Studies of new coating materials to prevent clogging of submerged entry nozzle (SEN) during continuous casting of Al killed low carbon steels

The possibility to reduce clogging in the submerged entry nozzle when casting Al killed low carbon steel has been evaluated. The coating materials have been tested in laboratory trials and pilot plant trials. Totally, two mixes of the coating material have been tested, containing 4.8 and 9.1% CaTiO₃ mixed with yttria stabilised zirconia powder. The chemical composition was analysed using a field emission gun–scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The major result showed that alumina reacted with CaTiO₃ in the temperature interval from 1550 to 1600°C. In addition, the clogging ratio showed a decreased clogging tendency for coated nozzles compared to standard nozzles. In addition, the results showed that an approximately three times higher steel mass could be teemed through the coated nozzles before clogging occurred compared to trials with uncoated standard nozzles. Overall, it is concluded that plasma sprayed CaTiO₃ coatings can reduce the clogging tendency during the continuous casting process.     

Studies of the decarburisation phenomena during preheating of submerged entry nozzles (SEN) in continuous casting processes

Decarburisation of the submerged entry nozzles (SEN) during the preheating process was investigated based on plant trials and thermodynamic modelling at three different steel plants. During the trials the preheating processes were mapped, the temperature profiles were registered and post-mortem studies of the SENs with scanning electron microscopy were performed. Typically, the glass/silicon powder will form a dense and protective layer inside the SEN when heated over 1100°C. However, this study found that the temperature distribution inside the SEN did not always reach this critical temperature. Thus, decarburisation of the SEN was found at all steel plants. The overall results illustrate that the control of the preheating process needs to be improved at all steel plants. It is suggested that future research should be focused on the development of new coating materials to prevent decarburisation of the refractory base material, which would decrease the chances of clogging during casting.     

Clogging in submerged entry nozzles

Casting high quality steel grades requires the use of a submerged entry nozzle (SEN) to prevent oxygen and nitrogen pick‐up and to achieve favourable steel flow conditions in the mould. Clogging of the SEN leads to instability of the casting operation as well as to a decrease in slab quality. To understand the interactions between liquid steel and the SEN, 156 nozzles from the Sidmar steel plant were investigated with respect to the amount of clogging. A linear relation between the clogging volume and the clogging weight was observed. This indicates that the clogging material's density remains constant during the clogging process for the different steel grades. A distinct relationship was also found between the amount of clogging and the cast steel weight. No relation between the amount of clogging and the superheating of the steel nor the steel flow rate was noticed, however. It was also concluded that for AI killed steels the high Mn (> 3000 ppm) and high C (> 500 ppm) grades cause less clogging than AI killed steel grades with low Mn content (< 3000 ppm) and that Al/Si killed steel grades cause less clogging when compared to AI killed steel grades. When comparing these different steel grades with respect to their total oxygen concentration in the ladle, it appears that steel grades, which have a low total oxygen concentration, cause less clogging in the SEN. Based on these observations three combinations SEN/steel grade were selected for further analysis with electron microscopy.     

Minimisation of calcium additions to low carbon steel grades

Abstract

This investigation aimed to determine the in plant feasibility of decreasing, to an amount close to the minimum literature value, the calcium addition to liquid steel for prevention of alumina buildup during continuous casting. Six plant trials were carried out at calcium additions of 0·14 kg/t of steel (reduced from the original 0·19 kg/t), added to the second ladle of a two or three ladle sequence. Total oxygen samples were taken at the ladle furnace and tundish to determine total oxygen and nitrogen contents of the steel. The total oxygen content at the ladle furnace varied between 19 and 26 ppm, with a slight degree of reoxidation between the ladle furnace and the caster. Alumina clogging was successfully prevented by the addition of 0·14 kg calcium/t of steel during the first five trials. During the sixth trial the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) failed and, although the stopper behaved as if clogging occurred, this behaviour was caused by the poor perfomance of the SEN rather than actual clogging. Microanalysis of inclusions in steel samples revealed a distribution in degrees of modification between different inclusions, and the formation of a substantial amount of CaS (which is taken to indicate overmodification, based on equilibrium calculations). However, the CaS is mostly associated with at least partly liquefied oxide inclusions, which is likely to reduce the potential clogging effect of solid CaS.     

