Monitoring method for a continuous casting mould including building up a database

A monitoring device (6) records variables that are characteristic of operating parameters of a continuous casting mold (1) for casting a metal strand (2). The monitoring device (6) records at least some of the characteristic variables by independently performing measurements during the casting of the metal strand (2). The monitoring device (6) forms groups (G1, G2) of operating parameters and independently tests whether the operating parameters of the respective group (G1, G2) satisfy a respective predetermined stability criterion. The monitoring device (6) accepts the operating parameters into a database (12). The monitoring device (6) determines those data records (11) contained in the database (12) that coincide in their input variables with the basic operating parameters and determines admissible operating parameter ranges for supplementary operating parameters. The monitoring device (6) independently tests whether the supplementary operating parameters lie within the admissible operating parameter ranges.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a 35 U.S.C. §§ 371 national phase conversion of PCT/EP2013/072544, filed Oct. 29, 2013, which claims priority of German Patent Application No. 10 2012 224 132.9, filed Dec. 21, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. The PCT International Application was published in the German language.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a method of monitoring for a continuous casting mold for casting a metal strand,wherein monitoring equipment detects quantities,wherein the monitoring equipment automatically detects metrologically at least some of the quantities during the casting of the metal strandwherein the monitoring equipment uses the quantities detected to determine operating parameters of the continuous casting mold.

A monitoring method of this type is known, for example in the form of SIMETALL MOLD EXPERT from Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH, Linz, Austria. In the case of monitoring methods of this type, all the relevant signals around about the continuous casting mold are detected and presented visually. In addition, by reference to the detected signals, predictive quantities are determined for the casting process, and are output to an operator of the continuous casting facility. For example, the entry temperature and exit temperature of a liquid coolant (generally water) and the corresponding coolant volume flows are used to determine the heat flows associated with the sidewalls of the continuous casting mold. Also, by reference to operating parameters of a vibration mechanism, by means of which the continuous casting mold is vibrated, a friction parameter is determined for the friction arising between the metal strand and the continuous casting mold. There is no categorization of the values determined into permissible or impermissible, or into good or bad, and the like.

The estimation of the measured and derived quantities is of importance for the casting process. In particular, a decision can be made on the basis of the measured and derived quantities as to whether the casting process is proceeding in an orderly manner, or whether control interventions are required.

Over time, experienced operators note, in particular, the values for the heat flow and friction which have arisen. Eventually they know the values for which the casting process has proceeded in an orderly manner, and the values for which the casting process experienced problems. However, this approach is only applicable to a restricted extent if the metal strand being cast has a new chemical composition—for example a new type of steel—if a different casting powder is being used or if over a period of time a large number of metal strands are cast which differ in their chemical composition.

In the prior art, it is known how to analyze the cast strand by means of metallurgical procedures, and from this to derive permissible values for particular chemical compositions of the metal strand. However, this approach is exceptionally time-consuming, and apart from that is liable to error.

DE 2 320 277 A1 discloses a method for monitoring the skin thickness of a strand which is being cast. In the context of this method, the heat flows in overlapping cooling zones are detected—separately for the individual sidewalls of the mold. From these detected heat flows, a characteristic quantity is determined and displayed and/or used directly for controlling the casting process.

DE 198 10 672 A1 discloses a method for monitoring the two-dimensional temperature profile of a continuous casting mold. Temperatures and heat flows are detected. The two-dimensional temperature profile is determined as a function of the detected temperatures and heat flows. The heat flows are adjusted in order to set a desired temperature profile.

DE 197 22 877 A1 discloses a method for measuring and regulating the temperature and quantity of the cooling water which cools the sidewalls of a continuous casting mold. The temperature of the cooling water is measured at several places in the region of the outflow openings in the copper plate and in the associated water tank. The measurement of this temperature profile, which of itself is one-dimensional, is repeated from time to time, so that the one-dimensional profile is developed into a two-dimensional profile. This two-dimensional temperature profile is displayed to an operator, so that the operator can, if necessary, make control interventions.

