Effect of casting parameters on sticker breakout and its propagation behaviour during slab continuous casting

Abstract

A sticker breakout is a significant occurrence which not only disturbs steady state casting but also reduces plant productivity and efficiency. Optimising the casting parameters and increasing the accuracy rate of breakout prediction systems are two effective measures for reducing breakouts. In the present paper, plant data were collected and the influence of casting parameters such as slab dimension, casting speed and mould level on sticker breakouts were analysed, especially the effect of heat flux. In addition, sticker propagation behaviour characteristics, including vertical velocity, horizontal velocity and propagation angle, were investigated by measuring the temperature of the mould copper plates. These results provide a reference for optimising the casting parameters and enhancing the accuracy of breakout prevention systems.

Keywords:

• Sticker breakout
• Casting parameters
• Heat flux
• Propagation behaviour
• Slab continuous casting

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51004012). This project was granted financial support from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2012M520621/2013T60511). The support of the High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2009AA04Z134) is also gratefully acknowledged.