On the Formation of Centreline Segregation in Continuous Slab Casting of Steel due to Bulging and/or Feeding

Centreline macrosegregation is often observed in continuous slab casting of steel. Two of the main macrosegregation formation mechanisms are bulging and feeding. Both were studied and compared in the current work by using a two‐phase volume averaging model considering only columnar solidification. The casting of the strand itself is modelled by applying a predefined velocity following the casting speed and solid shell deformation (e.g. bulging). Three different cases are simulated and discussed. (i) The first case considers the influence of the feeding flow during solidification without taking bulging into account. Negative macrosegregation is observed in the centre of the casting in this case. (ii) The second case takes the flow caused by series of bulging along the solidifying strand shell into account, and is, therefore, representative for an ideal situation where bulging takes place without solidification shrinkage. In this case positive centreline segregation is found. (iii) The last case shows the results of a simulation which combines both shrinkage‐ and bulging‐induced flows. It is found that under the current casting conditions the bulging effect dominates over the shrinkage effect, and so positive centreline segregation is predicted.     

Theoretical model for determining optimum soft reduction zone of continuous casting steel

Abstract

A theoretical model for determining the optimum soft reduction zone of continuous casting steel was developed. According to the theoretical analysis of the solute segregation behaviour in the mushy zone with the soft reduction by one pair of pinch rolls, there is an optimum soft reduction position for each element of steel, and all optimum soft reduction positions of different solute elements should be included in order to eliminate the centreline segregation effectively. The theoretical analysis shows that the carbon content has a great effect on the optimum soft reduction zone, and the cooling rate could affect both the optimum soft reduction positions of the segregation prone elements (P, S) and the optimum soft reduction zone of continuous casting steel. Plant trials of steel SWRH82B with soft reduction were carried out to validate the theoretical model, and the results show that the solute element segregation in the centreline of the strand has been improved with the optimum soft reduction zone.     

Determination of CC slab solidification using nail shooting technique

Abstract

The technology of nail shooting was improved and used to study the transverse shape of the solidified shell during steel continuous casting. Three locations across the slab width (1/2, 1/4 and 1/8) were measured by nail shooting and which indicated a larger solidification coefficient and longer liquid core in the slab at higher casting speeds. The solidified shell across the slab width direction was non-uniform due to uneven secondary spray cooling. The point of final solidification at locations 1/8 and 1/4 was much longer than the position between the slab centre and location 1/4, leading to a long solidification end of >2 m, which is poor for the application of dynamic soft reduction. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the growth of the solidified shell and which was in good agreement with the measurements measured by nail shooting. Based on the measurements and simulations, the water spray pattern was improved, making the solidified shell more uniform. Dynamic soft reduction was then optimised resulting in reduced centreline segregation.     

Using a Two-Phase Columnar Solidification Model to Study the Principle of Mechanical Soft Reduction in Slab Casting

A two-phase columnar solidification model is used to study the principle of mechanical soft reduction (MSR) for the reduction of centerline segregation in slab casting. The two phases treated in the model are the bulk/interdendritic melt and the columnar dendrite trunk. The morphology of the columnar dendrite trunk is simplified as stepwise growing cylinders, with growth kinetics governed by the solute diffusion in the interdendritic melt around the growing cylindrical columnar trunk. The solidifying strand shell moves with a predefined velocity and the shell deforms as a result of bulging and MSR. The motion and deformation of the columnar trunks in response to bulging and MSR is modeled following the work of Miyazawa and Schwerdtfeger from the 1980s. Melt flow, driven by feeding of solidification shrinkage and by deformation of the strand shell and columnar trunks, as well as the induced macrosegregation are solved in the Eulerian frame of reference. A benchmark slab casting (9-m long, 0.215-m thick) of plain carbon steel is simulated. The MSR parameters influencing the centerline segregation are studied to gain a better understanding of the MSR process. Two mechanisms in MSR modify the centerline segregation in a slab casting: one establishes a favorable interdendritic flow field, whereas the other creates a non-divergence-free deformation of the solid dendritic skeleton in the mushy region. The MSR efficiency depends not only on the reduction amount in the slab thickness direction but also strongly on the deformation behavior in the longitudinal (casting) direction. With enhanced computation power the current model can be applied for a parameter study on the MSR efficiency of realistic continuous casting processes.     

