Development of a Two-Chamber MHD Tundish for Metal Ca

Abstract

Introduction. The multifunctional magnetodynamic tundish prototype is the first world magnetodynamic mixer and batcher for steel, which has a capacity of up to 10 tons of melt and an inductor electric power of 600 kW. Ithas been successfully introduced into industry. Further works aim at adapting this device to continuous casting, in particular at obtaining semi-continuous cast billets at metallurgical micro-plants.Problem Statement. Today, the study of the effect of electromagnetic field on melt stirring and removal of non-metallics in the inlet chamber of MD-T is an urgent task.Purpose. The purpose of this research is to substantiate and to create MD-T as a two-chamber aggregate additionally equipped with a few electromagnetic & MHD devices for different purposes, to be used at metallurgical micro-mills.Materials and Methods. Physical modelling has been applied for studying liquid metal stirring under the action of electromagnetic field and the removal of non-metallics.Results. The behavior of the liquid jet falling from the ladle into the centrifugal chamber has been studied. The influence of the rational liquid level in the centrifugal chamber, which is exposed to the direct action of the electromagnetic field, has been estimated. It has been established that the effect of rotation of the total liquid volumehas been achieved at the height of application of electromagnetic field, which is 0.2—0.3 of the total fill height. Increasing the height of the application of a magnetic field leads to the capture of the upper layers of the liquid.Conclusions. There have been proposed a new design of magnetodynamic tundish (MD-T) for continuous casting of steel. The use of tundish with a rotational motion of the flow may significantly reduce the number of large oxide inclusions (larger than 10 µm) in steel. The device has been successfully tested and its application will improve the quality of cast billets, extend the functionality of equipment and technologies, and enable the realization of modern high-efficiency processes of continuous casting.