Review on the flow pattern of molten steel in the submerged entry nozzle and the mold of continuous casting slabs

Tian Yushi; Qiu Shengtao; Zhu Rong; Xu Lijun; Shi Pengzhao; Wang Xu

doi:10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2024.06.019

Volume 45 Issue 6

Dec. 2024

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Abstract

References

Article Navigation > IRON STEEL VANADIUM TITANIUM > 2024 > 45(6): 142-150

Tian Yushi, Qiu Shengtao, Zhu Rong, Xu Lijun, Shi Pengzhao, Wang Xu. Review on the flow pattern of molten steel in the submerged entry nozzle and the mold of continuous casting slabs[J]. IRON STEEL VANADIUM TITANIUM, 2024, 45(6): 142-150. doi: 10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2024.06.019

Citation:

Tian Yushi, Qiu Shengtao, Zhu Rong, Xu Lijun, Shi Pengzhao, Wang Xu. Review on the flow pattern of molten steel in the submerged entry nozzle and the mold of continuous casting slabs[J]. IRON STEEL VANADIUM TITANIUM, 2024, 45(6): 142-150. doi: 10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2024.06.019

Citation:

Tian Yushi, Qiu Shengtao, Zhu Rong, Xu Lijun, Shi Pengzhao, Wang Xu. Review on the flow pattern of molten steel in the submerged entry nozzle and the mold of continuous casting slabs[J]. IRON STEEL VANADIUM TITANIUM, 2024, 45(6): 142-150. doi: 10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2024.06.019

PDF( 2115 KB)

Review on the flow pattern of molten steel in the submerged entry nozzle and the mold of continuous casting slabs

doi: 10.7513/j.issn.1004-7638.2024.06.019

Tian Yushi^{1, 2
,},
Qiu Shengtao^{2
,
,},
Zhu Rong^{1, 3},
Xu Lijun²,
Shi Pengzhao²,
Wang Xu²

1.
School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
2.
National Engineering Research Center of Continuous Casting Technology, Central Iron and Steel Research Institute, Beijing 100081, China
3.
Institute for Carbon Neutrality, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China

Received Date: 2023-06-19
Available Online: 2024-12-30
Publish Date: 2024-12-30

Abstract

Abstract

Through a systematic analysis of the current researches on flow patterns in the nozzle and mold, this study explores the transformation laws, common characteristics, influencing factors, and their effects on slab quality under various operating conditions, with a particular focus on the asymmetry of flow in the mold. The conclusions are as follows: multiple flow patterns, including bubbly flow, film flow, annular flow, and slug flow, exist within the nozzle and are influenced by liquid flow rate, gas flow rate, and the level of liquid in the tundish. Bubbly flow is relatively stable and beneficial for continuous casting production. When the slab mold operates in a symmetric double-roll flow pattern and the mold surface flow velocity is controlled between 0.26 and 0.43 m/s, it significantly improves the quality of the cast slabs. Meanwhile, a higher casting speed, a lower argon flow rate, and an increased immersion depth of the nozzle have benefit for the formation of the double-roll flow pattern. Flow asymmetry can lead to bias flow. Thus, precise process control can ensure smooth production and enhance slab quality.
- slab continuous casting,
- mold,
- submerged entry nozzle,
- flow patterns,
- asymmetric flow

FullText(HTML)

References(72)

