Optimization of Flow Control Devices in a Stainless Steel Tundish

Abstract

Optimization of FCD design in a single strand slab tundish producing stainless steel is carried out by physical modelling using a 0.4 scale water model and mathematical modelling study. Reducing the residual metal volume at the end of casting, promoting the near-surface plug flow for inclusions removal and improving the transient slab quality are concerned, the optimized FCD is two dams and an impact pad, among them the dam1 (close to ladle shroud) with two 30 degrees upward inclined drain holes, another dam2 (close to tundish exit) is bottom rectangular-grooved which is beneficial for reducing the residual metal volume. Besides, the height of impact pad and drain holes must be concerned simultaneously, in the present study the height is 20mm and 60mm, respectively. Compared with turbulence inhibitors, impact pad will decrease the melt exposed to air at the steady state of casting. The holes at the higher level of dam may cause slag entrapment during the refilling process of ladle change operation.