Effect of Temperature Fields Heterogeneity in the Tundish on Primary Structure of Continuously Cast Ingots

Abstract

AbstractThe formation of the cast strands’ primary structure is a very complex process in terms of the thermodynamics and physicochemical. It occurs during solidification and crystallization of the liquid steel in the crystallizer and in the secondary cooling zone of the CC device. On the basis of the experience gained in the industry and knowledge arising from theory of metals and alloys solidification it can be concluded, that substantial influence on the shape of cast strands primary structure have the temperature of overheating of the liquid steel above liquidus temperature and solidification velocity. A proper control of those casting parameters allows to obtain the cast strands with desired primary structure. In the one and two-way symmetric devices regulation like this is not problematic, in the multi-way devices - specially in the asymmetric - causes a series of problems. In those devices can occur a major temperature difference in each outlet zone of the tundish working space caused by i.e. the distance length diversity of liquid steel stream from the inlet to each outlet and by disadvantageous layout of liquid steel flow zones (turbulent flow zone, plug flow and dead zones) in working area of tundish. Particularly high values of those diversity can be expected in the asymmetric tundishes.The article presents results of laboratory research - model and industrial regarding impact of the liquid steel overheating temperature, but also heterogeneity of the temperature fields in the tundish on primary structure of the cast strands.