Optimisation of Inclusion Chemistry by Improved Steel Cleanliness and Optimum Calcium Treatment

SMSII, Bokaro Steel Plant produces ~ 2.0 million tons of low carbon aluminium killed (LCAK) steels per annum. Calcium treatment is done regularly at the end of ladle treatment to avoid clogging of submerged entry nozzles (SEN). With calcium consumption of 0.23 kg/t, inconsistent calcium in steel, SEN clogging and slide gate erosions were reported. Nozzle clogging during casting of LCAK steels was primarily caused by deposition of complex oxide and sulfide inclusions and slide gate erosion by excess calcium in steel. Optimum calcium in steel was essential to achieve desired inclusion composition conducive to smooth casting and eliminate slide gate or SEN erosion effectively. With calcium consumption of 0.12kg/ton optimum calcium content in steel could be achieved through i) improved steel cleanliness, ii) restricted CaS formation and iii) optimum aluminium content in steel. Process optimisation resulted in reduction in aluminium consumption by 1.0 kg/t and improvement in steel cleanliness with consistent total oxygen level of ≤ 42 ppm. Desired inclusion characteristics conducive to longer sequence length was achieved and evidenced through EPMA. Erosion of slide gate plates could be eliminated completely.     

Investigations on Flow Pattern and Pressure inside SEN below Stopper Rod

In continuous casting of steel, the casting rate is often controlled by a stopper rod placed in the tundish outlet where the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) tube begins. The flow pattern inside the SEN plays an important role for the bubble formation at the argon injection nozzle at the stopper rod tip. High flow velocities are reached in the small gap between stopper rod and the surrounding SEN walls, and a flow separation has to be expected after the gap due to the fast expansion of the cross section. According to theoretical considerations and to the simulations, the absolute pressure in the gap becomes very low for liquid steel, which can cause cavitation‐like effects. PIV‐flow measurements in a 1:1 scaled water model of the caster show a highly oscillating and asymmetric flow pattern with rapidly changing separation regions. The low pressure effects expected in liquid steel cannot be investigated on the water‐model due to the lower density of water. In numerical simulations of the water‐model, the choice of the turbulence model and the usage or the non‐usage of geometrical symmetries for the bound of the computational domain have a great impact on the resulting flow pattern and the accuracy of the predicted pressure drop. The results of various turbulence models are compared with results from measurements on a water‐model. It turns out that only a 3D model using advanced turbulence models (SST k‐ω or Large Eddy) produce acceptable results, while 2D simulations completely fail and the standard turbulence models (e.g. k‐ε) significantly underestimate the pressure drop even in a 3D simulation.     

Influence Factors of SEN Clogging of Rare-Earth Steel Continuous Casting and Solve Ideas of Japanese Steel Enterprises

The clogging behavior of submerged entry nozzle (SEN) is the main reason restricting the continuous casting of steel, which seriously affects the application and popularization of rare-earth (RE) steel. Through literature analysis, herein, the main influencing factors and mechanism of RE steel continuous casting immersion outlet clogging, and sorts out the main ideas and practices of relevant Japanese enterprises in solving SEN clogging in recent years, are summarized, mainly including the following: 1) optimizing SEN materials to reduce nozzle clogging reactions; 2) using Ar-blowing SEN; 3) applying electromagnetic field to eliminate charge and inhibiting clogging reaction; and 4) and regulating the composition of molten steel to reduce the possibility of clogging, etc. The combination of these advantages and measures is a feasible way to solve the nozzle clogging of RE steel continuous casting nozzle.     

Effect of electromagnetic stirring on flow field in mold under submerged entry nozzle clogging

A physical model with mercury as analog was developed to investigate the influences of electromagnetic stirring( EMS) on flow field in slab continuous casting when the submerged entry nozzle( SEN) was clogged with different clogging rates( 0,10%,25%,and 50%). The flow field in mold under different EMS currents( 0,40 A,and 60 A) was measured by an ultrasonic Doppler velocimeter. The results proved that the flow field in the mold was a typical double roll structure under non-clogging SEN. As the SEN clogging rate increased,the flow field structure was transformed from a double roll to asymmetry flow. When the clogging rate reached 50%,the up circulation disappeared on the clogged side. The zone under the meniscus near the narrow face was a non-flowing area. EMS could correct bias flowcaused by SEN clogging and improve the symmetry of the flow field during SEN clogging.     

Mathematic Model of SEN Clogging During Continuous Casting of Steel

 The SEN clogging is a long term issue for all the steelmakers. In the current study, the kinetics of SEN clogging during steel continuous casting was established. The dynamic build-up of alumina inclusions to the lining refractory of SEN was analyzed. The fluid flow and inclusions motion are calculated by means of mathematic model. Effect of diameters of inclusions, roughness of nozzle, diameter of nozzle and casting speed on the entrapment probability are estimated.     

