Hydrodynamic performance of steelmaking tundish systems: a comparative study of three different tundish designs

Extensive water modelling was carried out to ascertain the influence of various types of baffle designs on the hydrodynamic performance of three different designs of steelmaking tundish systems. These included, a two-strand slab casting tundish, a six-strand billet casting tundish and a five-strand, skewed, delta shaped tundish. Plant scale operating conditions were scaled down respecting both geometric and Froude similarity and on the basis of the latter, the inflow rate of water into the model tundish systems was estimated via: Q_m = Λ^5/2Q_f.s. To quantify the hydrodynamic performance, residence time distribution (RTD) characteristics were measured using the conductivity measurement technique for a wide range of baffle designs. From such measurements as well as from flow visualisation studies, the following general observations have been made. The optimum design of baffles together with its number and position within the tundish appear to be a strong function of the basic tundish design (viz., the geometry, the number of operating strands etc.). Of the various types of baffles investigated in this work (dam, dam + weir, baffles with holes etc.), appropriately designed slotted baffles appear to modify the RTD characteristics most favourably towards superior metallurgical performances. Increase in the number of strands, asymmetricity in the tundish design and flawed operating conditions, (viz., large width to length ratio) were all found to influence the tundish performance adversely. A comparison of experimental results for the three tundish systems indicated that changing the characteristics of the baffle design can lead to significant performance improvement in the case of the two symmetric tundish systems (e.g., the two and the six strand tundishes), the five strand skewed, delta shaped tundish was, however, found to be somewhat insensitive to such changes. For such a tundish geometry, no design of the flow-modification devices tried, could bring the hydrodynamic performance any closer to the best results obtained for the two other tundish systems. Possible reasons for such observations are discussed in the text.     

Inclusion behavior and heat-transfer phenomena in steelmaking tundish operations: Part I. Aqueous modeling

An in-house computer code, METFLO 3D, which can model three-dimensional (3-D) turbulent flow, heat transfer, and inclusion flotation, has been developed for steelmaking tundishes. Also, sensor equipment has been developed for the continuous detection of particles suspended in aqueous systems. The probe, based on the resistive pulse principle, withdraws a continuous sample of the feed water to be monitored. A full-scale (isothermal) water model tundish (Stelco Research Centre, Burlington, Canada) was used to test experimental data on particle separation within the tundish. These experimental data were compared with predictions calculated by the mathematical model developed for tundish flows, and satisfactory agreement was achieved. Formerly Doctoral Candidate, Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, McGill Metals Processing Centre, McGill University. Macdonald Professor of Metallurgy     

Mathematical and physical modeling studies of molten aluminum flow in a tundish

Quantitative velocity and turbulence measurements that were obtained using laser Doppler velocimetry during the course of the physical modeling of the molten aluminum flow in a tundish are presented. Laser sheet and surface powder visualization techniques were also used to provide qualitative understanding of the complex three-dimensional (3-D) flow regimes encountered in the tundish. The experimental findings are compared to the results obtained by the finite-element computational simulation of the flow, showing favorable agreement between the two approaches. Nonintrusive laser Doppler measurements revealed asymmetric velocity and non-isotropic turbulence field near the nozzle exit. In the vicinity of the nozzle, the interaction of the impinging jet and the inclined walls gives rise to vortex structures. Downstream of the nozzle, two counter-rotating secondary cells diminish in strength. The experiments indicate that the turbulence structure near the bottom of the tundish is isotropic, whereas nonisotropy dominates near the free surface. As flow turns through the bend, a separation region is created. The flow heading into the closed duct is observed to be nonsymmetric.     

Mathematical modeling of tundish operation and flow control to reduce transition slabs

Minimization of transition slabs in continuous casting operations is critical for optimum quality and productivity. The number of these slabs is closely related to the tundish geometry and operating practice. Therefore, tundish flow and mixing with various tundish configurations and different tundish operating levels are investigated through computer simulation. Residence time distributions and transitional concentration profiles are predicted. Finally, practical operations for a grade change to reduce transition slabs are assessed.     

