Experimental determination of the shell thickness within the primary cooling zone in the continuous casting process

ABSTRACT

The correct thickness of the shell solidifying within the primary cooling zone of the continuous casting machine is among the most important parameters assuring the safe operation of the casting process. The main problem is related to the fact that the actual measurement of the thickness of steel solidifying in the mould is impossible. Available continuous casting process monitoring systems allow us to calculate its approximate value on the basis of the mould wall temperature reading, and often these systems ensure failure-free steel casting. In this paper, the authors show the results of long-term research carried out when assessing anomalies occurring during the steel continuous casting process. As a result of this research, shell thickness was measured experimentally. On the basis of experimental data, a new model was proposed to describe heat transfer in the primary cooling zone.

KEYWORDS:

• Continuous casting
• thickness of the shell in the mould
• numerical modelling
• primary cooling zone
• heat transfer model
• experimental determination of the shell thickness
• breakout
• solid fraction growth

Acknowledgements

Special thanks are expressed to the ArcelorMittal Poland Unit in Kraków, Continuous Casting Department & Maintenance, for the cooperation during the experimental works in this paper and industrial support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was financed through statutory funds of AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, No. 16.16.110.663; Akademia Górniczo-Hutnicza im. Stanislawa Staszica.