Imaging of Steel Profiles within a Pouring Nozzle

R Binns1, A.R.A. Lyons2, A.J. Peyton1
1 Lancaster University

2 Metal Process Control

ABSTRACT

Control of molten steel delivery from tundish to mould in continuous casting is critical to ensure stability of the meniscus and the creation of satisfactory mould/nozzle flow patterns; these parameters adversely affect the delivery process, and thus casting quality. Considerable effort has been expended over the last 25 years in optimising the design of the metal delivery system (from shroud to mould). Particular emphasis has focused upon the pouring nozzle to enable the consistent production of high quality steel at high throughput.

A tomographic solution to the visualisation of liquid steel profiles within the pouring nozzle has been assessed both experimentally and via electromagnetic simulations. This work also considered the effect of cold samples (representing actual steel profiles) on coil impedance. Advancement of an investigative sensor array into a prototype plant-trial visualisation system has produced some promising results.

This paper concludes with a discussion of possible future developments, such as the use of a multi- frequency approach, future research on the reconstruction imaging procedures and the potential for visualisation and flow measurement. There is a need for further research in this area and some priority areas for future work will be suggested.

Keywords Electromagnetic, Sensors, Tomography, Continuous casting