Fluid Flow,Heat Transfer and Inclusion Motion in a Four‐Strand Billet Continuous Casting Tundish

Inclusions in the steel in a four‐strand continuous casting tundish, billet and wire products are firstly investigated with industrial trials, and the fraction of inclusions removed in terms of total oxygen in the tundish is measured. Then the 3‐dimenional fluid flow, heat transfer and inclusion motion in the tundish are numerically simulated. The κ‐? two‐equation model is used to model turbulence. Inclusion motion and trajectories are calculated by considering drag force and buoyancy force, coupling the effect of turbulent fluctuation (Random Walk Model). The effect of strands‐blocking on the fluid flow, heat transfer and inclusion removal is studied. A new design of tundish is proposed focusing on removing more inclusions from the molten steel.     

Modelling performance of four‐strand, 12 t,delta shaped continuous casting tundish fitted with different flow modifying arrangements for better steel quality

Abstract

The performance of a 12?t, delta shaped, four‐strand, billet casting tundish was investigated using a full scale (1∶1) isothermal model using water as the simulating fluid for steel. Three different modelling experiments were carried out. Quantifiable parameters like ‘number of slag beads’ in transient physical modelling of slag entrainment, or ‘residual ratio of inclusions’ (RRI %), in steady state mathematical modelling of inclusion removal and ‘mean residence time’, ‘dead volume fraction’, etc., in steady state mathematical computation of residence time distributions, were used as the performance indicators. Results for three different flow modifying dam arrangements were considered and compared with those of a bare tundish. Computational fluid dynamic analysis showed that different flow modifying dam arrangements significantly alters the flow pattern within the tundish. On the basis of these performance indicators, the best arrangement was identified. The assumption in this paper that similar conclusions can be drawn from experiments carried out either in transient or in steady state conditions was verified. It was shown that both transient physical modelling experiments and the steady state mathematical predictions, point to the same conclusion.     

Mathematical modelling of the geometry influence of a multiple‐strand tundish on the momentum,heat and mass transfer of steel flow

Simple changes on tundish geometry may lead to significant improvements of transport phenomena of liquid steel in tundishes. In the present case steel flow in a six‐strand billet trough type tundish is mathematically simulated. Numerical results indicate the existence of a high fluid turbulence in the pouring zone and recirculating flows. Steel temperatures in the strands are also different, which from practice it would mean different qualities of billet among the strands. A simple change of design by widening the pouring box improves all the steel flow characteristics. First the turbulence in the pouring box is decreased, the recirculating flows are eliminated and steel temperatures in the six strands become closer to each other. Using a computational technique known as volume of fluid, surface topography of bath including the covering slag was simulated for both types of tundishes. These simulations predicted an open eye of the slag layer for the first tundish while in the second this phenomena was avoided. Thus, it was demonstrated the original hypothesis that small changes in tundish design may lead to a more controlled steel flow.     

The effect of tundish wall inclination on the fluid flow and mixing: A modeling study

A mathematical model to represent turbulent fluid flow and mixing in continuous casting tundishes has been developed. The model involves solution of the three-dimensional turbulent Navier-Stokes equation, turbulence being modeled by the so-calledK-ε, two-equation model. Fluid flow parameters and residence time distribution has been predicted in a tundish of rectangular cross section. The model is later extended to predict fluid flow in typical industrial tundishes where walls are not vertical, but rather slightly inclined from the vertical. This results in an interresting variation in fluid flow, which may have important technological implications. The theoretical predictions are compared with measurements obtained in water models. The detailed understanding of the hydrodynamics of the tundish flow can be used to optimize their design for steel cleanliness. YOUDUO HE (on leave from Boutao Institute of Iron and Steel Technology, People's Republic of China) Research Associate     

Fluid flow behaviour of liquid in cylindrical vessels stirred by one or two air jets

In the present paper, based on the two‐phase model (Eulerian‐Eulerian model), the three‐dimensional fluid flow in water system and liquid steel system stirred by one or two gas jets is simulated. A new modified k‐? turbulence model is introduced to consider the bubbles movement contribution to k and ?. The mathematical simulation agrees well with the experimental results. Calculation indicates that the distance of the two jet nozzles has a big effect on the fluid flow behaviour. Placing two gas injection nozzles at the half radii of one diameter of the bottom generates a much better mixing than that injected by only one nozzle with the same total gas flow rate.     