References

[1]	Gan Yong, Peng Suping, Mao Jingwen, et al. High-quality development strategy for the supply chain of critical minerals and its material industry in China[J]. Strategic Study of CAE, 2022,24(3):1-9. (干勇, 彭苏萍, 毛景文, 等. 我国关键矿产及其材料产业供应链高质量发展战略研究[J]. 中国工程科学, 2022,24(3):1-9. doi: 10.15302/J-SSCAE-2022.03.001 Gan Yong, Peng Suping, Mao Jingwen, et al. High-quality development strategy for the supply chain of critical minerals and its material industry in China[J]. Strategic Study of CAE, 2022, 24（3）: 1-9. doi: 10.15302/J-SSCAE-2022.03.001
[2]	Zhu Miaoyong. A study of transport phenomena and key technologies for high-speed continuous casting of steel[J]. Iron & Steel, 2021,56(7):1-12. (朱苗勇. 高拉速连铸过程传输行为特征及关键技术探析[J]. 钢铁, 2021,56(7):1-12. Zhu Miaoyong. A study of transport phenomena and key technologies for high-speed continuous casting of steel[J]. Iron & Steel, 2021, 56（7）: 1-12.
[3]	Deng X, Ji C, Cui Y, et al. Flow pattern control in continuous slab casting moulds: physical modelling and plant trials[J]. Ironmaking & Steelmaking, 2017,44(6):461-471.
[4]	Dauby P H. Continuous casting: make better steel and more of it[J]. Revue De Métallurgie, 2012,109(2):113-136.
[5]	Pütz O, Rödl S. Investigations of unsteady and asymmetric flow phenomena in continuous casting moulds by advanced simulation techniques[J]. Steel Research International, 2003,74(2):104-113. doi: 10.1002/srin.200300168
[6]	Wang Y, Zhang L. Transient fluid flow phenomena during continuous casting: Part II—Cast speed change, temperature fluctuation, and steel grade mixing[J]. ISIJ international, 2010,50(12):1783-1791. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.50.1783
[7]	Yuan Peng, Wang Xinhua, Jiang Min, et al. Inclusions in low carbon aluminum killed steel slabs at high casting speed[J]. Chinese Journal of Engineering, 2016,38(3):342-350. (苑鹏, 王新华, 姜敏, 等. 高拉速连铸低碳铝镇静钢铸坯中夹杂物[J]. 工程科学学报, 2016,38(3):342-350. Yuan Peng, Wang Xinhua, Jiang Min, et al. Inclusions in low carbon aluminum killed steel slabs at high casting speed[J]. Chinese Journal of Engineering, 2016, 38（3）: 342-350.
[8]	Chen Wei, Zhang Lifeng, Ren Qiang, et al. Large eddy simulation on four-phase flow and slag entrainment in the slab continuous casting mold[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2022,53(3): 1446-1461.
[9]	Zhang Lifeng, Yang Subo, Cai Kaike, et al. Investigation of fluid flow and steel cleanliness in the continuous casting strand[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2007,38(1):63-83. doi: 10.1007/s11663-006-9007-0
[10]	Liu Z Q, Qi F S, Li B K, et al. Modeling of bubble behaviors and size distribution in a slab continuous casting mold[J]. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 2016,79:190-201. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2015.07.009
[11]	Ishiguro K, Iguchi M. Model experiment on the behavior of argon gas in immersion nozzle[J]. ISIJ International, 2003,43(5):663-670. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.43.663
[12]	Terauchi Y, Iguchi M, Kosaka H, et al. Wettability effect on the flow pattern of air-water two-phase flows in a vertical circular pipe[J]. Tetsu-to-Hagane, 1999,85(9):645-651. doi: 10.2355/tetsutohagane1955.85.9_645
[13]	Burty M, Larrecq M, Pusse C, et al. Experimental and theoretical analysis of gas and metal flows in submerged entry nozzles in continuous casting[J]. Revue de Metallurgie-CIT, 1996,93(10):1249-1255. doi: 10.1051/metal/199693101249
[14]	Ren Lei, Zhang Lifeng, Wang Qiangqiang, et al. Study on fluid flow in a continuous casting slab mold using particle image velocimetry[J]. Chinese Journal of Engineering, 2016,38(10):1393-1403. (任磊, 张立峰, 王强强, 等. 基于 PIV 技术的板坯连铸结晶器内钢水流动行为研究[J]. 工程科学学报, 2016,38(10):1393-1403. Ren Lei, Zhang Lifeng, Wang Qiangqiang, et al. Study on fluid flow in a continuous casting slab mold using particle image velocimetry[J]. Chinese Journal of Engineering, 2016, 38（10）: 1393-1403.
[15]	Liu Rui, Thomas B G, Sengupta J, et al. Measurements of molten steel surface velocity and effect of stopper-rod movement on transient multiphase fluid flow in continuous casting[J]. ISIJ International, 2014,54(10):2314-2323. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.54.2314
[16]	Zhu Xiaowei, Li Dewei, Wu Chunlei, et al. Influence of large-scale vortex movement in lower recirculation zone on instable flow field in the mold[J]. ISIJ International, 2018,58(9):1687-1694. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.ISIJINT-2018-160
