The effect of the continuous casting process on ultrasonically-tested defects in heavy plates

A plate＇s internal quality is very critical, especially for boilers and high-pressure vessels. The ultrasonic test （UT） is the main type of non-destructive flaw detection for heavy plates, which is important because one of the main reasons for plate defects is ultrasonic flaws. This study, based on Baosteel＇ s practical experience in the manufacture of heavy plates, elucidates the cause of defect formation by analyzing ultrasonic flaw testing maps and using special equipment, such as the scanning electron microscope, electron probe and the optical microscope. The author puts forward the following improvement measures： ① Ultrasonic flaws are caused by central porosity and segregation,[H] bubbles and inclusion in slabs.②Ultrasonic flaws are more likely to occur in the bottom and top of slabs rather than the other positions in the casting sequence. It is clear that one-quarter of the inner camber＇ s thickness is accumulated inclusion.③It is clear that overheating in the tundish and the flow of the casting mould have an effect on ultrasonic flaws caused by inclusions.④Soft reduction improves central porosity and segregation,which decreases the number of ultrasonic flaws in the plate.

Simulation on Effect of Divergent Angle of Submerged Entry Nozzle on Flow and Temperature Fields in Round Billet Mold in Electromagnetic Swirling Continuous Casting Process

A new process for swirling flow generation in the submerged entry nozzle （SEN） in continuous casting process of steel was proposed. A rotating electromagnetic field was set up around the SEN to induce swirling flow by Lorentz force. The flow and temperature fields in the SEN and round billet mold with electromagnetic swirling were numerically simulated and then verified by the electromagnetic swirling model experiment of low melting point alloy. The effects of divergent angle of the SEN on the flow and temperature fields in mold with electromagnetic swirling were investigated. The electromagnetic swirling flow generator （EMSFG） could effectively induce swirling flow of molten steel in the SEN, which consequently improved greatly the flow and temperature fields in the mold. Below the nozzle outlet in mold, with the increase of divergent angle, the stream of bulk flow diverged more widely, the high temperature zone shifted up, and the temperature field became more uniform. Above the nozzle outlet in mold, with 350 A electromagnetic swirling, when the divergent angle of the SEN increased, the upward flow velocity and the meniscus temperature first increased and then decreased. With a divergent angle of 60~, the upward flow velocity and meniscus temperature reaced the largest value.

Application of Mix Optimization Scheduling Approach for Steelmaking Continuous Casting Process Based on Actual Steelmaking Industry

The models, algorithms and implementation results of a computerized scheduling system were introduced for the steelmaking-continuous casting process （SCCP） of a steel plant in China. The scheduling of SCCP in this plant required that each cast plan should be processed on time, the charges in the same cast should be processed con- tinuously on the same caster, and the waiting time of the charges which are in front of each caster cannot exceed the given threshold. At the same time, the processing time of charges cannot be conflicted mutually in the same convert- ers or refining furnaces. Based on the research background, a hybrid optimal scheduling approach and its application were discussed. Aiming at the main equipment scheduling, an optimal scheduling method was proposed which con- sisted of equipment assignment algorithm based on dynamic program （DP） technique and conflict elimination algo rithm based on linear program （LP） technique. The approach guarantees that the charges are continuously processed on the same caster. Meanwhile, the requirement for high temperature ladle can also be satisfied due to the ladle matching function. Numerical results demonstrate solution quality, computational efficiency, and values of the mod els and algorithm.

Suppression of Effect of Uneven Velocity in Submerged Entry Nozzle in Round Billet Continuous Casting Process Using Electromagnetic Swirling Flow

Sliding gate control system is widely employed in continuous casting process of steel to control flow rate of molten steel.As molten steel passes through a sliding gate,uneven flow develops.This will cause asymmetrical distribution of flow and temperature field in mold consequently,formation of vortex near the nozzle and entrapment of CC powder into the molten steel.etc,which have negative effect on process productivity and product quality.To suppress the uneven flow,electromagnetic swirling flow has been proposed to impose on the flow in submerged entry nozzle below the sliding gate.In this study the uneven flow developed by incompletely open sliding gate and the suppression of this uneven flow using electromagnetic swirling flow are numerically studied in round billet continuous casting of steel process.The improvement of the flow and temperature filed in the submerged entry nozzle and mold are investigated.It is found that:The uneven velocity in nozzle can be suppressed by electromagnetic swirling flow,and the flow and temperature field in mold be improved obviously;With the increase of electromagnetic swirling intensity,the effect of uneven flow can be almost completely suppressed.

Fundamental Study on Continuous Casting Process With Swirling Flow by Electromagnetic Force

Swirling flow in a submerged entry nozzle is effective on improving quality of casting block and casting speed in continuous casting of steel.A new method for swirling flow generation in the nozzle has been proposed by the authors,that is a rotating electromagnetic field is set up around a submerged entry nozzle(SEN)to induce swirling flow in it by Lorentz force.In this study,the magnetic field in molten steel in the submerged entry nozzle,the flow and temperature field in the SEN and mold in round,square billet and slab continuous casting process of steel are numerically studied.The model experiment of electromagnetic swirling continuous casting is also conducted with low melting point alloy.The commercial test for slab is undergoing.Results by numerical simulation and experiment show that the swirling flow by the optimum designed electromagnetic swirling generator can not only improve the distribution of flow and temperature in mold but also achieve the same effects generated by the swirling blade process. And,more effects on continuous casting process can be expected after this electromagnetic swirling process is optimized.