Journal Published Online: 05 July 2018
Volume 2, Issue 1

Optimization of the Cool-Down Process for a System of Sintering Furnaces

CODEN: SSMSCY

Abstract

Sustainability in manufacturing systems involves the balance of energy, waste, and profit. This article presents a case study in which an industrial sintering process is optimized with respect to production, energy use, and material waste. The analysis proceeds by developing a physics-based furnace model, developing a cost function for optimization, and then considering the implementation costs associated with the solution. The furnace cycle time is reduced by optimally flowing the atmosphere gas through the furnace. A system of furnaces operating continuously is then considered, and the optimal control is modified in order to balance the profits with the implementation costs across a parallel set of furnaces. The implementation costs considered here include (1) the amount of gas storage required and (2) the size of the gas compressor required in order to implement the optimal control solution. The specific modeling and optimization methods used herein have broad application for thermal processes, and the general engineering approach should be used across the manufacturing sector to promote sustainability.

Author Information

Rogers, Austin P.
Mechanical Engineering Department, 3123 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
Rasmussen, Bryan P.
Mechanical Engineering Department, 3123 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
Pages: 23
Price: Free
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Details
Stock #: SSMS20170015
ISSN: 2520-6478
DOI: 10.1520/SSMS20170015