Functional Failure Behavior of Submerged Entry Nozzle during the Continuous Casting Process of the Bearing Steel GCr15

Abstract

The submerged entry nozzle (SEN) is an indispensable functional structural ceramic in the current continuous casting production. The stability and safety of the SEN is very important during the casting process. In this article, the functional failure of the SEN during the continuous casting process of the bearing steel GCr15 is studied. The results show that the functional failure of the SEN during the bearing steel GCr15 casting process is caused by the clogging inside the SEN which is led by the low cleanliness and the high impurities n the molten steel. The clogging in the SEN can be divided into solidified steel area, loose area, dense area, and surface area. To improve the castability of bearing steel or other high‐cleanliness steel, it is necessary to strengthen the refining process and treatment effect, strengthen the sealing and the effect of the protective casting of the molten steel, and moderate optimization of nozzle materials or the application of external fields on the SEN.