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.     

The Effects of Electromagnetic Brake on Liquid Steel Flow in Thin Slab Caster

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model with magneto hydro dynamics (MHD) is developed for a thin slab caster to investigate the effects of electromagnetic brake (EMBr) on liquid steel flow in continuous casting mold and to determine the EMBr practices which lead to optimal flow structure. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) tests in water model and meniscus flow measurements in real caster are performed to validate the predictions obtained with CFD models. The performance of different submerged entry nozzle designs, SEN 1 and SEN 2, are evaluated. The effects of nozzle submergence in relation to the applied magnetic field on mold flow structure are quantified. There are significant differences between flow structures obtained with SEN 1 and SEN 2, even though both designs have fundamental similarities and contain four ports. EMBr mainly reduces the meniscus velocities for SEN 2 as opposed to the foremost influence of EMBr for SEN 1 that is to significantly slow down the downward jet coming from the bottom ports. In addition, reducing the EMBr strength for shallow nozzle submergence and increasing the EMBr strength for deep nozzle submergence help to maintain similar meniscus activity for all conditions.     

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.     

Effect of EMBr on Flow in Slab Continuous Casting Mold and Evaluation Using Nail Dipping Measurement

The nail dipping method was developed to investigate the effect of electromagnetic brake on the mold top surface flow in a certain slab caster with different casting speed and submerged entry nozzle (SEN) depth. The shape of the meniscus profile and direction of flow were quantified by analyzing the angular profile of the lump for each solidified nail, and the error evaluation for the nail dipping measurement was also determined. The results show that the meniscus level fluctuates with time variation; the electromagnetic force suppresses the high‐speed flow and decreases the meniscus flow velocity, which makes the meniscus level flatter and slower. A stronger meniscus velocity and fluctuation were created by increasing casting speed and decreasing the SEN depth. Furthermore, the effect of magnetic field on the fluid flow in the mold has been investigated.     

Simulation on Effect of Divergent Angle of Submerged Entry Nozzle on Flow and Temperature Fields in Round Billet Mold in Electromagnetic Swirling Continuous Casting Process简

A new process for swirling flow generation in the submerged entry nozzle （SEN） in continuous casting process of steel was proposed. A rotating electromagnetic field was set up around the SEN to induce swirling flow by Lorentz force. The flow and temperature fields in the SEN and round billet mold with electromagnetic swirling were numerically simulated and then verified by the electromagnetic swirling model experiment of low melting point alloy. The effects of divergent angle of the SEN on the flow and temperature fields in mold with electromagnetic swirling were investigated. The electromagnetic swirling flow generator （EMSFG） could effectively induce swirling flow of molten steel in the SEN, which consequently improved greatly the flow and temperature fields in the mold. Below the nozzle outlet in mold, with the increase of divergent angle, the stream of bulk flow diverged more widely, the high temperature zone shifted up, and the temperature field became more uniform. Above the nozzle outlet in mold, with 350 A electromagnetic swirling, when the divergent angle of the SEN increased, the upward flow velocity and the meniscus temperature first increased and then decreased. With a divergent angle of 60~, the upward flow velocity and meniscus temperature reaced the largest value.     

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。     

Effect of swirling flow tundish submerged entry nozzle outlet design on multiphase flow and heat transfer in mould

ABSTRACT

Effect of a swirling flow SEN (submerged entry nozzle) outlet design on the multiphase flow and heat transfer in a mould was investigated by using numerical simulation. It was found that different SEN outlet designs could form different flow patterns and temperature distributions on the upper of the mould. The enlarged outlet SEN design had an effect to decrease the horizontal velocity of liquid steel flowing out the SEN outlet, reducing the steel flow velocity towards the solidification front. Although a higher velocity was found near the slag/steel interface with the enlarged outlet SEN, but the turbulent kinetic energy was lower. The reason was that less circulation flows were formed in the region of the mould top. The weak horizontal flow towards the solidification front with the enlarged outlet SEN induced lower wall shear stresses, at the same time it also formed a lower temperature distribution near the solidified shell.     

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.     