EP 1 103 322 A1 discloses a method for monitoring a continuous casting mold, by which the local temperatures and/or heat flow densities are detected, and from them the temperature loading on the mold wall is determined.

WO 02/085 555 A2 discloses a method of operation for a continuous casting mold, by which the speed of flow of cooling water is set in a controlled way, whereby the water flow is in the direction from below to above, unlike the method which is otherwise common.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide the operator with a tool which makes it possible, in a simple way, to categorize the values determined into permissible or impermissible, or into good or bad, and the like.

In the invention, a monitoring method of the type cited in the introduction is so structured thatthe monitoring equipment forms groups of operating parameters, each of which includes at least one basic operating parameter and at least one supplementary operating parameter,the monitoring equipment automatically copies the operating parameters for the group concerned into a database as a data record, if the operating parameters of the group concerned satisfy a relevant first predefined stability criterion over a relevant evaluation time period,the monitoring equipment assigns to the data record the basic operating parameters as input quantities, and the supplementary operating parameters as output quantities,the monitoring equipment determines for which of the data records which are held in the database the input quantities match the basic operating parameters, and using these datathe monitoring equipment determines for which of the data records which are held in the database the input quantities match the basic operating parameters, and using these data records determines permissible operating parameter ranges for the supplementary operating parameters,in the context of a second check, the monitoring equipment automatically checks whether the operating parameters lie within the permissible operating parameter ranges, anddepending on the result of the second check, the monitoring equipment initiates further measures.

This approach achieves the effect that little by little the monitoring equipment fills up the database fully automatically with orderly data records, and in addition draws on those data records which are already present in the database in assessing the current operating parameters.

The groups of operating parameters can be chosen as required. As alternatives, they may include only some of the operating parameters, or all the operating parameters. Within the group concerned, the evaluation period is specific to the operating parameter concerned. It can be the same for all the operating parameters in the group concerned. Alternatively, it can be defined individually for the operating parameter concerned. The first stability criterion can also be the same for all the operating parameters in the group concerned, or can be chosen individually for each operating parameter.

The continuous casting mold is cooled by means of a volume flow of a liquid coolant—generally water. When it enters the continuous casting mold, the liquid coolant has an entry temperature, and on emerging from the continuous casting mold an exit temperature. The quantities which are metrologically detected during the casting of the metal strand will preferably include the volume flow, the entry temperature and the exit temperature and the operating parameters include a heat flow determined from the volume flow, the entry temperature and the exit temperature.

The continuous casting mold has a number of sidewalls. It is possible that the continuous casting mold has a single sidewall. This is the case, for example, for a pipe mold. Alternatively, the continuous casting mold can have several sidewalls. This is the case, for example, for a slab mold. Regardless of the number of sidewallsthe volume flow, the entry temperature and the exit temperature are detected separately for each of the sidewalls, andthe monitoring equipment determines the heat flow separately for each of the sidewalls.

In general, the heat flow tracks any change in the operating parameters relatively rapidly. Preferably, one of the predefined groups of operating parameters will include as a supplementary operating parameter the heat flow, and as basic operating parameters those operating parameters which are relevant for the heat flow.

When casting metal continuously, it is usual to vibrate the continuous casting mold during the continuous casting by means of a vibration mechanism, with a vibration frequency and a vibration amplitude. Preferablythe quantities which are metrologically detected during the casting of the metal strand include the vibration frequency, vibration amplitude and the displacement forces necessary for vibrating the continuous casting mold, andthe operating parameters include a friction parameter, determined from the vibration frequency, the vibration amplitude and the displacement forces, for friction arising between the metal strand and the continuous casting mold.

Preferably, one of the predefined groups of operating parameters will include as a supplementary operating parameter the friction parameter, and as basic operating parameters the operating parameters which are relevant to the friction parameter.

