Design of nozzle for steel continuous casting system based on flow analysis I -Tundish(TD) upper nozzle-

Abstract

In steel continuous casting system, tundish upper nozzle has an important role on the flow rate control of the molten steel and the elimination of the inclusions and etc. Based on the basic principle of hydrodynamics, the optimal nozzle bore profile was determined with aiming to suppress the turbulence with high kinetic energy generated in the flow of the molten steel. A simulation by flow analysis and a water model experiment were performed and clarified that the turbulence with high kinetic energy could be minimized in the nozzle with newly devised inner bore profile. The actual nozzle devised was manufactured and tested in the steel works with satisfying results. It can contribute to not only improve the durability of the refractories as materials of the nozzle but also stabilize the casting operation by preventing from clogging of the nozzle.

Keywords

• continuous casting system
• molten steel flow
• tundish upper nozzle
• inner bore shape
• turbulent flow
• flow analysis
• computer fluid dynamics