Effect of SEN Parameters on 3D Flow Field in Mould of Beam Blank Continuous Caster

Duringtheprocessofcontinuouscasting ,theflowfieldofmoltensteelinfluencesdirectlyonthetemperaturefield ,heattransfer ,slaginclusionfloatationandcomposi tionuniformityinthemould ,thusrelatesdirectlytothein ternalandsurfacequalityofcastblank .Soitisveryimpor…     

Simulation of flow control in the meniscus of a continuous casting mold with opposing alternating current magnetic fields

A numerical simulation was performed for a novel electromagnetic stirring system that employs two rotating magnetic fields. The system controls stirring flow in the meniscus region of a continuous casting mold independently from the stirring induced within the remaining volume of the mold by a main electromagnetic stirring (M-EMS) system. This control is achieved by applying to the meniscus region an alternating current-stirring modifier (AC-SM) whose direction of rotation is opposite to that of the main magnetic field produced by the M-EMS. The model computes values and spatial distributions of electromagnetic parameters and fluid flow in stirred pools of mercury in cylindrical and square pools. Also predicted are the relationships between electromagnetics and fluid flows pertinent to a dynamic equilibrium of the opposing stirring swirls in the meniscus region. Results of the numerical simulation compared well with the measurements obtained from experiments with mercury pools.     

Cyclic Turbulent Instabilities in a Thin Slab Mold. Part I: Physical Model

A water-physical model of a funnel-type thin slab mold fed by a two-port submerged entry nozzle (SEN) was employed to characterize the flow of liquid steel using dye tracer, particle image velocimetry, and video recording experiments. The overflow fluid flow pattern was the typical double-roll flow. A cyclic, low-frequency (≈0.01 s⁻¹), and energetic flow distortion of a short-lived (8 to 12 seconds) inducing high meniscus oscillation was identified. Its intensity grew with high casting speeds (5 and 7 m/min) and with a shallow SEN immersion position (200 mm from the meniscus level to the SEN tip). This distortion originated from the apparent existence of vortex flows located below the two discharging jets, which are formed by shear stresses in their ends that act on the surrounding fluid. These vortexes exert momentum transfer upward through a cascade mechanism from the lowest part of the discharging jets until reaching the region close to the SEN tip. This cascade momentum transfer widens the separation of both jets, enhancing the fluid velocities of the upper rolls, which promotes a high-amplitude standing wave. It is inferred, based on the experimental results, that this flow distortion originated from an instantaneous unbalance of the turbulent kinetic energy in the discharging jets. The negative production of kinetic energy is ascribed as the source of this unbalance, which is compensated by a higher contribution of the turbulent kinetic energy through mean convection and turbulent transport mechanisms manifested through higher velocities. After the restoration of the energy balance, the system yields a stable meniscus to repeat the low-frequency cycle.     

Effects of Electromagnetic Brake,Mold Curvature and Slide Gate on Fluid Flow of Steel in a Slab Mold

The influence of mold curvature, slide gate and magnetic forces on the steel flow in a slab mold was studied with a 3‐D mathematical model. The slide gate application induces a biased flow toward the mold side where its opening is located in the submerged entry nozzle (SEN). Turbulence and asymmetry of flows are more intense in a curved mold than in a straight mold. The effect of an electromagnetic brake (EMBr), located in the discharging ports to control flow turbulence, is only appreciable when magnetic flux density is higher than 0.1 T. The magnetic flux density does not affect the velocity profile in the discharging ports in the SEN because its construction material is insulated. Increasing the magnetic flux density leads to a decrease of the discharging jets angle and to the elimination of the two upper roll flows. The use of the EMBr in a curved mold equipped with a slide gate eliminates the meniscus velocity spikes observed in the mold corners. These results help to demonstrate that EMBr eliminates the asymmetry in a curved mold even under the excessive turbulent conditions existing in curved continuous casting molds.     

CSP结晶器内钢液面动态失稳现象的水模型实验

利用1:1的水力学模型对双侧孔水口下CSP结晶器内部流场流动进行了瞬态研究.结果表明,液面波动具有明显的周期性加剧现象,称之为\     

Experimental Investigation of Fluid Flow in CC Mold With Electromagnetic Filed

Fluid flow in continuous casting mold is one of the key factors to influence the process, because the operation of the casting process and most of the defects in steel quality are closely associated with fluid flow in the mold. Electromagnetic field(EMF) has been applied to control the fluid flow as an efficient technology, and a lot of research works on the effect of the EMF has been done by numerical simulation. Aware of the limitation of the numerical simulation of the flow under a static EMF, low melting metals have been adapted to the investigation of flow in EMF. In the report, some of works on electromagnetic brake ruler (EMBR) and Flow Control Mold (FC-Mold) in slab casting with mercury as an analogue of liquid steel are presented. In the experiment, the flow in the mold and fluctuation of meniscus were measured by the ultrasonic DOP2000 velocimeter. The effects of the magnetic flux density and location of the magnets on the flow in the mold have been studied. The results showed that the flow discharged from the SEN was suppressed, both of the distribution of the kinetic energy and the turbulence intensity were changed, and the flow stability of liquid metal in the mold was enhanced. In electromagnetic brake ruler when Bmax was more than 0.29T, the surface level fluctuations were suppressed,the flow at the meniscus became stable and the flow pattern at the meniscus were improved, and the impact strength of liquid metal was weakened simultaneously, and the penetration depth was reduced. It was beneficial to improve the flow in the upper eddy, fluctuation of meniscus and stability of the flow when the magnet was located near the SEN. However, it was good to reduce the impact action and penetration depth when the magnet was away from the SEN. Compared with EMBR, it was more effective to use FC-Mold for improving the flow in the upper eddy, fluctuation of meniscus and stability of the flow. Nevertheless, it was more effective for lower flow to reducing the impact action and penetration depth using EMBR. The     

