Level 2 Automation at Steel Plants - For newly employed technicians and engineers in heavy industry, especially the steel industry., #1

This comprehensive technical guide provides a clear, practical introduction to Level 2 (process automation) systems in modern steel manufacturing facilities. Written for high-level engineers responsible for improving, controlling, and supervising plant automation, the book bridges fundamental concepts with real-world application across the full production chain.

It begins by situating Level 2 within the multi-level automation hierarchy used in the steel industry—from basic drives and Level 1 PLC control through plant-wide scheduling (Level 3) and enterprise systems (Level 4). Readers gain a solid understanding of Level 2's core functions: managing material flow, meeting production targets, delivering plant supervision tools, and supporting diagnostics.

Subsequent sections examine the relationships between Level 2 systems and other plant departments, followed by a thorough grounding in computer networking principles and their specific implementation in a steel-plant environment. Hardware topics cover Level 2 server architecture, form factors, memory, storage options, RAID configurations, and management features essential for reliable operation. Database administration is addressed through focused coverage of Oracle Database setup, environment preparation, and creation.

The heart of the book lies in detailed functional descriptions of Level 2 applications across key production areas:

Practical exercises reinforce theoretical content, enabling engineers to deepen both conceptual knowledge and hands-on skills. By the end of the book, readers will be equipped to define Level 2 systems across all plant areas, understand Level 2 networks and their communication with PLCs, evaluate hardware and software components, work with Level 2 databases, and apply Level 2 solutions effectively throughout the melt shop, casting, and rolling operations.

Clear, structured, and oriented toward real plant needs, Level 2 Automation at Steel Plants serves as an essential reference for engineers seeking to strengthen process supervision and optimize automation performance in steel production.