Modeling study of the influence of turbulence inhibitors on the molten steel flow, tracer dispersion, and inclusion trajectories in tundishes

Abstract

In order to optimize steel flow and maximize the contact time of the inclusions with the slag layer inside the tundish, a proper flow-control arrangement must be designed, considering the shape, the dimensions of the prototype, and the plant operating conditions of the tundish. Physical and mathematical modeling has been used in this study, in a complementary fashion, to evaluate the influence of turbulence-inhibiting devices on the velocity fields, tracer dispersion, small-and large-particle trajectories, flow-pattern characteristics, and grade changes in a large-volume tundish. From the water model and mathematical simulation results, a flow-control system with the best performance was identified; this system must contribute to improving the productivity and cleanliness of the continuous-cast steel.

Simulation of Flow and Heat Fields in a Seven-strand Tundish with Gas Curtain for Molten Steel Continuous-Casting

“…Admittedly, with traditional flow controllers, a tundish has been the best place to reduce big nonmetallic inclusions in the continuous casting process. Nevertheless, in accordance with the report from Lopez-Ramirez et al, 5) the small inclusions do not have enough buoyancy force to float and reach to the slag layer.…”

Modelling of Inclusion Motion and Flow Patterns in Swirling Flow Tundishes with Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Structures

“…It is difficult to set the correction coefficient 14) exactly since droplets can move and deform continuously. While Sinha and Sahai 15) set both top free face and walls as trap boundary, Lopez-Ramirez 16) did not give the boundary conditions for inclusion. Zhang 17) divided the tundish into two types of separation zones.…”

“…3 500 kg/m 3 for spherical particles and 5 000 kg/m 3 for clusters, 16) 2 700 kg/m 3 for spherical inclusions. 15) Three densities are considered in this work for mathematical model simulation (400, 500, 600 kg/m 3 ) to examine the influence of density on separation ratio of inclusion.…”

Numerical Simulation of Influence of Changing a Dam Height on Liquid Steel Flow and Behaviour of Non-metallic Inclusions in the Tundish

“…Presently, the liquid metal as prepared on the ladle furnace stand has the required metallurgical purity and temperature allowing it to be cast by the continuous method. However, a number of interesting research works concerning tundishes have drawn the metallurgists' attention to this plant and contributed to perceiving the tundish also as an effective device assisting the liquid steel refining processes (Solorio-Diaz et al, 2005;Lopez-Ramirez et al, 2001;Hou et al, 2008;Bessho et al, 1992;Kuklev et al, 2004;Cwudziński, 2010). This results primarily from the fact that liquid steel resides in the tundish for a specific time, during which any phenomena that favour the refining process can be stimulated and intensified.…”