[17]	Chen Wei, Ren Ying, Zhang Lifeng, et al. Numerical simulation of steel and argon gas two-phase flow in continuous casting using LES+ VOF+ DPM model[J]. JOM, 2019,71(3):1158-1168. doi: 10.1007/s11837-018-3255-8
[18]	Liu Zhongqiu, Li Baokuan, Jiang Maofa, et al. Modeling of transient two-phase flow in a continuous casting mold using Euler-Euler large eddy simulation scheme[J]. ISIJ International, 2013,53(3):484-492. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.53.484
[19]	Dauby P H, Assar M B, Lawson G D. PIV and MFC measurements in a continuous caster mould. New tools to penetratethe caster black box[J]. Revue de Métallurgie, 2001,98(4):353-366.
[20]	Salazar-Campoy M M, Morales R D, Najera-Bastida A, et al. A physical model to study the effects of nozzle design on dense two-phase flows in a slab mold casting ultra-low carbon steels[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2017,48(2):1376-1389. doi: 10.1007/s11663-017-0918-8
[21]	Andrzejewski P, Köhler K U, Pluschkell W. Model investigations on the fluid flow in continuous casting moulds of wide dimensions[J]. Steel Research, 1992,63(6):242-246. doi: 10.1002/srin.199200508
[22]	Deng Xiaoxuan, Ji Chenxi, Cui Yang, et al. Flow pattern in continuous casting slab mold with argon blowing[J]. Iron & Steel, 2016,51(10):23-30. (邓小旋, 季晨曦, 崔阳, 等. 吹氩板坯连铸结晶器内钢水流态[J]. 钢铁, 2016,51(10):23-30. Deng Xiaoxuan, Ji Chenxi, Cui Yang, et al. Flow pattern in continuous casting slab mold with argon blowing[J]. Iron & Steel, 2016, 51（10）: 23-30.
[23]	Asad A, Kratzsch C, Schwarze R. Numerical investigation of the free surface in a model mold[J]. Steel Research International, 2016,87(2):181-190. doi: 10.1002/srin.201400600
[24]	Huang Caide, Zhou Haichen, Zhang Lifeng, et al et al. Effect of casting parameters on the flow pattern in a steel continuous casting slab mold: numerical simulation and industrial trials[J]. Steel Research International, 2022,93(2):2100350. doi: 10.1002/srin.202100350
[25]	Kohler K U, Andrzejewski P, Julius E, et al. Steel flow velocity measurement and flow pattern monitoring in the mould[C]//78th Steelmaking Conference Proceedings. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 1995: 445-449.
[26]	Liu Zhongqiu, Qi Fengsheng, Li Baokuan, et al. Vortex flow pattern in a slab continuous casting mold with argon gas injection[J]. Journal of Iron and Steel Research, International, 2014,21(12):1081-1089. doi: 10.1016/S1006-706X(14)60187-4
[27]	Salazar-Campoy M M, Morales R D, Nájera-Bastida A, et al. A physical model to study the effects of nozzle design on dispersed two-phase flows in a slab mold casting ultra-low-carbon steels[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2018,49(2):812-830. doi: 10.1007/s11663-018-1181-3
[28]	Zhang Tao, Yang Jian, Jiang Peng. Measurement of molten steel velocity near the surface and modeling for transient fluid flow in the continuous casting mold[J]. Metals, 2019,9(1):36. doi: 10.3390/met9010036
[29]	Liu Fenggang, Zhou Haichen, Zhang Lifeng, et al. Dependency of flow pattern in the mold on the distribution of inclusions along the thickness of continuous casting slabs[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2021,52(4):2536-2550. doi: 10.1007/s11663-021-02201-x
[30]	Assar M B, Dauby P H, Lawson G D. Opening the black box: PIV and MFC measurements in a continuous caster mold[C]//83rd Steelmaking Conference Proceedings. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 2000: 397-411.
[31]	Andrzejewski P, Gotthelf D, Julius E, et al. Mould flow monitoring at no. 3 slab caster, Krupp Hoesch Stahl AG[C]//80th Steelmaking Conference proceedings. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 1997: 153-157.
[32]	Hibbeler L C, Thomas B G. Mold slag entrainment mechanisms in continuous casting molds[J]. Iron and Steel Technology, 2013,10(10):121-136.
[33]	Li Xianglong, Li Baokuan, Liu Zhongqiu, et al. Evaluation of slag entrapment in continuous casting mold based on the LES-VOF-DPM coupled model[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2021,52(5):3246-3264. doi: 10.1007/s11663-021-02253-z
[34]	Kunstreich S, Dauby P H. Effect of liquid steel flow pattern on slab quality and the need for dynamic electromagnetic control in the mould[J]. Ironmaking & Steelmaking, 2005,32(1):80-86.
[35]	Burty M, De Santis M, Gesell M. Behaviour of argon gas bubbles in the continuous casting machine[J]. Metallurgical Research & Technology, 2002,99(1):49-53.