The basic operating parameters can be determined as required. For example, the basic operating parameters could include the material in the metal strand (for example steel, or aluminum, plus a definition of the alloying elements and their concentration), the format (for example, width and thickness) of the metal strand, a casting powder used in the casting of the metal strand, a casting speed and/or a level of the surface of the cast material.

It is possible that the data records copied into the database are exclusively those based on the characteristic quantities detected by the monitoring equipment itself in the operation of the continuous casting mold. Alternatively, it is possiblethat in addition to the quantities which it has detected, the monitoring equipment accepts, via a data input, temporal sequences of quantities,that the monitoring equipment also forms, by reference to quantities it has accepted via the data input, groups of operating parameters, each of which includes at least one basic operating parameter and at least one supplementary operating parameter,that, if the operating parameters for the groups formed by reference to the quantities accepted through the data input satisfy a relevant predefined first stability criterion over a relevant evaluation time period, the monitoring equipment copies into the database, as data records, those operating parameters which it has determined by reference to the quantities it accepted through the data inputthat the monitoring equipment assigns to the data record as the input quantities the basic operating parameters and as the output quantities the supplementary operating parameters.

This approach is of advantage particularly when the execution of the inventive monitoring method is starting up, for example if the data base does not (yet) have any data records when the execution of the inventive monitoring method is starting up. However, it can also be realized during ongoing operations, or afterwards.

It is possible that the monitoring equipment determines the permissible ranges for the operating parameters even if there are only a few data records stored in the database. However, the monitoring equipment will preferably determine the permissible operating parameter ranges for the supplementary operating parameters if, and only if, the data records for which the input quantities match the basic operating parameters satisfy a completeness criterion. The completeness criterion can, in particular, be satisfied if the database contains a sufficient number of data records for which the input quantities match the basic operating parameters. Alternatively, or additionally, the completeness criterion can be satisfied if the supplementary operating parameters, for those data records for which the input quantities match the basic operating parameters, satisfy a relevant predefined statistical second stability criterion.

If the operating parameters of the group concerned satisfy the relevant predefined first stability criterion over the evaluation period concerned, the operation of the continuous casting mold as such is uncritical. It can however happen that in spite of uncritical operation as such, the metal strand which is cast does not satisfy quality requirements, for example has cracks or too strong vibration marks. Preferably, the monitoring equipment will therefore suppress the copying of the data records into the database if an operator of the continuous casting mold issues a blocking command to it. Alternatively, if the operator issues a negative assessment of the data record, the monitoring equipment removes from the database data records which have already been copied into the database.

If the operating parameters of the group concerned satisfy the relevant predefined first stability criterion over the evaluation period concerned, the operation of the continuous casting mold as such is uncritical. It can however happen that in spite of uncritical operation as such, the metal strand which is cast does not satisfy quality requirements, for example has cracks or too strong vibration marks. Preferably, the monitoring equipment will therefore suppress the copying of the data records into the database if an operator of the continuous casting mold issues a blocking command to it. Alternatively, if the operator issues a negative assessment of the data record, the monitoring equipment removes from the database data records which have already been copied into the database.

If the operating parameters of the group concerned satisfy the relevant predefined first stability criterion over the evaluation period concerned, the operating parameters—in particular for example their weighted or unweighted mean values—can be copied into the database as data records. The first check, and the copying of a data record into the database which is based on it, will in this case be effected cyclically at regular time intervals. It is possible that the time interval is identical with the evaluation period for the at least one supplementary operating parameter in the group concerned. Preferably however, the time interval will be substantially shorter. For example, the time interval can lie (somewhere) between 0.1 s and several minutes.

The object is further achieved by a computer program which incorporates machine code which can be directly executed by monitoring equipment for a continuous casting mold, and the execution of which by the monitoring equipment has the effect that the monitoring equipment carries out a monitoring method with all the steps of a monitoring method in accordance with the invention.