Casting Simulation of Calcium Titanate and Calcium Zirconate Nozzles for Continuous Casting of Aluminum-Killed Steels

The clogging of submerged entry nozzles (SENs) and tundish well nozzles is a common problem in the continuous casting of aluminum-killed steels. Clogging occurs when alumina attaches to the inside of the nozzle restricting the flow. This article explores the use of new nozzle materials that could prevent accretion growth through the formation of liquid phases at the inclusion-refractory interface. Casting simulation experiments were conducted using three nozzle refractory formulations: calcium titanate, calcium zirconate, and a 2:1 calcium titanate to calcium zirconate molar mixture. Nozzles fabricated from these materials cast more aluminum-killed steel without clogging than typical industrial alumina graphite nozzles. However, the nozzles constructed of calcium titanate dramatically outperformed alumina graphite, calcium zirconate, and the mixed nozzles. Microscopy investigation of spent nozzles found no accretion formation in the calcium titanate nozzles. The performance difference was due to the formation of a liquid calcium aluminum titanate phase, which prevented alumina accretions.     

A water-model experimental study of vortex characteristics due to nozzle clogging in slab caster mould

Vortex formation in the continuous slab casting mould is a troublesome phenomenon that can pull mould powder/slag deep down into the liquid core and potentially damage the product quality. Submerged entry nozzle (SEN) clogging is one of the prime causes of vortex formation. This work is designed to investigate and quantify the inter-related effects of nozzle clogging, casting speed (CS) and SEN submergence depth on vortex frequency and penetration depth through water-model experiments. It is observed that the increase in degree of clogging and CS has an inter-related effect on flow asymmetry and impacted the vortex characteristics. At the combination of highest values of degree of clogging and CS, vortices formed are found to have high values of top-diameter, rotational speed, penetration depth, frequency and life. On the contrary, the SEN submergence depth has showed limited effect on these aspects except the penetration depth. With the increase in SEN submergence depth values, it is found that the number of vortices having depth greater than 80?mm is increased.     

Modelling of Pressure Distribution inside the SEN in a Stopper‐rod controlled System

Shrouding tubes and submerged entry nozzles (SEN) are mainly used on steel transfer between process units of continuous casters. Molten steel flow in the SEN or shrouding tube causes a pressure drop which creates possibilities for air aspiration through refractory material. The objective of this research was to model the pressure distribution in the SEN of a continuous caster using a full scale water model. Effects of casting speed, SEN immersion depth and liquid level of tundish on the pressures at the SEN wall and centre were defined. The experiments proved that SEN immersion depth had the most remarkable effect on the pressure inside the SEN. However experiments did not show a significant effect of casting speed and tundish liquid level on the pressure inside the SEN. This research presents a simplified model for pressure distribution in SEN. The presented model agrees well with measurements at the SEN wall.     

板坯连铸结晶器内吹入气体对钢液行为的影响

采用水力学模拟方法研究板坯连铸结晶器内流场，分析塞棒吹Ａｒ时，浸入式水口琢拉速等工艺参数对连铸结晶器内钢液行为的影响。     

非稳态浇铸对结晶器卷渣定量影响的大涡模拟

 基于实际板坯连铸结晶器建立了耦合大涡模拟(LES)湍流模型和VOF多相流模型的三维数值模拟模型,讨论了不同结晶器浸入水口(SEN)结瘤程度和SEN未对中分布对结晶器内瞬态多相流场及卷渣行为的影响。通过用户自定义程序成功实现了不同工况下结晶器内卷入渣滴数量、大小、空间分布等信息的定量化预测,并得到了弯月面不同位置处发生卷渣的概率分布。结果表明,水口顺时针旋转5°的未对中分布下由于钢液射流更多地撞击宽面,导致弯月面近窄面处液位分布有轻微降低,液位波动也从理想状态下的±(6~7) mm降低至±5 mm以内。SEN结瘤对弯月面液位波动有较大影响,SEN左侧完全堵塞、右侧未堵塞情况下液位波动增大至±11 mm左右,而SEN左侧堵塞2/3且右侧堵塞1/3情况下弯月面液位波动则增大至±15 mm左右。理想工况下净卷渣速率为0.0130 kg/s,卷渣主要发生在弯月面四周以及流股碰撞处。SEN未对中布置工况下净卷渣速率轻微降低至0.009 3 kg/s,但宽面附近卷渣概率明显增大。SEN左侧完全堵塞且右侧未堵塞和SEN左侧堵塞2/3且右侧堵塞1/3情况下净卷渣速率则分别增大至0.045 5 kg/s和0.0670 kg/s;卷渣主要由过大的钢液流速对弯月面的剪切作用造成,且主要位于水口至1/4结晶器宽度的范围内。水口结瘤后不对称流动造成的旋涡增加,由此引起的卷渣也相应增加。     

Effect of Thermal Buoyancy on Fluid Flow and Inclusion Motion in Tundish without Flow Control Devices--Part Ⅰ: Fluid Flow

The κ-ε two-equation model is used to simulate the fluid flow in the continuous casting tundish coupling with the effect of thermal buoyancy. The natural convection induced by the thermal buoyancy generates an upward flow pattern especially at the outlet zone, and has little effect on the fluid flow in the inlet zone. The maximum viscosity is 700 times larger than the laminar viscosity, which indicates the strong turbulent flow in the tundish. The maximum temperature difference in the whole tundish is 8.2 K. The temperature near the stopper rod and the short wall is obviously lower than that in the inlet zone. The existence of the stopper rod has a big effect on the fluid flow entering the SEN and the mold. All the characteristics of the tundish geometry should be considered to accurately simulate the fluid flow in the tundish.     

