Robert John Glodowski

US Patent:

54626137, Oct 31, 1995

Filed:

Jun 7, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/254969

Inventors:

Robert J. Glodowski - Kansas City MO
Allyen E. Wilson - Kansas City MO

Assignee:

GS Technologies Corporation - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

C21D 9573

US Classification:

148500

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for producing rods having a desired tensile strength from a rod manufacturing process set to an optimal operating condition. Initially, the rod manufacturing process is set in an optimal condition to produce rods at a maximum rate, while optimizing the mechanical properties therein. Raw materials are melted and a "heat of steel" representing one lot is poured into a ladle which is sampled to determine its chemical composition. The percentage content of each element is utilized within an empirical model modeling the rod manufacturing process to predict the tensile strength of rods. The empirical model is again utilized to determine the amount by which a control element must be varied to adjust the predicted tensile strength to the desired tensile strength. The control element represents an element, such as, carbon which significantly impacts the tensile strength of the rod. The predicted level of the control element necessary to achieve the target tensile strength is referred to as the "floating aim level" thereof.