Mathematical modeling of pharmacy systems

Mathematical modeling and its potential applications in pharmacy are discussed. A model is a simplified representation of the real world. As an experimental approach, modeling minimizes expense, risk, and disruption, but its validity can be hard to ascertain. Mathematical models describe numerically the relationships among elements of a system and are a powerful tool in making decisions affecting that system. There are two types of mathematical models: analytical models, which directly describe the relationships between system inputs and outputs using mathematical equations (such as pharmacokinetic models), and simulation models, which involve the replication, usually with a computer, of events as they occur in the real world. Analytical models are easier to develop but are not appropriate for describing highly complex systems. In continuous-time simulation, the system is represented as an uninterrupted flow of material; in discrete-event simulation, it is assumed that events occur only at distinct times. Various simulation programs are commercially available. The stages of a mathematical modeling study are (1) formulate the problem, (2) determine the model's structure, (3) collect and analyze initial data, (4) develop the model further, (5) validate the model, (6) experiment using the model, and (7) use the results. There have been many applications of modeling in health care, but relatively few have involved the study of pharmacy systems. Mathematical modeling offers pharmacists a low-risk, low-cost tool for aiding decisions about pharmacy systems by predicting alternative futures.     

Mathematical modelling of flows and discrete phase behaviour in a V‐shaped tundish

In steelmaking processes, various efforts are made in order to enhance steel cleanness. Among other approaches, the volume of the tundish has been increased and flow‐controlling devices are used. The extended mean residence time of steel in the tundish leads to an improved inclusion separation. In the present study, the degree of inclusion separation in different tundish configurations is determined through numerical modelling. Flows in the tundish has been calculated under isothermal and non‐isothermal conditions. The numerical model is based on a Euler Lagrange approach. The flow and the temperature field are described through Reynolds averaged transport equations in conjunction with a turbulence model.     

Inclusion behavior and heat-transfer phenomena in steelmaking tundish operations: Part II. Mathematical model for liquid steel in tundishes

Fluid flow, heat transfer, and inclusion flotation have been modeled mathematically for several types of industrial tundish designs. Computations are presented to illustrate the importance of thermal natural convection currents in mixing the upper and lower layers of steel. The use of flow modification devices was shown to be reasonably effective in further reducing inclusion density levels at the intermediate to larger size ranges. Small inclusions (≦40 μm) were not readily removed with or without flow controls because of their low Stokes rising velocities. Formerly Doctoral Candidate Formerly Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, McGill Metals Processing Centre, McGill University. Macdonald Professor of Metallurgy     

Inclusion behavior and heat-transfer phenomena in steelmaking tundish operations: part III. applications—computational approach to tundish design

The attributes of various tundish designs and flow modifiers have been studied based on the computational and physical modeling efforts developed in parts I and II. The importance of thermal natural convection effects in such vessels has been demonstrated. Flow patterns and residual ratios (RR) for various tundish designs of equal volume and metal throughput showed that a conventional biflow, twin-strand, trough-type tundish fitted with flow modifiers allows for the greatest removal of inclusions, while a one-way flow, twin-strand, wedge-shaped tundish performs best in the absence of flow modifiers. More detailed analyses of the conventional trough-type tundish were performed to assess the effects of double-weir-double-dam and single-weir-double-dam arrangements. The effectiveness of steeply sloping sidewalls for enhanced removal of inclusions was demonstrated; however, this measure was associated with penalties in the form of greater metal temperature losses. Formerly Doctoral Candidate. Formerly Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, McGill Metals Processing Centre, McGill University. Macdonald Professor of Metallurgy.     

