Combined models with tanks in series for characterization of tundish flows in continuous casting of steel

Abstract

The traditional combined model of a mixed flow reactor and a plug flow reactor in series with a dead zone has been commonly used to characterize tundish flows in continuous casting of steel. However, there are noticeable differences in residence time distribution curve profile between model predictions and the corresponding experimental measurements. In order to pursue a better characterization of typical tundish flows, two new combined models are outlined in the current work: One involves uniform tanks and a plug flow reactor in series with a dead zone, while the other features two non-uniform tanks and a plug flow reactor in series with a dead zone. The application of the models to a tundish with a turbulence inhibitor in the pouring compartment reveals that both of the two new models can provide a much better representation of the experimental measurements in comparison with the traditional model. Regarding the two new models, the one with two non-uniform tanks is seen to perform better than that with uniform tanks.