Dissipation of Turbulent Kinetic Energy in a Tundish by Inhibitors with Different Designs

Turbulent flow of liquid steel and its control is studied using different geometries of turbulence inhibitors. Four designs of turbulence inhibitors were characterized through experiments of tracer injection in a water model and mathematical simulations using the Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) of turbulence. Inhibitor geometries included octagonal‐regular, octagonal‐irregular, pentagonal and squared. A layer of silicon oil was used to model the behaviour of tundish flux during steel flow. Fluid flows in a tundish using these geometries were compared with that in a bare tundish. Experimental and simulation results indicate that the flow in a bare tundish and a tundish using turbulence inhibitors open large areas of oil close to the ladle shroud due to strong shear stresses at the water‐oil interface with the exception of the squared inhibitor. Oil layer opening phenomena are explained by the high gradient of the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy. Using the squared inhibitor the kinetic energy reports a high gradient from the tundish floor to the free bath surface as compared with other geometries.     

连铸中间包中夹杂物粒度分布的研究

采用完全混合流和活塞流相结合的模型,针对铝脱氧钢研究了中间包流动状况下Al<,2>O<,3>夹杂物的粒度分布情况.对比了带挡墙前后的中间包的流场及夹杂物的去除效果,原中间包中夹杂物的总去除率为19%.而在带挡墙的中间包中,由于夹杂物受到湍流运动和活塞流运动的影响造成其相互碰撞粒度不断长大,夹杂物去除率达到37%,大大优...     

气幕挡墙中间包仿真优化及其冶金效果

根据水钢炼钢厂150 mm×150 mm六流连铸32 t中间包的结构操作工艺参数,采用数模仿真法研究了气幕挡墙技术对中间包内钢液流动特性及夹杂物去除的影响,并对HPB235和65钢进行了工业试验。结果表明,气幕挡墙可以有效改善钢液的流动状态,均衡各出口停留时间,有效延长钢液的平均停留时间,降低死区体积,提高夹杂物去除率。该技术适应多流中间包纯净钢冶炼的需求。     

Transient steel quality under non-isothermal conditions in a multi-strand billet caster tundish: part I. Analysis of fluid flow,thermal behaviour and inclusion behaviour

A numerical model based on computational fluid dynamics was used to simulate the effect of non-isothermal conditions on melt flows in a multi-strand billet caster tundish. To start with, water was used as the operating fluid in a one-third scale tundish to calculate the fluid flow and temperature fields under isothermal and non-isothermal conditions. The model was then extended to the full-scale tundish with molten steel as the operating liquid in order to simulate the conditions in a real plant. It was observed that using step inputs of 10° and 23° for water and steel cases, respectively, changed the fluid flow patterns significantly, more so at locations far from the inlet, due to stronger buoyancy-driven natural convective flows. The temperature distribution and inclusion trajectories within the tundish were also affected due to the presence of non-isothermal conditions.     

镁质料涂抹中间包技术的应用

济钢第一炼钢厂以涂抹料中间包替代绝热板中间包,经合理设计涂抹工艺及烘烤制度,中间包的平均寿命达到１９．９８炉。与使用绝热板中间包相比,平均连浇炉数由４７．６４炉提高到５１．１６炉,钢水收得率提高０．３５％,耐材消耗降低０．１５元／ｔ钢,并提高了钢水纯净度。     

Physical and mathematical determination of the influence of input temperature changes on the molten steel flow characteristics in slab tundishes

Transient fluid flow behavior in a tundish with two different arrangements, a bare tundish and a tundish using flow control devices, was studied using physical modeling and a mathematical model. The study places special emphasis on buoyancy effects, particularly transient buoyancy effects due to step change in inlet temperature. For the bare tundish case, the inertial forces are strongly dominant, while in the arrangement using flow control devices, tundish with turbulence inhibitor and low dams, the buoyancy forces are dominant. The results were compared to those representing the real behavior, considering temperature variations, for each tundish arrangement. This comparison made possible the determination of the probable implicit error that could be present in the estimation of the fluid flow characteristic behavior used for the design of the tundish geometry and flow control devices when the temperature variations are not considered.     

六流小方坯中间包气幕挡墙的数学模拟

根据6流200 mm×200 mm方坯30 t中间包的结构操作工艺参数,采用欧拉两流体模型、多孔介质模型、欧拉-拉格朗日随机轨道模型及Monte-Carlo法,并引入气泡吸附模型,用数学模拟法对比研究了采用气幕挡墙技术对6流中间包内钢液流动特性及夹杂物去除的影响。结果表明,采用气幕挡墙技术优化后,可以有效改善钢液的流动状态,均衡各出口停留时间,有效延长钢液的平均停留时间,降低死区体积,提高夹杂物去除率,适应多流中间包超纯净钢冶炼的需求。     

