Modeling of Fluid Flow and Residence-Time Distribution in a Five-Strand Tundish

Abstract

Quantified residence-time distribution (RTD) provides a numerical characterization of mixing in the continuous casting tundish-thus allowing the engineer to better understand the metallurgical performance of the reactor. This study describes a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling study for analyzing the flow pattern and the residence-time distribution in a five-strand tundish. Two passive scalar-transport equations were applied to separately calculate the E-curve and F-curve in the tundish. The numeric modeling result were compared to water-modeling results to validate the mathematical model. The volume fraction of different flow regions (plug, mixed and dead) and the intermixing time during the ladle changeover were calculated to study the effects of the flow control device (FCD) on the tundish performance. From the results of CFD calculations, it can be stated that a combination of the U-baffle with deflector holes and the turbulence inhibitor had three major effects on the flow characteristics in the tundish: i) to reduce the extent of the dead volume; ii) to evenly distribute the liquid streams to each strand and iii) to shorten the intermixing time during the ladle changeover operation.

Effect of Thermal Buoyancy on Fluid Flow and Residence-Time Distribution in a Single-Strand Tundish

“…The CFD model development in the present study followed the general guidelines from References [ 36 , 37 , 38 ]. The details of the validation of the CFD model, including mesh dependency study and comparison with the experimental data (RTD curves), can be found in previous works [ 39 , 40 ].…”

Application of Tanks-in-Series Model to Characterize Non-Ideal Flow Regimes in Continuous Casting Tundish

“…Figure 10 shows the trimmer CFD mesh in the computing domain of the tundish (Figure 10a) and near the inlet region (Figure 10b, zoom-in view). The validation of the tundish CFD model including mesh dependency study (RTD and inclusions) and comparison with the experimental data (RTD) can be found in previous works [40,41].…”

Synthesis of a CFD Benchmark Exercise: Examining Fluid Flow and Residence-Time Distribution in a Water Model of Tundish

“…In recent years, there have been a number of research works focusing on the CFD model application of the flow phenomena in tundish, such as residence time distribution [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], flow control device [ 9 , 10 , 11 ], inclusion behavior [ 12 , 13 ], and thermal status [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. A series of CFD modelling studies have been recently published by the author through international collaborations [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. The objective is to develop a modelling and simulation-based digital design methodology to optimize the tundish design and process parameters during the continuous casting process [ 22 ].…”