The object is further achieved by monitoring equipment for a continuous casting mold where the monitoring equipment is constructed in such a way that it carries out a monitoring method with all the steps of a monitoring method in accordance with the invention.

The object is further achieved by a continuous casting mold for casting a metal strand, whereby monitoring equipment in accordance with the invention is assigned to the continuous casting mold.

The characteristics, features and advantages of this invention described above, together with the manner and way in which these are achieved, will become clearer and more comprehensible in conjunction with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. These show, as schematic views:

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a metal strand2is cast using a continuous casting mold1. The metal strand2can, in particular, consist of steel. The metal strand2can, as shown in the illustrations inFIGS. 1 and 2, be strip-shaped in form. In this case, the continuous casting mold1has several sidewalls3ato3d. Furthermore, in the case of a strip-shaped metal strand2, two of the sidewalls3ato3dare each constructed as wide sides3a,3band two each as narrow sides3c,3d. The distances from each other of the sidewalls,3ato3d, which lie opposite each other define the format of the metal strand2which is cast, in particular its thickness d and its width b. Alternatively however, other formats can also be cast, in particular rod cross-sections. In this case, the continuous casting mold1has only a single sidewall.

The continuous casting mold1is cooled by means of a liquid coolant4—generally water. Per unit of time (for example, per second), a volume flow V of the liquid coolant4flows through the continuous casting mold1. When it enters the continuous casting mold1, the liquid coolant4has an entry temperature T1and on emerging from the continuous casting mold1an exit temperature T2. As shown inFIG. 2, the sidewalls3ato3dhave in each case a separate volume flow, Va to Vb, of the coolant4flowing through it, where each of the volume flows Va to Vb has its own entry temperature T1ato T1dwhen it enters the sidewall concerned of the continuous casting mold1and on exiting from the continuous casting mold1its own exit temperature T2ato T2d.

As shown inFIG. 1A, there is assigned to the continuous casting mold1a vibration mechanism5, for example a hydraulic cylinder unit. By means of the vibration mechanism5, the continuous casting mold1is vibrated during the casting of the strand, with a vibration frequency f and a vibration amplitude h. For the purpose of vibrating the continuous casting mold1, displacement forces F are required.

As shown inFIG. 1B, the continuous casting mold1has monitoring equipment6assigned to it. The monitoring equipment6is generally structured as software programmable equipment. The way in which the monitoring equipment6functions is thus defined by a computer program7, with which the monitoring equipment6is programmed. By its programming with the computer program7, the monitoring equipment6is appropriately structured.

The computer program7incorporates machine code8. This machine code8is directly executable by the monitoring equipment6. The execution of the machine code8by the monitoring equipment6causes the monitoring equipment6to execute a monitoring method, which is explained in more detail below by reference toFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 3, the monitoring equipment6detects, in a step S1, quantities which are characteristic of the operating parameters of the continuous casting mold1.

The quantities detected are automatically detected, metrologically, by the monitoring equipment6, at least partially during the casting of the metal strand2. For example, the volume flows V, or Va to Vb mentioned above, the entry temperatures T1or T1ato T1dmentioned above, and the exit temperatures T2or T2ato T2dmentioned above, are detected metrologically. In this process—regardless of the number of the sidewalls3ato3d—the volume flows Va to Vd, the entry temperatures T1ato T1dand the exit temperatures T2ato T2dare generally detected metrologically for each of the sidewalls3ato3dseparately. Furthermore, the operating quantities for the vibration equipment5, that is the vibration frequency f, the vibration amplitude h and the displacement forces F required to vibrate the continuous casting mold1, are generally detected metrologically.

Other quantities could alternatively be detected metrologically or reported to the monitoring equipment6in some other way. Examples of such quantities are the material of the metal strand2, the format of the metal strand2, such as for example its width b and thickness d, a casting powder9used in casting the metal strand2, a casting speed v and a cast surface10, or more precisely its level P.

