Abstract: This paper provides a mathematical model for the billet reheating process in furnace.A new optimum method is brought up that the objective function is the integral value of enthalpy increasing process of a billet.Different delays are simulated and calculated,some proper delay strategies are ob- tained.The on-line computer control model is de- veloped.The real production conditions simulated, the temperature deviation of drop out billet from the target temperature is kept within±15℃.

Key words: reheating furnace, enthalpy increasing process, delay strategy, on-line computer control, mathematical model