Application and Numerical Simulation of Electromagnetic Stirring in Secondary Cooling Zone During Continuous Casting of Ultra-Thick Slab

The segregation of solute elements at solidification front could be greatly improved by application of electromagnetic stirring(SEM)in secondary cooling zone.The location of SEM in secondary cooling zone affects the operational effect.In the present study,based on the application of SEM in Ultra-thick slab continuous casting,the shell thickness was calculated by self-programming code and the results were verified by nail-shooting test.A numerical model was established to calculate the fluid flow of molten steel under shell to determine the suitable SEM location in secondary cooling zone.The results shows that the velocity of molten steel increases with increase of stirring current which enhance the circulatory flow of unset steel at solidification front.Whereas,in order to fully develop ability of SEM it is necessary to select suitable stirring current and mode for ultra-thick slab casting.This calculation provides theoretical base for application of SEM in secondary cooling zone during ultra-thick slab casting process.

Effect of droplet characteristics on liquid-phase distribution in spray zone of internal mixing air-mist nozzle

In continuous casting production,droplet characteristics are important parameters for evaluating the nozzle atomization quality,and have a significant impact on the secondary cooling effect and the slab quality.In order to study the behavior of atomized droplets after reaching the slab surface and to optimize the spray cooling effect,the influence of droplet diameter and droplet velocity on the migration behavior of droplets in the secondary cooling zone was analyzed by FLUENT software.Results show that the droplets in the spray zone and on the slab surface are mainly concentrated in the center,thus,the liquid volume fraction in the center is higher than that of either side.As the droplet diameter increases,the region of high liquid volume fraction on the slab surface becomes wider,and the liquid phase distribution in the slab width direction becomes uneven.Although increasing the droplet velocity at the nozzle exit has little effect on droplet diffusion in the spray zone,the distribution becomes more uneven due to more liquid reaches the slab surface per unit time.A prediction formula of the maximum water flow rate on the slab surface for specific droplet characteristics was proposed based on dimensionless analysis and validated by simulated data.A nozzle spacing of 210 mm was recommended under the working conditions in this study,which ensures effective coverage of the spray water over the slab surface and enhances the distribution uniformity of water flow rate in the transverse direction.

Mechanism of broadening of slab in continuous casting

The mechanism of broadening of slab in continuous casting was studied by numerical simulations and experimental measurements in factories. The mechanism is derived by gradual exclusion of various factors related to the broadening of slab. It is concluded that the slab exposes to no constraint at the direction of narrow face. Because of the static pressure of molten steel, the slab deforms creepily in the direction that consequently results in the broadening of slab. The broadening of slab increases with casting speed and static pressure of molten steel. The decrease of secondary cooling intensity and strength of steel at high temperature also contribute to the broadening of slab. The micro-alloying plays an important role in improving the strength of steel and in reducing the broadening of slab.