凝固末端电磁搅拌和轻压下复合技术对大方坯高碳钢偏析和中心缩孔的影响

基于ANSYS软件建立了310 mm×360 mm断面大方坯连铸过程二维凝固传热数学模型,并采用窄面射钉试验及铸坯表面测温试验对模型的准确性进行了验证.通过模型研究了过热度、拉速和二冷比水量对铸坯中心固相率以及凝固坯壳分布的影响,并结合高碳耐磨球钢BU的高温拉伸试验结果,确定了最佳的拉速以及最优轻压下压下区间要求.通过工业试验对理论模型进行了验证,并分析研究了拉速对采用凝固末端电磁搅拌(F-EMS)以及凝固末端17 mm大压下量的轻压下技术生产310 mm×360 mm断面大方坯高碳耐磨球钢BU铸坯的偏析和中心缩孔的影响.结果表明:采用凝固末端电磁搅拌和轻压下复合技术,通过调整拉速优先满足轻压下压下区间要求,可显著降低中心偏析、V型偏析及中心缩孔,但如果仅达到凝固末端电磁搅拌位置要求时,则铸坯中心质量不会得到明显改善.拉速为0.52 m·min-1且轻压下压下区间铸坯中心固相率为0.30~0.75时,偏析和中心缩孔有很大程度的改善,不合理的压下量分配会引起铸坯出现内裂纹以及中心负偏析.      

高拉速下凝固进程的试验测量与模型预测

 根据京唐高拉速试验特点,结合板坯连铸机设备和洁净钢连铸工艺特点和要求,建立连铸板坯凝固传热模型并结合射钉法测量综合预测了1.9～2.4 m/min高拉速条件下铸坯的凝固坯壳厚度和凝固终点位置。综合研究表明,结合射钉试验和数值模拟能更精确跟踪铸坯的凝固进程,为高拉速试验提供准确的凝固信息,并能为评价连铸机综合冷却能力、优化二冷制度和轻压下工艺提供合理的参考信息。     

Modeling and control of dynamic soft reduction in continuous slab casting

The centerline segregation in continuous casting steel is known to be formed by the interdendritic enriched liquid flow at the solidification end in strand.At present,several methods,such as thermal soft reduction, electromagnetic stirring and dynamic soft reduction,are available to reduce the center segregation and to improve the internal quality.Although some methods could alleviate center segregation to some extent,they can also give rise to new problems.For instance,thermal soft reduction can lead to surface cracking during casting of some steels and electromagnetic stirring can result in white band.Dynamic soft reduction is an effective technology for the improvement of strand quality in continuous slab casting.In this paper,the key parameters of dynamic soft reduction technology,such as soft reduction region,the total reduction amount,for low carbon steel have been studied based on experimental and theoretical analysis.The soft reduction region was related to the segregation of chemical composition,slab bulging of narrow side and avoiding internal crack of slab.The total reduction amount was composed of natural thermal shrinkage and actual reduction amount depending on critical strain.For low carbon steel with slab dimension of(950 - 1 950) mm×170 mm,the solid fraction range in soft reduction region was recommended from 0.4 to 0.8,the total reduction amount was 2.0 -2.8 mm,and the optimized reduction rate was 0.4 - 1.2 mm/min,respectively.Furthermore,a dynamic soft reduction system in continuous slab casting, Visual Cast-Dynamic,has been developed by multithreading method.It demonstrated that the dynamic soft reduction model in this study was correct with the ability of online control.     

350mm×470mm矩形坯连铸生产轴承钢的凝固末端

确定轴承钢在连铸坯凝固末端的位置,对于轴承钢轻压下工艺的合理制定、改善铸坯的中心疏松及中心偏析等缺陷具有至关重要的意义。首先,采用二维非稳态传热方程,结合本钢350mm×470mm矩形坯铸机自身特点,建立了矩形坯凝固模型。其次,通过射钉试验,取片做硫印,来标定生产状态下不同位置的坯壳厚度。最后,对铸坯的表面温度进行了实际测定。研究结果表明,射钉硫印测量的坯壳厚度、实测的铸坯表面温度都与凝固模型的计算结果相近,实际生产过程中,完全可以采用该模型来理论计算铸坯凝固末端,为轻压下工艺提供理论依据。     

Spray cooling pattern and microthermomechanical rigidity criterion for improving inner quality in continuously cast steel slabs