Mathematical model for nitrogen control in oxygen steelmaking

A mathematical model was developed to quantify the effects of different operational parameters on the nitrogen content of steel produced during oxygen steelmaking. The model predicts nitrogen removal by the CO produced during decarburization and how the final nitrogen content is affected by different process variables. These variables include the type of coolants used (scrap, direct reduced iron (DRI), etc.), the sulfur content of the metal, combined gas blowing practices, and the nitrogen content in the hot metal, scrap and oxygen blown. The model is a mixed control model that incorporates mass transfer and chemical kinetics. It requires a single parameter that reflects the surface area and mass-transfer coefficient that is determined from the rate of decarburization. The model also computes the rate of decarburization and the change in surface active elements, such as sulfur and oxygen, that affect the rate of the nitrogen reaction. Nitrogenization of steel in the converter is also predicted with the model. The computed results are in good agreement with plant data and observations.     

转炉冶炼脱磷过程数学模型

在对复吹转炉脱磷过程的机理分析的基础上,应用冶金热力学、动力学、传输原理和反应工程学理论,建立了转炉冶炼脱磷过程数学模型,确定了模型的有关参数.模型的     

Magnetohydrodynamic flows and heat transfer in a twin-channel induction heating tundish

Induction heating (IH) electromagnetic field has a significant positive effect on the uniform temperature distribution in tundishes and decreases molten steel superheat to improve the quality of billets in continuous casting. To achieve the effect of electromagnetic force and Joule heating for molten steel in a channel-type IH tundish, a magnetohydrodynamic model is developed and validated by industrial experiment data. The molten steel in the tundish channel has a rotating velocity under the off-centre electromagnetic force. Its flow pattern consists of two contra-rotating vortices close to the outlet zone of the channels. The upper and lower vortices in the tundish channel change with time. The temperature distribution in the cross-sections is almost stable, and the maximum temperature increases by 30.1°C. Molten steel runs upward after flowing past the tundish channel, whose density decreases because of IH. The upward motion changes when the electromagnetic force acts on the molten steel. Results reveal that electromagnetic force has a significant effect on the flow of molten steel in the tundish, and that flow pattern varies in the tundish with or without electromagnetic force under Joule heating.     

Mathematical model for computer simulation and control of steelmaking

A dynamic model for computer simulation and control of steelmaking has been developed. It is essentially based on multicomponent mixed transport control theory with the incorporation of energy balance calculations. The model is applicable to both steelmaking in electric furnaces as well as in oxygen steelmaking converters. The adjustable parameters of the model for simulation of oxygen steelmaking are gas evolution rate (G_co). oxygen flux factor (F_o) and emulsification factor (EM). These simulation parameters, when combined with on-line measurement of off-gas composition and temperature, enable complete dynamic control of the process. The model developed is applied, as an example, to an industrially produced heat in a top blown oxygen steelmaking converter and the results of simulation are discussed.     

中间包湍流控制器结构优化的水力学模拟

通过水力学模拟实验,研究了湍流控制器结构对中问包内流体流动特性的影响.结果表明:湍流控制器的结构埘巾间包流体流动特性有较大的影响.湍流控制器内腔形状为槽形,顶缘长度为30mm且其底部形状为平底时,流体在中间包内的斤始响应和平均停留时间最长,死区体积分数最小,活塞流与死区体积的比值最大,而且最有利于中问包内的夹杂物上浮去除.同时,相对于湍流控制器的内腔形状和底部形状,其顶缘长度对中间包内的流场影响最大.     

炼钢转炉喷溅行为的数值模拟

通过建立的可压缩、非等温三维多相VOF模型研究了转炉射流与熔池作用过程的特征,阐明了吹炼过程射流-熔渣-钢水界面轮廓变化、揭示了液滴喷溅形成机理、定量分析了熔池喷溅速率.结果表明:顶吹过程具有明显的瞬态特征,形成的冲击坑有一定的震荡特性,这种不稳定性控制了金属液滴的产生和初始尺寸分布.金属液滴喷溅的形成有两种方式,一是大块金属带在冲击坑边缘破碎撕裂;二是单个液滴直接从冲击坑边缘的排出.这两种方式同时发生并共同导致了喷溅的产生.吹炼数和喷溅速率在冶炼过程中波动,是由凹坑震荡的本性决定的,本研究条件下吹炼数和喷溅速率的平均值为10和3.4 kg·m-3.     

