Selecting Optimal Ingot Sizes for Bethlehem Steel

Francis J. Vasko, Floyd E. Wolf, Kenneth L. Stott and James W. Scheirer
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Francis J. Vasko: Mathematics and CIS Department, Kutztown University, Kutztown, Pennsylvania 19530
Floyd E. Wolf: Systems Analysis Group, Homer Research Laboratories, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18016
Kenneth L. Stott: Systems Analysis Group, Homer Research Laboratories, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18016
James W. Scheirer: Saucon Mills Technology, Bethlehem Plant Technology, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18016

Interfaces, 1989, vol. 19, issue 1, 68-84

Abstract: To take maximum advantage of a new ingot mold stripping facility, which was installed in 1984 at the Bethlehem Plant, we developed a two-phase, computer-based procedure for selecting optimal ingot dimensions and internal ingot mold dimensions. Phase 1 generated feasible ingot and internal ingot mold dimensions consistent with the new stripper's capability and with foundry, steelmaking, metallurgical, mill, and shipping yard constraints. Phase 2 then used a set-covering approach to select the optimal ingot and internal ingot mold sizes from among the feasible sizes. Based on model results and following trial mill tests, full production use of new mold sizes has affected the entire plant operation, resulting in over $8 million annual realized savings.

Keywords: industries: mining metals; inventory/production: applications (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1989
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