Abstract

A new concept has been developed to assess, and a new technique developed to improve, the microthermomechanical rigidity of the solidifying shell in the secondary cooling zones during continuous casting of steel. This is to maximise the coherent solid shell resistance ‘I_c’ against thermometallurgical and mechanical stresses at different levels from meniscus. The idea behind this concept is to optimise the degree of homogeneity of the cooling pattern between a pair of rolls. The effect of the degree of homogeneity of the cooling pattern between a pair of rolls ‘HDCP’, in different spray cooling zones on the different types of centreline segregates has been investigated. A number of plant trials with two different water cooling patterns between a pair of rolls have been performed. The metallographic investigation contains examinations and measurements of the level of centreline segregates of collected samples. A one dimensional (1D) transient finite difference mathematical model of thermal, solidification, solid shell resistance and cooling conditions has been developed to test the different effects of spray patterns on the microthermomechanical rigidity concept and therefore on the mechanism of centreline macrosegregation level. The results indicate that the increase in the degree of homogeneity of the cooling conditions is proportional to the increase in slab internal microquality. The results show that the degree of homogeneity of the cooling pattern affects centreline macrosegregation significantly. This depends significantly on the degree of homogeneity of cooling pattern between a pair of rolls, its location from the meniscus and, generally, on the increase microthermomechanical rigidity concept.     

Control of transverse cracking in special quality slabs

Abstract

Rolled plates from continuously cast slabs at Bhilai Steel Plant have been frequently rejected due to the formation of irregular shaped fine surface cracks. These cracks originate from fine transverse cracks located below oscillation marks/surface depressions of the cast slabs. The random occurrence of this defect from heat to heat was of major concern to Bhilai Steel Plant where slabs are cast of special grades such as boiler, microalloying, and high tensile quality. The mechanism of formation of this defect was identified through a detailed metallographic study of defect bearing slabs and plates and analysis of rejection patterns with respect to various important process parameters. The crack formation mechanism was verified through a process perturbation trial. A defect potential index was developed to explain the random occurrence of these cracks. The index incorporated parameters which influence crack formation in the Bhilai casters. A significant reduction in this type of cracking was observed, based on the recommendations made in this study     

高强船板钢中心偏析的成因及其改善措施

分析了高强船板钢中心偏析的成因及其影响因素.中心偏析的形成是因枝状晶晶间富含溶质的钢液流动和积累造成的.这种钢液流动的驱动力来自两方面:一是凝固坯壳收缩和铸辊对坯壳的压缩,二是坯壳在未收缩时开口和铸辊间发生鼓肚引起负压.采取控制钢水化学成分和过热度、稳定拉速、优化二冷配水、加大凝固末端辊缝收缩量等措施可减少连铸坯中心偏析,改善高强船板钢的内部质量.凝固末端实施轻压下对减少中心偏析效果明显.     

Study on Mitigating Center Macro‐Segregation During Steel Continuous Casting Process

In the current paper, Methods of enlarging the area for the distribution of segregation solutes were introduced to mitigate center macro‐segregation in steel billets and steel slabs during continuous casting process, which cost less and have significant effect. The location of center macro‐segregation is relative to the shape of liquid‐core at the solidification end during steel continuous casting. A method of dissymmetrical cooling on different surfaces, by which the area for the precipitation of segregation solutes was enlarged, was introduced to mitigate the center macro‐segregation in billets during continuous casting process. Method of optimizing the uniformity of solidified shell in the transverse direction was introduced to mitigate the center macro‐segregation in steel slabs. The uniform cooling intensity along the transverse direction guaranteed a regular solidification end in the continuous casting slab, which aided in the effective application of dynamic soft reduction technology. A relevant 2‐D heat transfer model was developed for the optimization of uniform solidification. The current method was applied to the industrial slab continuous casting using the heat transfer model. The results indicated a better industrial slab quality with much less center macro‐segregation after the use of the method.     

控制高碳钢中心碳偏析的工艺实践

针对方坯连铸过程中产生的连铸坯中心偏析问题,日钢第一炼钢厂采取了一系列控制措施,如减少钢液成分波动、降低中间包内钢液过热度、制定合适的拉速和温度匹配制度并保持恒拉速、优化结晶器电磁搅拌参数、控制合适的二冷强度、使用凝固末端电磁搅拌等,使高碳钢铸坯中心偏析明显改善,w[C]≥0.60%的高碳钢中心碳偏析(≤1.5级)合格率100%。     

Formation and control of macrosegregation for round bloom continuous casting

Based on the developed coupled model of electromagnetism, heat and solute transportation, the macrosegregation formation and effect of secondary cooling water ratio on macrosegregation degree in strand during round bloom continuous casting process have been investigated. The solute segregation degree fluctuates from a positive to a negative value with distance from strand surface in the initial solidified shell region within thickness of 20?mm. A negative segregation region in concave shape and an irregular positive segregation zone are presented in the fixed and loosened side of strand respectively due to the gravity and thermosolutal convection. As the secondary cooling water ratio decreases from 0.25 to 0.15?L?kg^??1, the solidification ratio at final electromagnetic stirring (F-EMS) centre increases from 73.14 to 77.83%. For the steel grade of 50Mn casted by round bloom casting within diameter of 0.35?m, the optimal solidification ratio at F-EMS centre is 75.05%, where the radial centre crack and shrinkage cavity at strand cross-section are removed.     

