Improved particle swarm optimization algorithm for optimum steelmaking charge plan based on the pseudo TSP solution

An optimum furnace charge plan model for steelmaking continuous casting planning and scheduling is presented. A pseudo travel salesman problem model is presented to describe the model. An improved particle swarm optimization is presented to solve the optimum charge plan problem. Simulations have been carried and the results show that the pseudo travel salesman problem is very fit for describe the model. The computation with practical data shows that the model and the solving method are very effective.

1. Introduction

Iron and steel industrial is an essential and sizable sector for industrialized economies. Since it is capital and energy extensive, companies have been putting consistent emphasis on technology advances in the production to increase productivity and to save energy. The modern integrated process of steelmaking, continuous casting and hot rolling directly connects the steelmaking furnace, the continuous caster and the hot rolling mill with hot metal flow and makes a synchronized production. However, it also brings new changes for production planning and scheduling. For steel making process, the main work is to arrange the charge plan and cast plan. The basic unit of steelmaking is the charge. To make the charge plan, the following conditions are needed: 1)

Steel grades must be the same,

2)

Steel thickness of the charges must be equal.,

3)

The width of armor plate must be the same.,

4)

The consignment date must be near,

5)

90% furnace capacity ≤ total weight in each furnace ≤ 100% furnace capacity.