Linux-Based Galvanizing Process-Control
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NKK and its subsidiary Kokan Densetsu Kogyo K.K. received a Nikkei Computer Magazine grand prix award for a galvanizing process-control computer system based on the Linux operating system.
The award was presented in the category for small systems of the 6th Information Systems Awards, which is sponsored by Nikkei Computer. NKK is the first steelmaker to receive this award.
The Process Control Department of NKK's Keihin Works and Kokan Densetsu jointly developed the system and launched it in January 2001. It is integrated with the No. 3 continuous galvanizing line of NKK Steel Sheet & Strip Corporation's Keihin Works.
Nikkei Computer conducts the awards program every year to recognize outstanding information systems. Judging emphasizes cost effectiveness, beneficial effects and system technology.
The NKK group's award-winning system is believed to be the first Linux-based general-purpose PC for process control, which requires high reliability and high-speed, real-time information processing. Judges praised the system as a highly cost-effective alternative to conventional systems that require costly special-purpose computers made by specialty manufacturers.
NKK now plans to adopt the technology to upgrade process control in other production lines at its Keihin and Fukuyama works, as well as market it to other manufacturers.