结晶器冷却强度与坯壳厚度的关系

根据斯蒂芬凝固定律直接导出了坯壳厚度与结晶器冷却强度及拉坯速度的关系。因此可根据坯壳厚度合理地确定冷却强度及拉坯速度或由冷却强度预测坯壳厚度。计算结果与传统的凝固平方根定律相吻合，从而可确定平方根定律的凝固系数。     

Analysis of thermomechanical behaviour in billet casting with different mould corner radii

Abstract

A finite element thermal stress model to compute the thermomechanical state of the solidifying shell during continuous casting of steel in a square billet casting mould has been applied to investigate longitudinal cracks. A two-dimensional thermoelastoviscoplastic analysis was carried out within a horizontal slice of the solidifying strand which moves vertically within and just below the mould. The model calculates the temperature distributions, the stresses, the strains in the solidifying shell, and the intermittent air gap between the casting mould and the solidifying strand. Model predictions were verified with both an analytical solution and a plant trial. The model was then applied to study the effect of mould corner radius on longitudinal crack formation for casting in a typical 0·75%/m tapered mould with both oil and mould powder lubrication. With this inadequate linear taper, a gap forms between the shell and the mould in the corner region. As the corner radius of the billet increases from 4 to 15 mm, this gap spreads further around the corner towards the centre of the strand and becomes larger. This leads to more temperature non-uniformity around the billet perimeter as solidification proceeds. Longitudinal corner surface cracks are predicted to form only in the large corner radius billet, owing to tension in the hotter and thinner shell along the corner during solidification in the mould. Off corner internal cracks form more readily in the small corner radius billet. They are caused by bulging below the mould, which bends the thin, weak shell around the corner, creating tensile strain on the solidification front where these longitudinal cracks are ultimately observed.     

软接触电磁连铸过程中结晶器及初生坯壳的传热

为了解高频磁场对软接触电磁连铸结晶器及初生坯壳传热行为的影响,用有限元二维数值模拟方法计算了软接触连铸过程中结晶器及初生坯壳的传热.得知在高频磁场（f=20 kHz）作用下,电磁场的感应加热会减少连铸初生坯壳的厚度、提高连铸坯的表面温度,并大幅度提高分瓣结晶器铜壁的温度.     

包晶钢结晶器液面周期性波动原因及控制

针对鞍钢股份有限公司鲅鱼圈钢铁分公司板坯连铸在生产包晶系列钢种时．连铸结晶器钢液面周期性剧烈波动的原因进行了分析。包晶钢液在凝固过程的包晶相变造成初生坯壳的不均匀生长是导致结晶器出现液面周期性剧烈波动的主要原因。通过调整结晶器冷却水强度和控制保护渣传热性能,有效地控制了结晶器液面周期性波动,提高了铸坯质量。     

重轨钢连铸凝固末端位置研究及工艺优化

根据武钢第一炼钢厂重轨钢连铸生产条件,建立380 mm ×280 mm方坯凝固传热数学模型,并采用射钉法验证及修正。模拟结果表明,U71Mn和U75V钢的凝固末端各自位于距结晶器液面16.96～21.68 m和16.50～21.17 m;减弱二冷强度或增大拉速,U71Mn和U75V钢凝固终点均会明显后移。根据计算结果,二冷制度由弱冷(0.346 L/kg)改为超弱冷(0.218 L/kg),拉速采用0.7 m/min,应用1～4~#机架轻压下,压下量为5～7 mm,U71Mn和U75V钢凝固终点延长至21 m以上。连铸工艺优化后,重轨钢大方坯中心疏松Ⅰ级内平均合格率由89.64%提高到99.50%。     

板坯连铸过程凝固传热数值计算与工艺优化

连铸过程铸坯凝固传热规律与铸坯质量、连铸过程顺行密切相关.针对某厂连铸板坯凝固传热过程开展数值计算研究,结果表明,在二冷6～8区及空冷区开始阶段存在较明显的回温趋势,且坯壳温度较高,8区末铸坯宽面中心温度达到约1032℃.此外,轻压下系统热跟踪模型计算凝固终点位置较靠前,压下区间有待优化.针对上述问题,将二冷水量由0....