Melt flow control in a multistrand tundish using a turbulence inhibitor

Water modeling and mathematical simulation techniques were used to study the melt flow under the influence of turbulence inhibitors in a multistrand bloom caster tundish. Three different cases were studied: a bare tundish (BT), a tundish with two pairs of baffles and a waved impact pad (BWIP), and a tundish equipped with turbulence inhibitor and a pair of dams (TI&D). Chemical mixing of tracer turbulence diffusion was also simulated and compared with actual experimental results. The TI&D arrangement showed an improvement of the fluid flow characteristics, yielding better tracer distribution among the outlets, lower values of back mixing flow, and higher values of plug flow. A mass transfer model coupled with k-ɛ turbulence model predicted acceptably well the experimental chemical mixing of the tracer in the water model. The water modeling and the numerical simulation indicated that the TI&D arrangement retains the tracer inside the vessel for longer times, increasing the minimum residence time. These results encourage the use of turbulence-inhibiting devices in bloom and billet casters, which pursue excellence in product quality.     

Study of optimal Ca-Si injection position in gas stirred ladle based on water model experiment and flow simulation

Abstract

A mathematical model based on a computational fluid dynamics technique named SOLA-SURF and the k-? two equation turbulence model, and a water model that is one-quarter the scale of an actual ladle system, have been developed in the present study to find the optimal Ca-Si injection position for the ladle secondary refining process. Based on experimental measurements and observations from the water model and simulated results of the mathematical model, which has been verified by the experimental measurements, fluid flow phenomena and corresponding diffusion of the injected Ca-Si under various design and operating conditions have been investigated. The water model experiments and simulated results from the mathematical model for actual ladle operation show that, with an injection depth of 0·8 m and argon gas flowrate of 100, 200, and 300 L min^-1, the optimal position for injection is located on the tuyere-circle centre plane, opposite side to the tuyere, and 0·5-0·8R away from the circle centre. For this injection position, the mixing time is shorter and the flow pattern favours transport of the additive to the bottom of the ladle.     

小方坯连铸中间包流场温度场的数值模拟研究

采用湍流理论,建立中间包温度场的数学模型,计算获得了昆钢7^#小方坯连铸中间包耦合的流场及温度场,并研究了中间包在设置挡墙前后钢液流动及传热行为的变化。流场计算表明,使用合适的挡墙,钢液在中间包的停留时间变长,各水口处钢液的流动模式趋于一致;温度计算表明,设置挡墙后,各流钢液温度差异明显缩小。     

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.     

六流T型连铸中间包流体流动行为的数学模拟

以某企业30t六流T型连铸中间包为模拟对象,采用数学模拟的方法研究了不同导流隔墙和坝的组合方式对多流中间包内流体流动特征的影响规律。结果表明,改变导流孔隔墙结构和倾角形式,并在六流T型包近水口两流之间放置坝,有利于延长钢水停留时间,改善多流中间包内流体流动特性并提高多流中间包各流流动一致性。     

连铸中间包技术改造与多孔控流挡墙的优化设计

介绍了连铸中间包由对称四流向非对称五流的技术改造，并采用数值模拟和水力学模拟的方法优化得出控流挡墙的设计方案。投产实践证明，控流挡墙能够明显改善中间包内钢液的流动特性，同时增加了产量、提高了钢坯质量。     

Fluid flow behaviour in slab continuous casting tundish with different configurations of gas bubbling curtain

Abstract

Fluid flow characteristics in a two strand slab continuous casting tundish with different configurations of argon gas bubbling curtain (GBC) were investigated in physical modelling experiments. It was found from this research that the GBC with a small flow rate acted as a gas dam and could greatly improve the flow characteristics in the tundish. It increased dramatically the peak concentration time and plug flow volume, decreased greatly the dead volume, created surface directed flow and eliminated short circuiting. Therefore, the fluid flow characteristics in a tundish with GBC were favourable to the floatation and separation of inclusions from molten steel. The flow characteristics with low gas flow rate and short distance of the bubbling curtain from the tundish outlet were better than those with high gas flow rate and large distance of the curtain to the outlet. The optimal configuration for the improvement in fluid flow characteristics was turbulence inhibitor (TI)–weir–dam–GBC (TI–W–D–GBC), followed by TI–channel weir (CW)–GBC, TI–W–GBC and TI–GBC.     

五流非对称结构中间包流动及传热特征数值模拟

为优化某钢厂非对称结构中间包内流体流动、均匀各流钢液温度、延长近水口平均停留时间,以达到提高铸坯质量的目的,对工厂原方案及两个优化方案进行流场、温度场及停留时间的数值模拟计算.结果表明无控流装置的原中间包流动及温度场分布不合理,优化方案有了明显的改善,并确定了最佳方案.     

