Computational modeling and control system of continuous casting process

A finite difference model was developed and applied to calculate the temperature distribution and solid shell thickness profile of continuous cast in a steel plant and to control the process of continuous casting. In the developed model, the optimization module of the water distribution of secondary cooling zone was established according to the metallurgical criterion for billet and target temperature controlling principle. The quantitative relation expressions of casting speed and water amount can be regressed by the result data. Meanwhile, the non-linear material properties of specific heat and thermal conductivity as well as phase changes during solidification were considered in the model. The calculated results of the model were in good accordance with measured data in the steel plant. Finally, a continuous casting and control system was developed based on the model. The relations between technology parameters including casting speed, cooling intensity, superheat of melt, and the casting process were analyzed with the system. The system could also be used to predict the optimum process parameters and the water distribution of secondary cooling zone on the new steel grade continuous casting.