In a step S2, the monitoring equipment6determines, by reference to the detected quantities, operating parameters of the continuous casting mold1. To some extent, the execution of step S2is trivial, namely if the detected quantities directly represent operating parameters of the continuous casting mold1. However, it is to some extent necessary, by reference to the detected quantities, to determine in a non-trivial way the operating parameters of the continuous casting mold1. For example, the monitoring equipment6can, as part of step S2, determine a heat flow W from the (overall) volume flow V, the associated entry temperature T1and the associated exit temperature T2. If the volume flows Va to Vd, the entry temperatures T1ato T1dand the exit temperatures T2ato T2dare detected separately for each of the sidewalls3ato3d, then of course, as part of step S2, an applicable heat flow Wa to Wd will be determined for each of the sidewalls3ato3dby reference to the corresponding values Va to Vd, T1ato T1d, T2ato T2d.

A further important operating parameter of the continuous casting mold1, which must be determined in a non-trivial way, is a friction parameter R, which characterizes a level of friction arising between the metal strand2and the continuous casting mold1. Insofar as it is determined, the friction parameter R is determined by the monitoring equipment6as part of step S2, by reference to the vibration frequency f, the vibration amplitude h and the displacement forces F.

In a step S3, the monitoring equipment6gives the operating parameters an associated timestamp and temporarily stores them away internally together with the timestamp. If necessary, the characteristic quantities underlying the operating parameters can also be stored away together with the operating parameters.

In a step S4, the monitoring equipment6forms groups G1, G2of operating parameters. Each of the groups G1, G2includes several operating parameters. In particular, each of them includes at least one basic operating parameter, and at least one supplementary operating parameter. For example, the monitoring equipment6can, as part of step S4, form a first group G1of operating parameters. The first group G1of operating parameters includes, as the supplementary operating parameter, the heat flow W, Wa to Wd and as the basic operating parameter the operating parameters which are relevant for the heat flow W, Wa to Wd. These operating parameters—i.e. the operating parameters which are relevant in the context of the first group G1—include in particular the format b, d of the metal strand2and the casting speed v, thus in sum the amount of the metal strand2which is cast per unit of time. Furthermore, they include the start temperature, at which the liquid metal is fed to the continuous casting mold1, the physical parameters of the material of the metal strand2, for example its specific setting point enthalpy and the level P of the surface of the cast10. Other quantities can also be considered, such as for example the casting powder9which is used. On the other hand, the items of vibration data, f, h, F are generally of lower importance in the context of the first group G1. They can, but need not necessarily, be contained in the first group G1.

Alternatively or in addition to the first group G1, the monitoring equipment6can, as part of step S4, form a second group G2of operating parameters. The second group G2of operating parameters includes as the supplementary operating parameter the friction parameter R and as the basic operating parameter those operating parameters which are relevant to the friction parameter R. These operating parameters—i.e. the operating parameters which are relevant in the context of the second group G2—include in particular the start temperature, at which the liquid metal is fed to the continuous casting mold1, the physical parameters of the material of the metal strand2, the format b, d of the metal strand2and the casting powder9used and the surface10of the cast or its level P. Further operating parameters can also be contained in the second group G2.

It is possible that the operating parameters explained above are the only operating parameters which are utilized. However, it is alternatively possible to take into account further operating parameters. Examples of this type of operating parameter are the immersion depth of an immersion tube into the continuous casting mold1and/or parameters which characterize a shape of the vibration of the continuous casting mold1which deviates from a sinusoidal wave.

Other parameters are, for example, the measured values from temperature sensors which are built into the sidewalls3ato3dof the continuous casting mold1. Other operating parameters are also possible. These operating parameters are generally basic operating parameters.

Furthermore, further groups of operating parameters can be formed as necessary.