[36]	Liu Yibo, Yang Jian, Huang Fuxiang, et al. Comparison of the flow field in a slab continuous casting mold between the thicknesses of 180 mm and 250 mm by high temperature quantitative measurement and numerical simulation[J]. Metals, 2021,11(12):1886. doi: 10.3390/met11121886
[37]	Zhou Haichen, Luo Yanzhao, Li Haibo, et al. Online prediction of surface velocity, vortex position and fluid flow pattern in mold[J]. Continuous Casting, 2023(5):80-86. (周海忱, 罗衍昭, 李海波, 等. 结晶器表面流速、涡心位置和流场流态在线预测[J]. 连铸, 2023(5):80-86. Zhou Haichen, Luo Yanzhao, Li Haibo, et al. Online prediction of surface velocity, vortex position and fluid flow pattern in mold[J]. Continuous Casting, 2023（5）: 80-86.
[38]	Chen Wei, Zhou Haichen, Wang Shengdong, et al. Nail board industrial experiment on effect of argon flow rate on mold flow field[J]. Iron & Steel, 2019,54(8):102-106. (陈威, 周海忱, 王胜东, 等. 吹氩流量对结晶器流场影响的插钉工业试验[J]. 钢铁, 2019,54(8):102-106. Chen Wei, Zhou Haichen, Wang Shengdong, et al. Nail board industrial experiment on effect of argon flow rate on mold flow field[J]. Iron & Steel, 2019, 54（8）: 102-106.
[39]	Zhou Haichen, Zhang Lifeng, Chen Wei, et al. Determination of transient flow pattern in steel continuous casting molds using nail board measurement and onsite top flux observation[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2021,52(2):1106-1117. doi: 10.1007/s11663-021-02083-z
[40]	Thomas B G, Huang X, Sussman R C. Simulation of argon gas flow effects in a continuous slab caster[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 1994,25(4):527-547. doi: 10.1007/BF02650074
[41]	Liu Zhongqiu, Li Baokuan, Jiang Maofa. Transient asymmetric flow and bubble transport inside a slab continuous-casting mold[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2014,45(2):675-697. doi: 10.1007/s11663-013-9972-z
[42]	Robertson T, Moore P, Hawkins R J. Computational flow model as aid to solution of fluid flow problems in the steel industry[J]. Ironmaking & Steelmaking, 1986,13(4):195-203.
[43]	Tripathi A, Ajmani S K, Chandra S. Numerical investigation of bias flow in a slab caster mould[J]. Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, 2021,60(3):203-214. doi: 10.1080/00084433.2021.1997278
[44]	Liu Zhongqiu, Li Baokuan, Zhang Li, et al. Analysis of transient transport and entrapment of particle in continuous casting mold[J]. ISIJ International, 2014,54(10):2324-2333. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.54.2324
[45]	Honeyands T, Herbertson J. Flow dynamics in thin slab caster moulds[J]. Steel Research International, 1995,66(7):287-293. doi: 10.1002/srin.199501126
[46]	Yasunaka H, Taniguchi K, Kokita M, et al. Surface quality of stainless steel type 304 cast by twin-roll type strip caster[J]. ISIJ International, 1995,35(6):784-789. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.35.784
[47]	Li B K, Tsukihashi F. Vortexing flow patterns in a water model of slab continuous casting mold[J]. ISIJ International, 2005,45(1):30-36. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.45.30
[48]	Li Baokuan, Liu Zhongqiu, Qi Fengsheng, et al. Large eddy simulation for unsteady turbulent flow in thin slab continuous casting mold[J]. Acta Metallurgica Sinica, 2012,48(1):23-32. (李宝宽, 刘中秋, 齐凤升, 等. 薄板坯连铸结晶器非稳态湍流大涡模拟研究[J]. 金属学报, 2012,48(1):23-32. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1037.2011.00464 Li Baokuan, Liu Zhongqiu, Qi Fengsheng, et al. Large eddy simulation for unsteady turbulent flow in thin slab continuous casting mold[J]. Acta Metallurgica Sinica, 2012, 48（1）: 23-32. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1037.2011.00464
[49]	Ren Lei, Ren Ying, Zhang Lifeng, et al. Investigation on fluid flow inside a continuous slab casting mold using particle image velocimetry[J]. Steel Research International, 2019,90(11):1900209. doi: 10.1002/srin.201900209
[50]	Birat, J P, Larrecq M, Lamant J Y, et al. The continuous casting mold: a basic tool for surface quality and strand productivity[C]//74th Steelmaking Conference Proceedings. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 1991: 39-50.
[51]	Lee J, Kim Y, Yi K. Analysis of the origin of periodic oscillatory flow in the continuous casting mold[J]. Metals and Materials International, 2015,21(2):295-302. doi: 10.1007/s12540-015-4223-2
[52]	Yuan Q, Thomas B G, Vanka S P. Study of transient flow and particle transport in continuous steel caster molds: Part I. Fluid flow[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2004,35(4):685-702. doi: 10.1007/s11663-004-0009-5