超低压等离子喷涂YSZ涂层显微组织结构研究

采用超低压等离子喷涂技术(Plasma Spray-Physical Vapor Deposition,PS-PVD)制备了YSZ涂层,对涂层的显微组织结构进行了分析,并对比了粘结层表面不同预处理对于YSZ涂层生长趋势的影响规律。研究结果表明:MCrAlY涂层致密,孔隙率为1.5%,结合强度达83.2MPa;YSZ涂层呈现明显的柱状晶结构。粘结层表面粗糙度对柱状晶生长方向影响较大,表面粗糙度越小,柱状晶生长方向越趋于一致,基本沿法向生长。在超低压状态下,涂层不存在"遮蔽效应",可实现异型面涂层制备。     

包钢小方坯连铸过程中的水口堵塞

中间包浸入式水口的堵塞是铝镇静钢连铸过程中普遍存在的问题,对于小方坯来说,问题尤为严重.包钢炼钢厂采用80 t转炉,钢包精炼炉(LF炉)和六流小方坯连铸机生产铝镇静钢.针对浸入式水口堵塞的问题,通过对LF炉精炼过程的优化,改善了钢水的浇铸性能,保证了小方坯铸机的顺利生产.     

Effect of Nozzle Base Material on the Rate of Clogging during the Continuous Casting of Aluminum‐Killed Steels

One approach to solving the problem of nozzle clogging during the continuous casting of aluminum‐killed steels is through careful selection of nozzle materials. In this study, the rate of clogging was measured while casting steel through simulated nozzles produced from alumina, zirconia, magnesia, zirconia‐graphite, and alumina‐graphite ‐ three common base materials and two common carbon‐containing nozzle materials. Spent nozzles were characterized using optical and cathodoluminescence microscopy. Interactions between the nozzles and steel were not observed in the alumina, zirconia, and zirconia‐graphite nozzles. Slight interactions were observed in the magnesia nozzles as alumina inclusions within the steel interacted with the nozzle to produce alumina‐magnesia spinel. Greater amounts of interaction were observed with alumina‐graphite nozzles. No statistical differences in the mean rate of clogging were observed between all of the pure oxide nozzles and zirconia‐graphite nozzles. However, the alumina‐graphite nozzles clogged at a much higher rate than the other nozzles. The higher rate of clogging is thought to be due to refractory‐steel interactions.     

Analysis of thin-slab casting by the compact-strip process: Part I. Heat extraction and solidification

This article reports on an extensive experimental and modeling study undertaken to elucidate the thermal evolution of thin slabs during their passage through the mold and secondary cooling system of a compact-strip process (CSP) caster. In industrial trials covering a wide range of casting conditions, temperature measurements were carried out at (1) the copper plates of an operating mold and (2) the stainless steel frame of an operating grid. Separately, water-flux and heat-flux distributions generated by the several water and air-mist sprays produced by the different nozzles used in the process were determined in the laboratory. The analysis of these pieces of information, together with a detailed consideration of the geometry of the mold and the arrangement of the rolls and spray nozzles, were used to establish appropriate boundary conditions for a two-dimensional, curvilinear-coordinate, unsteady-state heat-conduction model for predicting the solidification rate of thin slabs. The predicted slab surface temperatures show very good agreement with corresponding measured values taken in plant tests at several locations along and across the secondary cooling system. The validation trials involved a wide range of low- and medium-carbon steel grades, casting speeds, slab widths, and secondary cooling strategies. The second part of this article combines the solidification model with a creep model of the shell to yield useful information about design parameters and casting conditions associated with undesirable bulging behavior of the slab after the last support roll, which causes stoppage of the process by slab clogging at the pinch rolls.     

连铸电磁旋流水口流体流动和夹杂物行为

采用数值模拟方法对连铸电磁旋流水口内流体流动和夹杂物碰撞长大行为进行了研究.数值结果表明电磁旋流水口出口处流体流动扩张角与低熔点合金实验值相符.旋转磁场对浸入式水口内壁夹杂物沉积行为存在两个相反的作用:一方面旋转磁场作用加强了水口壁面处钢液的湍流流动,加速了夹杂物在水口内壁的沉积吸附速率;另一方面水口内壁附近夹杂物在旋转磁场产生的旋流作用下易被携带至水口中心,削弱了水口内壁对夹杂物的黏附.在上述两方面因素作用下,钢液区存在一个最佳磁感应强度可使水口内壁夹杂物沉积速率降至最低,从而减轻水口结瘤现象.