ASF方坯八流中间包内钢液流场的模拟研究

以某钢厂的八流连铸中间包为研究对象,采用数值模拟方法对不同控流结构中间包内钢液流场进行了研究,并通过水模型实验和工业生产进行验证。模拟结果表明:ASF中间包内的挡墙和湍流器能够明显改善钢液的流动状态和温度分布,加上双坝后效果更佳,钢液的流动存在4个环流区,不仅增加了钢液的混合程度,而且中间包内钢液的温度分布更均匀且低温区较少。水模试验表明在空包中加入湍流器和挡墙能明显改善各流流动特性的一致性,且在其基础上加入双坝能进一步改善钢液的流动特性,与数值模拟结果一致,此外,工业生产也完全达到预期效果。     

Hydrodynamic effects created by argon stirring liquid steel in a one-strand tundish

Continuous casting of steel ensures the flexible production of different grades of slabs intended for the Rolling Mill departments. Therefore, it seems justifiable to search new solutions for tundish metallurgy. This study puts forward a new gas-permeable barrier’s design solution with two circular porous plugs, whose purpose is to punctually agitate the liquid steel in tundish. Two argon injection system locations were tested. The results for the hydrodynamic pattern of liquid steel and bubbles’ behaviour in the tundish were obtained from laboratory experiments with water glass model and computer simulations. Within the framework of the investigation, three argon flow rates, i.e. 5, 10 and 15?NL?min^?1, were considered. The designed gas-permeable barriers effectively stimulate active flow in the tundish for isothermal and non-isothermal conditions, while reducing the stagnant flow share and the transient zone extent.     

Ladle Shroud as a Flow Control Device for Tundish Operations

The performance characteristics of a tundish, such as the flotation of inclusions and slag entrainment, are largely influenced by the fluid-flow phenomena. Physical modeling in water is widely used to understand the fluid flows in a tundish and as a tool to improve, control, and design procedures for high-quality steel processing operations. These approaches were used to study the performance of fluid flow for a new design of ladle shroud. The new design for a dissipative ladle shroud (DLS) was studied, using a one-third scale, delta shaped, four-strand tundish. The results were compared with those achieved with the conventional ladle shroud. Different cases have been analyzed, including a conventional ladle shroud (LS) with a bare tundish and a tundish furnished with an impact pad. Similarly, the new design of the shroud (DLS) was studied under equivalent conditions. The physical experiments included the use of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and conductivity tracer techniques. The PIV measured the instantaneous velocities at the outlet of the DLS and the LS at different flow rates, showing the detailed jetting characteristics of water leaving the two types of ladle shroud. Residence time distribution (RTD) curves were also obtained for the different flow arrangements previously mentioned, and the dispersion of a colored dye tracer was observed at different intervals of time during tundish operation and analyzed using the video visualization technique.     

攀钢连铸中间包水力模型实验

参照攀钢提钒炼钢玫连铸中间包尺寸及其连铸工艺参数。用有机玻璃制作一个与实物之比为１：４的物理模型。通过测定中间包内钢液仪时间分布曲线，计算其平均停留时间及死区，活塞区和混合区占中间包容积的百分比。     

八流中间包内钢液流动和传热特性的研究

根据某钢厂新设计的八流小方坯连铸机一体式中间包,采用正交试验的方法,利用数值模拟对中间包控流装置的试验方案进行流场、温度场以及流动特征研究,设计出新的控流装置。研究结果表明:未加任何控流装置的中间包内钢液流场不合理,各流流动特征相差较大且温度差异明显,采用优化后的控流装置后,各流钢液的流动模式趋于一致,且温差明显缩小,夹杂物去除率提高。实际冶金效果显著,生产Q235钢各流最大温差为4℃,连浇时间可达26 h且控流装置基本完好。     

Fluid Force-Induced Detachment Criteria for Nonmetallic Inclusions Adhered to a Refractory/Molten Steel Interface

Since nonmetallic inclusions (NMIs) in steel cannot be completely avoided, a greater understanding of their development and evolution during the steelmaking process is required. In particular, this includes the adhesion of microinclusions to the refractory/steel interface in the flow control system between the tundish and the mold. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as clogging, causes losses in productivity and product quality. Inclusions transported from the bulk melt to the boundary layer may adhere to the refractory/steel interface due to formation of a fluid cavity. A detailed model was derived for the detachment of NMIs adhering to a nozzle wall and is based on the local hydrodynamic conditions combined with the specific interfacial properties in the system consisting of the inclusions, the refractories, and the steel. The model is evaluated for three different application-oriented cases. This study has been focused on providing a better understanding of fluid flow in the near-wall region in order to reduce clogging during steelmaking.     

酒钢板坯中间包等温钢液流场的数值模拟

 以酒钢板坯连铸中间包为研究对象,利用数学模拟方法,以挡墙与入口处、挡坝间的距离,挡墙和挡坝高度等为影响参数,对板坯连铸中间包流场进行优化设计,研究了中间包内钢液流场,对目前使用的中间包结构进行了优化,得出了有利于生产的设计数据。优化后酒钢二炼钢生产的铸坯在中板轧制时夹杂物缺陷下降了0.5%,提高了中间包的冶金功能。     

中间包钢液非等温现象的水模型研究

钢液的非等温现象对中间包内流体流动和传热有着重要的影响。笔者用热态水模型研究了中间包内钢液的流动规律。结果表明：温度变化导致钢液的密度不均匀,使自然对流影响钢液流动;还给出了不同温差、不同控流装置下中间包内钢液温度的分布,并讨论了在不同条件下自然对流对钢液流动的影响。     

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.     