In a step S5, the monitoring equipment6selects one of the groups G1, G2which has been formed. In a step S6, the monitoring equipment6automatically determines the value of a logical variable OK. The logical variable OK takes the value WAHR (TRUE) if and only if the operating parameters of the selected group G1, G2satisfy in each case a first stability criterion over a relevant evaluation time period. The evaluation time period can be the same for all the operating parameters in the selected group G1, G2. In general, however, within the selected group G1, G2it is defined specifically for each particular operating parameter. For example, in the case of the heat flow W, Wa to Wd the range can lie within a single digit range of minutes. For this operating parameter it mostly lies between 1 min and 5 min. For other groups and/or other operating parameters, each evaluation time period can have a different value. For example, in the context of the second group G2it can lie in the double-digit range of minutes for the friction value R operating parameter. In particular, it can lie between 20 min and 30 min. In contrast, the stability criteria for the operating parameters in the group G1, G2can—depending on the situation in the individual case—either be all the same within the selected group G1, G2or can vary. Examples of suitable stability criteria are,that within the relevant evaluation time period the difference between a minimum value and a maximum value of the operating parameter concerned lies beneath a prescribed absolute amount,that within the relevant evaluation time period, relating to the minimum value, to the maximum value or to the sum of the minimum value and the maximum value, the difference between a minimum value and a maximum value of the operating parameter concerned lies beneath a prescribed relative amount, orthat within the relevant evaluation time period the operating parameter concerned fluctuates only within a prescribed absolute or relative amount about a statistical mean value of the operating parameter concerned.

Other stability criteria are also conceivable. In particular, before the actual stability criterion is applied, the relevant operating parameter can be subject to filtering—for example the formation of a moving average value over a relatively short period of time of a few seconds.

In a step S7, the monitoring equipment6checks the value of the logical variable OK. Depending on the result of this check, the monitoring equipment6carries out a step S8, or does not carry it out. If the monitoring equipment6carries out the step S8, it copies the operating parameters from the group selected in step S5into a database12, as a data record11. The monitoring equipment6assigns to the corresponding data record11the basic operating parameters as input quantities and the supplementary operating parameters as output quantities.

In a step S9, the monitoring equipment6checks whether it has now carried out the steps S5to S8for all the groups G1, G2formed in step S4. If not, the monitoring equipment6goes back to step S5. However, in carrying out again the step S5it selects another group G1, G2of operating parameters which have not so far been dealt with. Otherwise, the monitoring equipment6swaps over to a step S10.

In step S10, the monitoring equipment6selects some of the operating parameters which it determined in step S3. In particular, in step S10the monitoring equipment6selects the basic operating parameters. On the other hand it specifically does not select the heat flow W, Wa to Wd and the friction parameter R.

In a step S11, the monitoring equipment6determines those data records for which the input quantities match the basic operating parameters. In a step S12, the control device6determines, by reference to these data records11, permissible operating parameter ranges for the supplementary operating parameters, that is for the operating parameters which were not selected in step S10. For example, the relevant permissible operating parameter range can be determined by reference to a mean value of the relevant output quantities in the appropriate data records11and a statistical standard deviation for the data records11evaluated in step S11.

In a step S13, the monitoring equipment6automatically determines the value of the logical variable OK once again. In the context of step S13, the logical variable OK takes the value WAHR (TRUE) if and only if the supplementary operating parameters lie within the permissible operating parameter ranges determined in step S11.

In a step S14, the monitoring equipment6checks the value of the logical variable OK. Depending on the result of the check, the monitoring equipment6carries out either a step S15or a step S16. In step S15, no special measures are initiated. In the step S16on the other hand, the monitoring equipment6initiates further measures. For example, in the step S16the monitoring equipment6can trigger the output of a warning message to an operator13(seeFIG. 1) of the continuous casting mold1. This warning message can be, in particular, an acoustic and/or an optical warning signal, for example a hooting sound or a flashing light. Thus, for example, a dynamic optical warning signal can be triggered, for example a flashing light. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring equipment6can include with the output a note of which supplementary operating parameter lies outside its permissible range and how a return to within the appropriate permissible range can be effected. For example, if the heat flow W, Wa to Wd becomes too great, the output can include a message that the casting speed v should be reduced. It is also possible, if the friction parameter R is too small or too large, to output a note that the casting powder9should be changed and/or slag which has formed on the surface10of the casting should be removed.

