Use of Cold Liquid Metal Models for Investigations of the Fluid Flow in the Continuous Casting Process

• Published in: Steel research international 2014-08, Vol.85 (8), p.1283-1290
• Main Authors: Timmel, Klaus, Wondrak, Thomas, Röder, Michael, Stefani, Frank, Eckert, Sven, Gerbeth, Gunter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Casting; contactless inductive flow tomography; Continuous casting; electromagnetic brake; Fluid dynamics; Iron and steel making; liquid metal models; Liquid metals; Liquids; Mathematical models; Melting points; Molds; Simulation; Steel; Structural steels; ultrasonic flow measurements
• ISSN: 1611-3683; 1869-344X
• DOI: 10.1002/srin.201300034

The measurement of flow quantities in a real steal caster is still a huge challenging task. Up to now, only some rough velocity information was obtained from casting plants with liquid steel. More insight into the casting process can be achieved by model experiments, which operate with low melting point liquid metals. The advantage of such cold metal laboratory experiments consists in the capability to obtain quantitative flow measurements with a reasonable spatial and temporal resolution. They are therefore an important tool to investigate the flow structure and related transport processes in melt flows relevant for metallurgical applications. We present two experimental facilities for modeling the continuous casting process of steel. The parameters and dimensions of the facilities will be given. LIMMCAST, the bigger setup, is using the alloy SnBi and works at temperatures of 200–400°C. Possibilities for flow investigations in tundish, submerged entry nozzle, and mould will be discussed. Next, the smaller set‐up Mini‐LIMMCAST will be presented. This experimental setup works with the alloy GaInSn, which is already liquid at room temperature. During the last decade, new measurement techniques have been established for detecting the velocities in liquid metal flows and which are operating in the considered temperature ranges. By this, it is now possible to do experimental investigations for a satisfying characterization of flow quantities in the two models. A selection of results from both experimental setups will be shown. These flow measurements deliver a valuable experimental database being suitable for validation of numerical simulations. The paper presents two experimental facilities for modeling the continuous casting process of steel. The facilities operate with low melting point liquid metals. A selection of results from both experimental setups will be shown, e.g., regarding the effect of an electromagnetic brake on the flow in the mould.