Steel Thermo‐Fluid‐Dynamics at Tundish Drainage and Quality Features

In steelmaking and casting, transient operations are very critical for product quality and process regularity. This holds especially for the tundish. Typical drawbacks can occur at ladle change, where, for example, refilling high flow rates induce flow short‐circuits risky for dispersed oxides (“inclusions”) dragging towards the strands. At drainage, vortices formation can affect steel cleanliness via slag entrapment. Such topics were investigated for an industrial tundish with computational fluid dynamics validated tools. The focus was given on a multi‐strand layout more prone to unevenness features. As a matter of fact, the different steel path to reach different strands causes often too high temperature differences and different strand cleanliness levels. Strands closer to the tundish center, are generally hotter and less clean; the others, slightly colder but cleaner. Multiphase models, together with advanced meshing techniques and validated boundary conditions, were used to describe tundish refilling and drainage. Within the operating conditions of concern, a bath height of 300 mm was found as a best compromise between the need of avoiding slag entrapment through vortices and to have maximum yield. Once applied into operating practice, no rejection for cleanliness or customer claims were achieved. As refers to temperature loss from ladle to tundish, a drop at strands of about 2 and of 4°C from tundish inlet to strand, in agreement with plant data over about 700 heats and literature experiments under the same operating conditions, were found.     

Study on dimension and migration behavior of bubble under annular argon blowing at tundish upper nozzle

The water model experiments were carried out to study the bubble morphology in the tundish and mold with the process of annular argon blowing at tundish upper nozzle. The effects of the position of gas permeable brick, the casting speed and the argon flow rate on the bubble size distribution, the bubble migration behavior and the flow behavior of liquid steel near the liquid level in tundish were further investigated, coupled with the numerical simulation. The results show that with the process of annular argon blowing at tundish upper nozzle, a frustum cone shaped bubble plume can be formed around the stopper rod. The concentration of argon bubbles gradually decreases outward along the radial direction of the stopper rod. Owing to the wall attached effect, the bubble plumes float upward along the stopper rod, which can increase the collision probability between bubbles and the velocity of bubble plumes, causing a larger impact strength on the liquid level in tundish. In addition, a part of small bubbles are wrapped into the nozzle and the mold due to the drag force of liquid steel. With increasing argon flow rate, the number of bubbles in annular bubble plumes and the vertical velocity of liquid steel near the liquid level in tundish increase significantly. With increasing casting speed, the width and the bubble number of annular bubble plumes gradually decrease, leading to a decrease of the vertical velocity of liquid steel near the liquid level in tundish. Increasing the distance between the annular gas permeable brick and the center of tundish upper nozzle, the dispersion of bubbles and the width of bubble plumes increase, and the impact strength of bubbles acting on the liquid level in tundish becomes weaker. As the argon flow rate and the casting speed increase, and the distance between the gas permeable brick and the center of tundish upper nozzle decreases, the gas volume and bubble size in the mold increase. Under the experimental conditions, when the inner and outer diameters of the annular gas permeable brick are 110mm and 140mm, respectively, and the casting speed is 1.2m/min, the appropriate argon flow rate is 4L/min.     

中间包上水口环形吹氩下气泡大小和迁移行为研究

摘要：通过水模型实验研究了上水口环形吹氩工艺下中间包和结晶器内气泡形貌,并结合数值模拟分析了透气砖位置、拉坯速度和吹氩量对中间包和结晶器内气泡尺寸、气泡迁移和中间包近液面钢液流动的影响。结果表明：上水口环形吹氩形成以塞棒为中心的圆台状气泡羽流,气泡浓度沿径向向外逐渐减少;附壁效应使得气泡羽流偏向塞棒壁面流动,增大气泡的碰撞聚并概率和近塞棒壁面的羽流上升速度,对中间包液面产生较大冲击作用;同时,部分细小气泡会随钢液进入水口及结晶器内部;增大吹氩量,中间包内环形气泡羽流中气泡数目明显增多,中间包近液面钢液上升速度增大;增大拉坯速度,环形气泡羽流的宽度和气泡数量逐渐减小,近液面速度减小;增大透气环距水口中心距离,中间包内气泡弥散度增大,环形气泡羽流宽度也随之增大,气泡羽流对中间包液面冲击作用减弱;增大吹氩量和拉坯速度、减小透气环距水口中心距离,进入结晶器的气量和气泡尺寸逐渐增大。实验条件下,透气环内外径为110mm/140mm、拉坯速度为1.2m/min时,吹氩量为4L/min较为合适。     

中间包内流体流动及夹杂物去除的研究

采用湍流流动的数学模型方法,对板坯中间包内的钢液流动及夹杂物去除率进行了模拟研究。系统分析了在中间包内设置控流设备对钢液流动状态、平均停留时间以及夹杂物颗粒排除率的影响。结果表明,设置挡墙和坝后,中间包内有效防止了短路流,延长了平均停留时间,夹杂物整体排除率明显提高,大大改善了中间包的冶金效果。