Mould lubrication and friction behaviour with hydraulic oscillators in slab continuous casting

Abstract

It is very important to obtain reliable lubrication from casting powder both at the meniscus and in the gap between strand and mould as it affects slab surface quality and caster productivity. With knowledge of mould friction, a quantitative insight into the behaviour of powder during caster operation is possible. In the present research, the friction was studied based on a slab continuous caster equipped with hydraulic oscillators. The effects of mould oscillation and the abrupt change of casting speed on mould friction force were evaluated, and the characteristics of lubrication behaviour in a casting sequence were investigated. In particular, a comparison between the mould friction force between sinusoidal oscillation mode and non-sinusoidal oscillation mode was made. Finally, the characteristics of friction before a breakout are discussed. The experimental and analytical results may contribute to the development of mould friction online measurement and more clearly learn the lubrication behaviour in different conditions.     

Thermal behaviour of moulds with different water channels and their influence on quality in continuous casting of beam blanks

Abstract

Two-dimensional finite element heat transfer models have been developed to predict temperature distribution in beam blank moulds with large and small hole water cooling channels. The effects of water channel design and grinding thickness on transverse temperature profile in meniscus region were analysed in detail. The effects of both moulds during plant trials are also compared. The results show that the peak temperature is found in the fillet area of the large hole mould and is 20°C higher than that of the small hole mould. With increasing grinding thickness, peak temperature in both moulds decreases linearly, and when the grinding thickness reaches 9 mm, the peak temperature of the small hole mould exceeds that of the large hole mould. The transverse temperature uniformity of the hole mould is superior to that of the large hole mould. It is also found that longer mould life, better strand surface quality and more homogeneous surface microstructure are obtained when using the small hole mould.     

Slab quality improvement by controlling mould fluid flow

Abstract

Cleanliness of steel is a primary requirement for flat products. It is obtained with minimum of defects by controlling the liquid flow characteristics in the mould and fluctuations over the meniscus surface. Liquid flow in the mould region is due to the momentum of the pouring stream which in turn is related to the clogging of submerged entry nozzle and argon flow in the mould. This makes control of liquid steel flow dynamics in the mould important. The mould level fluctuation index, flow fraction or clogging percentage and optimised gas flow models have been developed and are correlated for minimised surface fluctuations throughout the casting sequence. Tundish weight, casting speed, casting section and immersion depth of the nozzle which primarily change the flow profile inside the mould are the key operational variables considered for model calculations. The operational parameters were adjusted to follow the developed models criteria for different casting conditions. Online application of these operational control models contributed to stabilise the mould fluid flow and have helped in decision making for pumping, flushing and tube changing. The present paper describes the mathematical approach adopted in calculation of optimum casting parameters for controlling flow of liquid steel, nozzle clogging and gas injection rate at JSW Steel Ltd. This has resulted in considerable reduction in mould level fluctuations and production of superior quality slabs even at higher casting speeds.     

Water modelling of level fluctuation in thin slab continuous casting mould

Abstract

A water modelling experiment was conducted to study the meniscus instability in a continuous thin slab casting mould using particle image visualisation. The results show that the level fluctuation, circulation centre position and jet impinging depth are unsteady and periodic with a similar period. The probability distributions of the fluctuating meniscus and wave height have been obtained with the highest frequency near the average position. The flow pattern and meniscus profile may be momentarily asymmetrical, and the phase difference of level fluctuation in the two sides of mould centreline is a half period. The average meniscus profile, the highest and lowest meniscus positions are generally symmetrical about the mould centreline. The wave height mainly depends on the jet impinging depth and circulation centre position. The wave height increases as the jet impinging position rises and the circulation centre approaches to the submerged entry nozzle.     

Modelling of steel shrinkage and optimisation of mould taper for high speed continuous casting

Abstract

In high speed continuous casting, optimisation of mould taper is key for intensifying heat transfer and for improving the quality of the cast products. Mathematical modelling has been carried out by combining heat transfer, steel shrinkage and parabolic continuous taper model in order to optimise the mould taper profile. These models have been assembled to a set of software, the inputs of which include the steel grade, casting speed, casting temperature, length and the cross-section of mould tube, while the outputs consist of surface temperature of the strand, thickness of solidified shell, thermal linear expansion coefficient, steel shrinkage, distortion of the mould tube wall, the actual air gap, total taper and the continuous taper profile. Optimum mould taper has a parabolic profile which is tapered inwards that changes continuously along the length of the strand in order to achieve reduction in air gap while avoiding distortion of the mould tube.     

