the integrated simulation model were verified and validated by comparativeanalysis and t-test. Moreover, the monthly production rate of cast-iron station is chosen as theperformance measure for the actual system and simulation model in a twelve months trial. The resultsof t-test shows the average monthly production of cast-iron for the two system is statistically equal (at =0.05). Also, the industrial engineering unit and the production managers accredited the integratedmodel. After this stage, the simulation was run for a period of six months to evaluate major bottlenecksin the system. Finally, two optimizing alternatives, which can save the company millions of Dollars,are introduced and their economic advantages are discussed. The integrated simulation model hasseveral unique features. First, it is integrated and considers all operations, maintenance, repairs, qualitycontrol activities, systems’ limitations and interaction with other systems. Second, it is coded inparametric fashion so any alternative may be easily retrieved. Third, it is a practical tool due to itsverification, validation and accreditation. Finally, a standard procedure for development of integratedsimulation model for similar blast furnace or workshops is introduced.
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