[53]	Torres-Alonso E, Morales R D, Palafox-Ramos J, et al. Oscillating jet flows in a thin slab mold and their influence on meniscus stability[J]. Steel Research International, 2008,79(7):553-563. doi: 10.1002/srin.200806166
[54]	Gupta D, Lahiri A K. A water model study of the flow asymmetry inside a continuous slab casting mold[J]. Metallurgical & Materials Transactions B, 1996,27(5):757-764.
[55]	Gupta D, Chakraborty S. Asymmetry and oscillation of the fluid flow pattern in a continuous casting mould: a water model study[J]. ISIJ International, 1997,37(7):654-658. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.37.654
[56]	Gupta D, Subramaniam S, Lahiri A K. Study of fluid flow and residence-time distribution in a continuous slab casting mould[J]. Steel Research, 1991,62(11):496-500. doi: 10.1002/srin.199100438
[57]	Torres-Alonso E, Morales R D, Demedices LG, et al. Flow dynamics in thin slab molds driven by sustainable oscillating jets from the feeding SEN[J]. ISIJ International, 2007,47(5):679-688. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.47.679
[58]	Torres-Alonso E, Morales R D, García-Hernández S, et al. Cyclic turbulent instabilities in a thin slab mold. Part I: physical model[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2010,41(3):583-597. doi: 10.1007/s11663-010-9361-9
[59]	Bai H, Thomas B G. Effects of clogging, argon injection, and continuous casting conditions on flow and air aspiration in submerged entry nozzles[J]. Metallurgical & Materials Transactions B, 2001,32(4):707-722.
[60]	Lee G G, Shin H J, Thomas B G, et al. Asymmetric multi-phase fluid flow and particle entrapment in a continuous casting mold[C]//Proceedings of AISTech 2008 Steelmaking Conference. Pittsburgh: The Association for Iron and Steel Technology, 2008: 63-73.
[61]	Zhang Lifeng, Wang Yufeng, Zuo Xiangjun. Flow transport and inclusion motion in steel continuous-casting mold under submerged entry nozzle clogging condition[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2008,39(4):534-550. doi: 10.1007/s11663-008-9154-6
[62]	Bai H, Thomas B G. Turbulent flow of liquid steel and argon bubbles in slide-gate tundish nozzles: Part II. Effect of operation conditions and nozzle design[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2001,32(2):269-284. doi: 10.1007/s11663-001-0050-6
[63]	Honeyands T, Lucas J, Chambers J, et al. Preliminary modelling of steel delivery to thin slab caster moulds[C]//75th Steelmaking Conference Proceedings. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 1992: 451-459.
[64]	Najjar F M, Thomas B G, Hershey D E. Numerical study of steady turbulent flow through bifurcated nozzles in continuous casting[J]. Metallurgical & Materials Transactions B, 1995,26(4):749-765.
[65]	Scoones D J, Nijman S. Measurement of steel velocities in the mould[J]. Revue de Métallurgie, 2003,100(6):633-635.
[66]	Li B, Okane T, Umeda T. Modeling of biased flow phenomena associated with the effects of static magnetic-field application and argon gas injection in slab continuous casting of steel[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2001,32(6):1053-1066. doi: 10.1007/s11663-001-0094-7
[67]	Wang Y H. A study of the effect of casting conditions on fluid flow in the mold using water modelling[C]//73rd Steelmaking Conference Proceedings. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 1990: 473-480.
[68]	He Qinglin. Observations of vortex formation in the mould of a continuous slab caster[J]. ISIJ International, 1993,33(2):343-345. doi: 10.2355/isijinternational.33.343
[69]	Herbertson J, He Q L, Flint P J, et al. Modeling of metal delivery to continuous casting moulds[C]//74th Steelmaking Conference Proceedings. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 1991: 171-185.
[70]	Lawson G D, Sander S C, Emling W H, et al. Prevention of shell thinning breakouts associated with widening width changes[C]//77th Steelmaking Conference Proceedings. Warrendale: Iron and Steel Society, 1994: 329-336.
[71]	Han S W, Cho H J, Jin S Y, et al. Effects of simultaneous static and traveling magnetic fields on the molten steel flow in a continuous casting mold[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2018,49:2757-2769. doi: 10.1007/s11663-018-1356-y
[72]	Schurmann D, Glavinić I, Willers B, et al. Impact of the electromagnetic brake position on the flow structure in a slab continuous casting mold: An experimental parameter study[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B, 2020,51(1):61-78. doi: 10.1007/s11663-019-01721-x