Role of Solidification in Submerged Entry Nozzle Clogging During Continuous Casting of Steel

Metallurgists are embroiled in a debate on the role of solidification in submerged entry nozzle (SEN) clogging during continuous casting of steel: does clogging originate from solidification, or does clogging cause the solidification? This study tries to clarify this debate. An enthalpy‐based mixtur...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Steel research international 2020-12, Vol.91 (12), p.n/a
Main Authors: Barati, Hadi, Wu, Menghuai, Kharicha, Abdellah, Ludwig, Andreas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
clogging
Continuous casting
continuous castings
Continuum modeling
Enthalpy
Image reconstruction
Iron and steel making
Nozzles
Numerical models
Service life
Solidification
steel castings
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Summary:Metallurgists are embroiled in a debate on the role of solidification in submerged entry nozzle (SEN) clogging during continuous casting of steel: does clogging originate from solidification, or does clogging cause the solidification? This study tries to clarify this debate. An enthalpy‐based mixture continuum model is used to simulate solidification in a clog structure. The 3D structure of the clog is reconstructed using X‐ray tomography images of an as‐clogged piece in an SEN, and is directly used in the numerical model. The flow and solidification in the open pores/channels of the clog structure are then calculated. The modeling results demonstrate that although solidification does occur deep in the clog structure as the melt flow is stopped, a gap remains between the solidification and clog fronts. This gap signifies an open‐channel clog region, and the clog structure in this region needs to be mechanically strong to withstand the impact of the melt flow; otherwise, fragmentation occurs. The study verifies that the solidification cannot occur before clogging if the molten steel has sufficient superheat and the SEN is properly preheated. A SEN made of an isolating refractory material can postpone the clogging, thereby extending its service life. The 3D structure of a clog from X‐ray tomography is directly used in the numerical model. The flow and solidification in the open pores/channels of the clog structure are calculated. Although solidification occurs deep in the clog structure as the melt flow is stopped, a gap remains between the solidification and clog fronts.
ISSN:1611-3683
1869-344X
DOI:10.1002/srin.202000230