FTSC薄板坯连铸中间包内流场及夹杂物运动轨迹的数值模拟

以FTSC双效冲击板加单坝结构的中间包为研究对象,应用FLUENT软件计算了中间包的三维流场、温度场、夹杂物运动轨迹及不同尺寸夹杂物的排除率.结果表明,FTSC中间包内的双效冲击板和单坝能够明显改善钢液的流动状态和温度分布,显著提高夹杂物的排除率,并且对小尺寸夹杂物(d<60μm)排除率的影响尤为显著.     

Mathematical simulation and physical modeling of unsteady fluid flows in a water model of a slab mold

Fluid flow of water in a model of a slab caster has been simulated using the large eddy simulation (LES) computational approach, and the simulated results are compared with experimental measurements performed using digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) techniques. Simulation results agree acceptably well with the experimental measurements of instantaneous velocity fields. Flow patterns change with time as a consequence of the vertical oscillation of the jet core. These oscillations are originated by the residual Reynolds stresses that characterize turbulent flows. The asymmetry of fluid flows caused by these stresses provides biased flows. Thus, turbulence originates natural biasing effects without the influence of other operating factors such as the slide gate opening, gas bubbling, or inclusions clogging of the submerged entry nozzle (SEN). Instantaneous velocities follow periodical behaviors with time whose frequencies increase with increases of flow rate of liquid. Periodical flow changes originate velocity spikes, at some given casting speed, which are physically and mathematically identified. These sudden changes of fluid velocities are responsible of unsteady phenomena associated with fluid dynamics during steady operations of the mold.     

通道式感应加热中间包的数值模拟

通道式感应加热中间包为精确控制结晶器内钢液的过热度提供了可能,有必要使用ANSYS和CFX软件计算通道式感应加热中间包电磁场、流场及温度场分布来揭示中间包内电磁冶金过程。计算结果表明:通道内的感生电流密度大于注入室和分配室内的感生电流密度;在中间包通道内磁场和电磁力的不均匀分布促使钢液旋转流动,且在通道内钢液出现双漩涡现象;但是感应加热中间包内钢液温度均匀,其中间包水口截面最高温度与最低温度仅差1 K;无感应加热装中间包进出口温降可达到7 K,采用感应加热技术能够使中间包温降得到补偿。     

炼钢厂多尺度建模与协同制造

在阐述炼钢厂多尺度建模与协同制造技术架构的基础上,分别从单体工序尺度、车间区段尺度与炼钢厂运行尺度开展了炼钢厂协同制造的研究。从工序/装置过程控制系统（PCS）到炼钢厂制造执行系统（MES）进行了较为系统的建模研发,构建了包括转炉工序、精炼工序与连铸工序在内的工序工艺控制模型以及以生产计划与调度模型为核心的物质流运行优化模型,并通过工序工艺控制和生产计划与调度的动态协同,实现了炼钢厂多工序/装置的高效运行。研发了炼钢?连铸过程工序工艺控制模型、生产计划与调度模型同MES之间的数据接口,实现了MES与生产工艺控制、流程运行控制、生产计划与调度系统的有机融合,形成了以机理模型与数据模型协同驱动的工艺精准控制、多工序协同运行、基于“规则+算法”的生产计划与调度为支撑的炼钢?连铸过程集成制造技术,通过多层级的纵向协同与多工序的横向协同,实现了炼钢厂的协同运行与控制。研究成果是炼钢?连铸过程智能制造的有益探索与实践,对流程工业智能制造企业具有很强的参考价值,对冶金工业绿色化、智能化发展具有示范与借鉴作用。应用后,明显提升了炼钢厂的协同制造水平,取得了显著的经济与社会效益。