Optimization of a Six-Strand Continuous Casting Tundish: Industrial Measurements and Numerical Investigation of the Tundish Modifications

Abstract

The main differences in the transient zone extent between the individual strands for the former industrial six-strand tundish configuration is the basis for undertaking this study. The aim this study was to improve the casting conditions by proposing the optimal equipment of the tundish working space. For economic reasons, only the variants with different baffles configurations were considered. It was also dictated by the simplicity of construction and the possibility of its implementation by the base operating steel mill. In the current study, industrial plant measurements and mathematical modeling were used. Industrial experimental data were used to diagnose the current state of the industrial tundish and then validate the numerical simulations. After this, the influence of different baffle configurations installed in the tundish on the steel flow characteristic was modeled mathematically. Residence time distribution (RTD) curves are plotted, and individual flow shares for the investigated tundish were estimated based on the curves. Finally, the industrial plant was rebuilt according to the numerical results and additional plant measurements were performed. A result of the appearance of the baffles in the tundish working space was the reduction of the transient zone extent. The results indicate the increasing share of the dispersed plug flow and a decreasing share of the dead volume flow, with a practically unchanging share of well-mixed volume flow in the modified tundish.

Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Non-metallic Inclusions Distribution in Billets Casted at a Multi-strand Continuous Casting Tundish

“…To conclude, the buildings in the tundish working space improved hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in the investigated tundish, which was confirmed by industrial research. 23) Those studies are continuation of the performed research and present the impact of modifications in the tundish working space for quality of continuously casted ingots.…”

“…Research show 23) that proposed configuration resulted in a clear separation of the inlet zone from the outlet zone, therefore a reduction in the transition zone has been obtained, increasing the share of plug flow. To conclude, the buildings in the tundish working space improved hydrodynamic conditions prevailing in the investigated tundish, which was confirmed by industrial research.…”

“…Thus the quality of the continuously cast billets did not meet the requirements. As a result of the research 23) a buildings in the tundish working space has been proposed (turbulence inhibitor and notched baffles).…”

The Use Of Multifrequency Induction Heating For Temperature Distribution Control

“…The code FLUX 3D was used for the calculations. The algorithm is based on two pairs of potentials, electric vector potential T and magnetic scalar potential Φ, defined by the following equations [19][20][21][22]:…”

Removal of Inclusions Using Micro-bubble Swarms in a Four-strand, Full-scale, Water Model Tundish

“…Hence, the efficiency of inclusion removal has been one of the most important criteria in evaluating the metallurgical performance of any given tundish design. Numerous studies have been conducted to optimize the designs of tundishes using various flow control devices, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] such as weirs, dams, impact pads, turbulence inhibitors, etc. In order to promote the floatation of inclusions, these devices can improve the removal of larger inclusions, greater than say 50 μm, but do not necessarily promote the removal of smaller sized inclusions, owing to their extremely low Stokesian velocities.…”