It is even possible that the monitoring equipment6itself carries out an adjustment intervention directly, by means of which (at least) one basic operating parameter of the continuous casting mold1is altered. For example, the monitoring equipment6can be identical with a control device for the continuous casting mold1and can adjust the casting speed v appropriately. It is also possible that the monitoring equipment6is indeed a different device from the control device for the continuous casting mold1, but can in an emergency situation intervene directly in the control of the continuous casting mold1or can communicate to the control device for the continuous casting mold1an appropriate message.

Furthermore, the monitoring equipment6can in a step S17output to the operator13on a display a graph against time for the past up to the current time of, for example, (at least) one operating parameter—in particular of one of the supplementary operating parameters, for example the heat flow W—and in the display include, in addition to the operating parameter which is output, its permissible range.FIG. 4shows an example of a display of this type.

The steps S4to S9, on the one hand, and steps S10to S16on the other, are executed independently of each other. It is also possible, as an alternative to whatFIG. 3shows, to execute steps S10to S16before steps S4to S9, or steps S4to S9and steps S10to S16in parallel.

Steps S1to S17are executed repeatedly by the monitoring equipment6with a relatively short cycle time of, for example, 0.1 s. It is possible to perform the checks in steps S6and S7in each cycle, and if step S8is performed, to write the corresponding operating parameters into the database12as a data record11. In this case, the repetition time for the performance of the first check, and for the copying which is based on it of a data record11into the database12, is a repetition time which is identical with the cycle time. Alternatively, it is possible, after each writing of a new data record11into the database12, to insert an enforced pause, within which no further data records11are copied into the database12. For the purpose of realizing the enforced pause, use can be made, for example, of a timer. Alternatively, the enforced pause can be realized by skipping the steps S5to S8, or only step S8. In this case, the repetition time with which the first check, and the copying which is based on it of a data record11into the database12, corresponds to the enforced pause.

The repetition time will preferably be substantially shorter than the evaluation period for the at least one supplementary operating parameter in the group G1, G2concerned. For example, the repetition time can lie at 0.1 s, at 1 s, at 10 s or at 30 s. In the case of a corresponding evaluation time period in the upper single-digit minute range, the repetition time can also lie in the lower single-digit range. In the case of a corresponding evaluation time period in the double-digit minute range the repetition time can also lie in the lower or in the upper single-digit minute range, or anywhere in the single-digit minute range. It is generally true that the value of the repetition time should be at most 0.2 times, and better at most 0.1 times or 0.05 times the corresponding evaluation time period. However, it is in principle also possible that the repetition time is identical with the evaluation time period.

The approach explained above ensures that only data records11are copied into the database12for which the casting process as such is running in a stable manner. It is however possible that, in spite of a stable casting process, the metal strand2does not have the desired product characteristics. In this case, it is not sensible to operate the casting process using the operating parameters defined by the data record11concerned. Preferably therefore a step S21will be arranged before the step S8—seeFIG. 5. In step S21, the monitoring equipment6checks whether a blocking command B has been issued to it by the operator13(seeFIG. 1). If the operator13does issue the blocking command B, the monitoring equipment6skips over step S8, in which the data record11concerned is copied into the database12. Thus, in this case, the monitoring equipment6suppresses the copying into the database12of the data record11concerned.

Alternatively or in addition to the approachFIG. 5, it is possible that the monitoring equipment6implements, in addition to the approach explained in conjunction withFIG. 3, processing by the operator13of the data records11held in the database12. This will be explained below in more detail in conjunction withFIG. 6.

