Optimizing of steel flow in three-strand T-type tundish using mathematical and physical models

Abstract

The presented research was focused on optimizing the internal equipment of the tundish with respect to residence times between the middle (No. 2) and two lateral casting strands (No. 1 and 3). The different values of residence times of individual strands affect the cleanliness of steel and cause thermal and chemical inhomogeneities. The specific flow given by the shape of the three-strand symmetrical T-type tundish causes the middle casting strand to have a relatively short residence time compared to lateral strands. For this reason, the flow in the tundish was controlled by changing the angle of outlet holes in tundish baffle separating the inlet part of the tundish from its working volume. The research was carried out using computer simulations supported by the results from the SimConT physical model.