四流小方坯中间包结构优化的物理模拟

随着钢铁工业的发展,人们对钢的质量要求越来越高,连铸中间包结构是和连铸坯最终质量形成相关的一个重要因素。试验以某厂四流小方坯中间包为原型,1∶3的比例制作了有机玻璃水模型,在不同的中间包结构下,KCl做示踪剂,采用"刺激—响应"技术测得流体的平均停留时间;黑墨水做显示剂显示流场。试验结果表明:采用"V"型挡墙开两孔时,钢液的平均停留时间短,滞止时间短,死区体积比例大。"V"型挡墙只开上孔时,能够很好的优化中间包,改善钢液的流动状态,使钢液的平均停留时间延长58.85 s,死区体积比例减小10.06%;同时还保证了各流之间的均匀性,即各流之间的温度、成分差异较小。     

Numerical simulation of fluid flow and solidification in continuous slab casting mould based on inverse heat transfer calculation

Abstract

A mathematical model based on an inverse heat transfer calculation was built to determine the heat flux between the mould and slab based on the measured mould temperatures. With K–? turbulence model, a mathematical model of three-dimensional heat transfer and solidification of molten steel in continuous slab casting mould is developed. Solidification has been taken into consideration, and flow in the mushy zone is modelled according to Darcy’s law as is the case of flow in the porous media. The heat flux prescribed on the boundaries is obtained in the inverse heat conduction calculation; thus, the effect of heat transfer in the mould has been taken into consideration. Results show that the calculated values of mould temperature coincide with the measured ones. Results also reveal that the temperature distribution and shell thickness are affected by the fluid flow and heat transfer of slab which is governed by the heat flux on the mould/slab interface.     

六流双通道感应加热中间包钢水流动控制

通道式感应加热是近年来得到快速推广应用的中间包冶金新技术,其通道常为直通式结构。然而对于多流狭长型中间包,这种结构会造成包内各流钢水流动和温度差异大,从而影响铸坯质量的稳定性和一致性。为此,提出了一种分口通道结构,并以国内某钢厂一需要改造的6流中间包为原型,通过物理模拟方法探究了通道孔径、角度等对钢水流动的影响,且与常规直通道结构进行了对比。结果表明,分口两孔径分别为90、60 mm并配合挡坝结构的A1D方案可明显改善整个中间包的流动均匀性,各水口RTD曲线几乎重合。该结构应用于某厂重轨钢生产,铸坯质量稳定,各流钢水温差为0~3 ℃,取得了良好的应用效果。研究为该类中间包的结构设计提供了新的思路和方法,同时也表明传统的物理模拟方法仍可用于指导感应加热中间包的设计和优化。     

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。     

非对称五流圆坯连铸中间包水模实验研究

采用水模实验研究了控流装置对非对称五流圆坯连铸中间包内流场的影响.通过测定模型中间包内各水口的RTD曲线,计算了中间包流场的平均停留时间及死区、活塞区和混合区的体积.提出了控流装置的开孔位置、大小、角度和布置方式对多流连铸中间包流动特性的影响规律.提出了能够合理分配钢水和有效减小死区的控流装置结构.     

Mechanism of fluid flow in a continuous casting tundish with different turbo‐stoppers

The fluid flow in a continuous casting tundish affects the separation of non‐metallic particles and the cleanliness of the steel. Today, laser‐optical investigations of water models are state of the art and enable detailed information about the effect of baffles, i. e. dams, weirs and turbo‐stoppers, on the flow. In this work 3D‐LDA and 2D‐DPIV‐investigations for different turbo‐stoppers in a water model on a scale of 1:1.7 of a 16 t single strand tundish are presented. Three circular turbo‐stoppers are investigated. Detailed measurements of the mean velocity and turbulence intensity in the tundish with and without turbo‐stopper are shown. With a suitable turbo‐stopper geometry the recirculation area in the tundish centre and short‐circuit flows along the side walls can be avoided and thus more favourable residence time distributions can be obtained. It is shown that the turbo‐stopper produces higher turbulence in the inlet region of the tundish, which is spatially more limited, however, in relation to the flow without turbo‐stopper. Thereby a more homogeneous flow is created at the discharge of the tundish with better conditions for the particle separation. The experimental data yield a good understanding of the flow phenomena in a tundish with turbo‐stopper and are used as validating criterion for numerical simulations (Fluent 5.5) on the basis of the Reynolds equations. The turbulence modelling is based on a two‐equation model (realizable k‐ε model).     

板坯连铸单流中间包控流装置优化模拟研究

采用水力学模型试验,对太钢不锈钢板坯连铸单流中间包流场进行了模拟研究,并通过数值模拟进行验证,研究结果表明:该钢厂原型中间包流场存在严重问题,中间包内存在明显短路流现象,死区比例较大,钢液混匀效果差;通过正交优化试验得出最佳坝堰因素水平组合方案,使中间包流场得到改善;采用中间包气幕挡墙代替坝优化方案,使中间包流场得到进一步改善.根据水力学模型试验和数值模拟计算结果,结合钢厂实际情况,建议单流连铸中间包采用气幕挡墙代替坝的技术工艺,对于太钢不锈钢板坯中间包气幕挡墙最佳工艺参数:距离堰1 150 mm附近,底吹气量控制在120 L/min左右.