The application of self-tuning control to rolling mill systems.

The introduction of self-tuning control techniques to the Automatic Gauge Control (AGC) system of a rolling mill is considered. This is a new application of pole-placement self-tuning control and no comparable examples have been found in the literature. Initially, an existing ACSL model was investigated and a simpler version, suitable for online use was developed. A simpler MATLAB model of the system was also produced. A data logging exercise was then carried out to allow PRBS testing and provide data for model validation. System identification and correlation analysis were then used to obtain a simplified parametric model. Included in this stage was a thorough investigation into the practical aspects of the PRBS method for system identification and the requirements for successful implementation noted.Through extensive simulation studies it was successfully demonstrated that a pole-placement self-tuning controller using simple least squares estimation can be used to control the position loop of the AGC system. There appears no good reason why this procedure could not be applied to other rolling mill control loops.