Modelling molten flux layer thickness profiles in compact strip process moulds for continuous thin slab casting

Abstract

The important functions promoted by powdered flux added over the liquid steel surface in continuous casting moulds are strongly affected by the thickness of the liquid layer that forms as a result of the heat absorbed. The present work discusses the results of a three-dimensional steady state model, developed to represent the coupled fluid flow and heat transfer phenomena that determine thickness profiles of the liquid flux layer. Since the laminar flow of the liquid slag layer depends on the shearing imposed on it by the turbulent motion of the liquid steel beneath it, and since additionally this motion is strongly influenced by the flow characteristics of the steel stream poured into the mould through the submerged entry nozzle (SEN), separate turbulent flow models for the liquid steel in the SEN and the mould were also developed. The consistency among the models and their accuracy was judged by comparing thickness and temperature flux profiles measured in plant against predicted ones; the comparison showed good agreement. The effects of casting speed, mould width, and flux viscosity and heat of melting on the liquid layer thickness were investigated. The last variable was found to exert the most marked influence. Different from conventional casting moulds, where the liquid layer thickness increases with increasing casting speed, in compact strip process moulds the thickness remains almost constant with increasing casting speed. This difference is well accounted for by the model, which suggests that this behaviour stems from the different slag flow patterns generated in straight, wide moulds and in thin moulds having a central upper funnel shaped section.     

Development of intelligent mould for online detection of defects in steel billets

Abstract

This study, which is based on six instrumented mould trials conducted at four Canadian minimills, has focused on the development of strategies for the detection of process upsets and defect deformation in the continuous casting of steel billets, using thermocouples installed in the mould wall. Laps and transverse depressions can be detected using two thermocouples installed in the mould wall at the midface location, with the first one located at least 100 mm below the meniscus. With respect to bleeds, it is preferable to monitor metal level fluctuations and mould wall temperatures, maintaining values within a desired range where bleed formation is minimal. In the case of rhomboidity, the average difference between maximum and minimum temperature for the four walls computed for one or more locations situated 25–50 mm below the meniscus (in the vicinity of the peak hot face temperature), for a time period corresponding to the entire billet length, correlates well with the severity of rhomboidity. Local metal level fluctuations are extremely important in generating defects. While the metal level sensor is adequate for monitoring global changes in metal level, it cannot detect local disturbances in metal level fluctuations. Mould wall thermocouples installed above the meniscus (at midface and offcorner locations in the mould wall) can help detect such local fluctuations. The findings of this work are being implemented in the expert system of an ‘intelligent’ mould developed at The University of British Columbia for online monitoring of quality control of the billet casting process.     

Investigation of mould thermal behaviour by means of mould instrumentation

Abstract

The thermal behaviour of the continuous casting mould has a critical influence on strand surface quality, casting productivity and operating safety. voestalpine Stahl GmbH has long been interested in the field of research into mould behaviour, and began with the investigation of heat flux in 1995, and then of thermal variability in 1999. Since 2000, an online mould thermal monitoring system for heat flux density, thermal variability and friction has been installed. The heat flow density in the mould is determined by measuring the inflow and outflow temperatures and the throughflow volume of the primary cooling water. Temperature as measured by a thermocouple based breakout detection system in the mould copper plate is used to investigate the thermal variability. These online measured values have been employed to examine the influence of casting parameters, steel analysis and casting powder on the heat flux and thermal variability, and the relationship between these variables and cracking. The knowledge gained through these wide ranging plant based investigations has been used as a major tool in the diagnosis of problems (such as breakout and sticking), for optimisation of the process, particularly in the field of casting powders, and for control of slab quality. In particular, this knowledge has been incorporated into online mould thermal monitoring.     

Three-dimensional FEM study of fluid flow in mould for beam blank continuous casting: influence of nozzle structure and parameters on fluid flow

Abstract

The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of the nozzle structure and parameters on the molten steel flow in beam blank continuous casting. A three-dimensional steady state finite element model was developed to compute the flow field and the meniscus fluctuation in the mould. The volume of fluid model was used to track the free surface evolution at the meniscus. It can be concluded that compared with a through conduit submerged entry nozzle (SEN), a three lateral hole SEN will reduce the impact depth, change greatly the velocity at the free surface and intensify the fluctuation of the free surface. As a whole, the fluid flow in the mould will be improved, which will help to melt the mould powder and improve the absorption of non-metallic inclusions, thus improving steel cleanness. The most rational rake angle for the three lateral hole SEN is 9°. Meanwhile, the SEN immersion depth should be in the range 200–250 mm if the casting speed is about 0·9–1·1 m min^?1.     

