Video feedback control of pulverized coal flow

Abstract: This master’s thesis deals with the single-line control of pulverized coal
flow into a blast furnace. Towards this end a coal flow estimate based upon
video image analysis is used as a soft sensor. The pulverized coal injection
has been studied through identification experiments and subsequent data
analysis.

Mathematical black-box models for the dynamics between the flow control
valve and the soft sensor output have been developed. A control structure
has been suggested, and the first steps towards controller implementation
have been completed. The objective is to minimize the variations of the coal
flow into the blast furnace. Problems associated with the implementation
of the scheme discussed and recommendations are done for further work on
used video image analysis for control purposes. All experiments have been
performed at blast furnace no.3 (lance 4) at SSAB Tunnplåt AB Luleå, Sweden.