Numerical Analysis of the Influences of Operational Parameters on the Braking Effect of EMBr in a CSP Funnel-Type Mold

A three-dimensional mathematical model of the magnetic field, flow field, and temperature field in a 1500 mm × 90 mm CSP funnel-type mold is used to numerically study the effect of an electromagnetic brake (EMBr) on flow and heat transfer behavior of molten steel. A number of effects of EMBr on the flow pattern and temperature distribution of molten steel are simulated. The jet flow discharge from the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) is significantly suppressed. In addition, heat transfer in the upper part of the mold increases under the influence of EMBr, which can improve the mobility of liquid steel at the meniscus and achieve low superheat casting. The relations between casting speed and magnetic flux density, and between SEN submergence depth and the installation position of the EMBr device, are taken into account to study the effects of braking on molten steel. The results show that the braking effect is weakened with an increase in either the casting speed or the SEN submergence depth. In order to insure the efficient and stable operation of a continuous casting production, the magnetic flux density should be increased by approximately 0.1 T when the casting speed increases by 1 m/min. In addition, an optimal braking effect for molten steel can be obtained when the distance between the bottom of the nozzle and the upper surface of the EMBr device is 100 mm.     

Numerical Simulation of Fluid Flow in a Round Bloom Mold with In-Mold Rotary Electromagnetic Stirring

In this article, an electromagnetic field simulation and a flow analysis model are performed to describe the three-dimensional electromagnetic field distribution and the electromagnetically driven flow characteristics in a round-bloom mold with a low-frequency in-mold rotary electromagnetic stirrer. The interaction between the induced flow and the inertial impinging jet from a straight-through submerged entry nozzle (SEN) of the caster is considered. The effects of stirrer current and frequency on the electromagnetic field and the flow in the round-bloom mold are investigated, and a strategy to optimize the stirring parameters is proposed. The results show that the distributions of magnetic flux density and electromagnetic force magnitude are nonuniform in a three-dimensional electromagnetic stirring (EMS) configuration. There exists a significant axial induced component of electromagnetic force. The flow in the in-mold EMS system is characterized by a dominant swirling movement at the transverse sections, coupled with the recirculating flows in the axial direction. An upper recirculation zone and a lower recirculation zone with the reverse melt flowing are found near the strand wall at the axial location close to the middle of the stirrer, and another recirculation zone is formed due to the interference of the induced flow with the jet from SEN. The meniscus surface has a swirl flow, and the meniscus level rises near the bloom strand wall and sinks around the SEN wall. All of these flow features are closely associated with metallurgical performances of the in-mold rotary stirrer. With the increase of stirring current and the decrease of frequency, the magnetic flux magnitude increases. There is an optimum frequency to obtain a peak of electromagnetic force magnitude and maximum tangential velocity. For a mold rotary EMS system, to determine the optimum stirring intensity, it is necessary to make a compromise between a larger tangential velocity and a relatively quiescent meniscus surface.     

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.     

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。     

浸入式水口对结晶器钢水流动与液面波动的影响

以国内某钢厂220 mm×1800 mm板坯连铸结晶器为原型,根据相似性原理建立相似比为0.6的水模型,利用粒子图像测速技术(PIV)对比不同浸入式水口(SEN)的出口角度、浸入深度及水口底部结构条件下的结晶器内流场流速特征,同时使用波高仪对液面波动振幅进行实时监测,并结合F数分析各SEN条件对结晶器内钢液流动特征.研究发现,在各浸入式水口条件下,位于结晶器液面1/4宽面处附近出现矢量流速向下的剪切流,同时在水口附近发现不规则漩涡.试验结果表明:浸入式水口的出口角度、浸入深度的增加能够强化上回旋区缓冲作用,降低结晶器液面表面流速;尽管凹底结构SEN能减弱钢液湍动能,但其对1/4宽面处剪切流速度的影响不大.另外,液面波动幅度和F数变化规律一致,且当浸入式水口出口角度15°、20°,浸入深度135 mm、145 mm条件下波幅与F数最为合理,从而减小或避免液面卷渣,提高连铸坯质量.