Liquid steel flow in continuous casting machine: modelling and measurement

Abstract

Single phase (liquid steel) and two-phase (liquid steel and argon bubbles) three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic and heat transfer models were developed for the continuous casting machines of ArcelorMittal. The computational domains include tundishes, slide gates, submerged entry nozzles and moulds. The effects of buoyancy, tundish design, tundish practices, nozzle design and caster practices on flow structure were investigated. Mathematical modelling is discussed in detail. In addition, submeniscus velocity measurements in the slab caster mould are performed with the method of torque measurement. A consumable probe is inserted into the liquid steel meniscus from the top of the mould through mould powder and slag layer. The liquid steel flow applies a drag force to the probe, which then generates a torque. This torque value is measured and then converted back to velocity. The concept and challenges of the technique are discussed, and the effects of casting parameters on mould flow structure are investigated. Product quality in relation to real time meniscus velocity measurements is also discussed.     

Fluid flow and heat transfer with nail dipping method in mould during continuous casting process

ABSTRACT

The character and cause of sliver defect on IF steel sheet surface are studied by means of SEM, unstable flow in mould could induce surface velocity and level fluctuations, leading to surface defects during continuous casting of steel. The nozzle clogging is a serious problem during the continuous casting of steel, due to its influence on the casting operations and products quality. In this study, the nail dipping method for measuring surface velocity and flow direction in molten steel were employed. The fluid flow in mould of whole casting sequence was investigated, especially during the nozzle clogging conditions. The results showed that when nozzle clogging occurred in the 7th heat, the flow velocities on R and L side of nozzle were 0.280 and 0.402?m/s, respectively. The surface defect ratio of hot-rolled and cold-rolled plates increases with the increase of heat flux deviation on both sides of the mould copper. The different clogging per cent on both sides of the nozzle will lead to asymmetry flow, the surface velocity is higher with the small clogging per cent side compared to that of relatively large per cent clogging side.     

Design of corners of mould in square billet casting

Abstract

In continuous casting, heat flow optimisation in the mould is key to improving the quality of the product and production savings. The heat flow influences, and is influenced by, several phenomena of a mechanical or metallurgical nature, so its optimisation should include these. In particular, shrinkage of the strand and solid phase formation are among the most influencing factors affecting the cooling of the solidifying product. The present paper describes a model implemented by a software tool that can carry out simulation of shell formation of carbon steel within the mould, for rectangular shapes. The first aim of the software is to simulate formation of the solid shell in the strand and the deformations to which this solid is subjected. Deformations are a result of both thermal shrinkage, related to phase changes, and stresses caused by metallostatic pressure or the mould-shell interaction. The output of the model consists of temperature maps of the strand, maps of formation of the shell and the ideal mould contour.     

Tools and techniques for use in development of mould powders

Abstract

The tools and techniques used within Corus UK to improve mould powder performance and product quality are reviewed. Mould thermal monitoring, which allows real time assessment of heat transfer, is a critical tool in the development of mould powders. Thermal analysis, viscosity measurements, flux–mould plate interactions, steel velocity profiles in the mould and slag film properties also play a part in continuing studies. Case studies of improvements in process performance achieved using these methods are presented.     

Mould flux film between mould and steel shell

Abstract

Samples of the mould flux film have been taken during tailout. The locations of the samples varied from the meniscus to 40 cm below the meniscus. Samples have been analysed using various techniques including SEM/EDS microscopy. Surprisingly, the flux film structure concerning different slag phases changes from the meniscus region downwards. Casting time also has an influence on the structure: it becomes more complex during hours of casting. Near the meniscus, there are no significant changes in film layer composition from mould side to shell side. Farther away from the meniscus, however, large differences in composition developed. For example, the concentrations of sodium and fluorine can be 50% in the film layer against mould. Also, the concentrations of other elements can be multiples of their levels in the powder. Zirconium and barium oxides have been used as tracers. Some results of these investigations are presented. All samples were taken from the Outokumpu Polarit caster at the Tornio works, where the annual production of stainless steel slabs is about 640 kt.     

Three-dimensional FEM study of fluid flow in mould for beam blank continuous casting: influence of straight through conduit type SEN

Abstract

In order to increase the beam blank cleanliness, the aim of this work is to analyse the flow field in the mould of beam blank continuous casting, to find the factors influencing the strand cleanliness and then to optimise the process parameters. A three-dimensional steady finite element model was developed to simulate and analyse the turbulent flow field in the mould. The volume of fluid model was used to track the free surface evolution at the meniscus. The influences of processing parameters, such as casting speed and nozzle parameters, on the molten steel flow in the strand (such as vortex location, liquid steel impact depth, velocity and fluctuation of the liquid steel at free surface) were analysed and the optimum processing parameters determined based on mass calculation. The results of this research project have been applied in actual production, and it has been shown that they are very useful and efficient for improving the steel cleanliness and controlling the surface cracks on the beam blank web.     