As shown inFIG. 6, in a step S31the monitoring equipment6accepts from the operator13a selection command for (at least) one data record11which is held in the database12. In a step S32, the monitoring equipment6outputs the selected data record11to the operator13. In a step S33, the monitoring equipment6accepts from the operator13an assessment of the displayed data record11. This assessment may either be a positive or a negative assessment. In a step S34, the monitoring equipment checks the assessment. In the case of a positive assessment, no further measures are initiated. In the case of a negative assessment, in a step S35the monitoring equipment6removes from the database12the data record11which was selected in step S31. The approach shown inFIG. 6can be carried out as often as necessary.

The copying of the data records11into the database12can—provided that the appropriate stability criteria are satisfied—always take place. The determination of the permissible operating parameter ranges will preferably only take place if the data records11held in the database12satisfy a completeness criterion. This is explained in more detail below in conjunction withFIG. 7.

As shown inFIG. 7, the steps S41and S42are arranged before the step S11. In step S41, the monitoring equipment6automatically determines the value of a further logical variable OK′. The logical variable OK′ takes the value WAHR (TRUE) if and only if the data records11contained in the database12satisfy a completeness criterion. For example, the monitoring equipment6can check, as part of step S41, whether the database12contains an adequate number of data records11for the input quantities selected as part of step S10, that is the number of appropriate data records11stored in the database12exceeds a predefined threshold value. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring equipment6can check, as part of step S41, whether the output quantities for the data records11, that is the supplementary operating parameters, satisfy a second stability criterion. The application of the second stability criterion is analogous to that of the first stability criterion. It is also possible that the monitoring equipment6checks as part of step S41, whetherthe number of appropriate data records11stored in the database12exceeds a predefined first threshold value and/orthe number of appropriate data records11stored in the database12exceeds a predefined second threshold value and in addition the supplementary operating parameters for the corresponding data records11satisfy the second stability criterion.

The first threshold value is in this case larger than the second threshold value.

In step S42, the monitoring equipment6checks the value of the logical variable OK. Depending on the result of this check, the monitoring equipment6will either perform step S11and the steps S12to S15which build on step S11, or will not perform it.

Insofar as already explained, the monitoring equipment6builds up the database12as such by reference exclusively to the operating data for the continuous casting mold1which it monitors. This is obviously possible, but does have the result that at the start of the operation of the continuous casting mold1the database12either does not yet contain any data records11, or only a few. So the monitoring equipment6will thus preferably—seeFIG. 1—provide a data input14. Through this data input14, the monitoring equipment6can, in a step S51as shown inFIG. 8, accept time sequences of characteristic quantities. The sequences accepted are not characteristic quantities which are directly characteristic of the operating parameters of the continuous casting mold1. So they are not quantities which have arisen in ongoing operation of the continuous casting mold1, but are other quantities. The characteristic quantities accepted through the data input14could be, for example, older operating data for the continuous casting mold1, stored in some other way, or operating data from another continuous casting mold or operating data determined in some other way. Regardless of what the data is, each data item is in any case given a timestamp.

In relation to the characteristic quantities accepted in step S51, the monitoring equipment6performs steps S52to S59. In content, the steps S52to S59correspond with the steps S2to S9inFIG. 3. On the other hand, in relation to this data the monitoring equipment6does not perform any steps corresponding to the steps S10to S15inFIG. 3.

The present invention has many advantages. Thus, it ensures for example that the database12is filled fully automatically with data records11which specify stable, and hence permissible, casting conditions. This also makes it possible, in the case of new materials—for example in the case of new types of steel—to specify permissible operating parameters very rapidly to the operator13in a reliable way. The possibility of defining data records11in a different way—i.e. separately from the current operation of the continuous casting mold1—speeds up the building up of the database12. The possibility for suppressing the copying of data records11into the database12, or for deleting again data records11which have already been copied in, improves the reliability of the database12. Furthermore, a reliable value range within which he can work without problems is indicated to the operator13.

Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by the preferred exemplary embodiment, the invention is not restricted to the examples disclosed, and other variations can be derived herefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

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