Melting speed of mould powders: determination and application in casting practice

Abstract

Controlled melting of mould powder on top of the meniscus is essential for efficient mould flux performance. This paper presents two complementary methods to determine the melting speed of a mould powder. One method measures the displacement of a prepressed cylinder of mould powder at a fixed temperature. This method yields qualitative, but reproducible, results which can be related to flux composition. In the second method, a sample of mould powder is melted on top of a steel bath. The data are interpreted with the help of an improved theoretical melting model, resulting in quantitative values of melting speed and thickness of the molten flux layer. The results of both methods agree well with measured plant data.     

圆坯结晶器水口优化的模拟研究

以大圆坯结晶器为原型,采用数值模拟与物理模拟相结合的方法,分别研究了使用直通式水口和4孔旋转水口时该圆坯结晶器内钢液流场和温度场的分布情况,对比分析了2种水口的优劣。数值模拟和物理模拟结果表明,使用目前常用的直通型水口时钢水冲击深度大,易在弯月面处形成死区,不利于圆坯内部及表面质量的提高;4孔旋转水口比直通水口的钢液冲击深度浅,回旋区位置明显比直通水口更靠近自由液面,这将有利于夹杂物的上浮去除和热区中心的上移。温度场模拟结果显示,使用旋转水口时自由液面温度比直通型水口高14℃,更有利于结晶器内钢水过热耗散及保护渣的熔化,可防止液面结壳。     

Challenge to control mould heat transfer during thin slab casting

Abstract

At the thin slab caster of Tata Steel, IJmuiden, mild cooling mould powders were introduced with the aim to control the mould heat transfer during casting. These mild cooling mould powders are characterised by specific values of basicity, solidification point and chemical composition. Application of these mould powders resulted in a redistribution of mould heat transfer during casting, i.e. a reduced and more stable mould heat transfer in the critical upper part of the mould and an increased mould heat transfer in the lower part of the mould. The average mould heat transfer and hence the shell thickness at mould exit are comparable to the standard powder. The application of mild cooling mould powders also resulted in improved solidification behaviour of the steel shell. A thinner chill zone with smaller thickness variations was observed. Furthermore, it was found that the mould taper required optimisation to match the changes in shrinkage behaviour to ensure uniform solidification. The use of mild cooling powders was observed to give an increase in mould friction. Mould thermal monitoring indicated that the solid slag films fractured (sheeting) in the upper part of the mould. However, no operational problems were reported, which indicate that the first 200 mm under the steel meniscus is essential for initial solidification and for the formation of a homogeneous steel shell. All these findings can be understood by considering the crystallisation properties of the mould slag, which include the cooling rate. Mild cooling has been shown to provide uniform heat transfer and adequate lubrication for high speed thin slab casting.     

Analysis of variability and non-uniformity of mould heat extraction for round billet continuous casting in plant trials

Abstract

Maintaining a stable and uniform heat transfer from steel shell to mould is important to produce high quality casting billet. In the present paper, a large amount of measured data of heat flux and temperature for round billet continuous casting mould from a plant trial has been analysed to shed light on the variability and non-uniformity of mould heat transfer around the perimeter. The results show that the variability and non-uniformity of heat extraction from the steel through the mould is affected slightly by operational parameters, such as pouring temperature, casting speed, meniscus, electromagnetic stirring current, but strongly by the steel carbon content and mould powder type. The installation of the mould in caster machine determines the magnitude of non-uniformity of heat transfer to a great extent. The relative root mean square (rRMS) of mould heat flux, presenting the variability and non-uniformity of mould heat transfer around the perimeter in transverse section, has wider range of variation and higher mean value compared with that of temperature. When the abnormality of heat transfer happens, such as deposit, the non-uniformity of mould heat transfer is also studied.     

A study of shell growth irregularities in continuously cast 310S stainless steel

Abstract

Growth irregularities in continuous casting are believed to be associated with crack formation and breakouts. Differential thermal analysis on 310S stainless steel samples indicated primary precipitations of both austenite and ferrite during solidification. In tensile tests on solidifying samples, abrupt shrinkages in volume were detected in the peritectic range of temperatures. Micrographic and microsegregation analysis on samples extracted from a breakout shell revealed high ratios of primary-precipitated austenite in the thick sections of the shell, and high ratios of primary-precipitated ferrite in the thin sections. Alternating precipitations of austenite and ferrite are proposed to occur during solidification. Regions of the shell with high ratios of primary austenite remain in contact with the mould and exhibit high growth rates, whereas regions with high ratios of primary ferrite shrink in volume due to the ferrite to austenite transformation, which results in the formation of air gaps between the shell and the mould and reductions in growth rate.