Abstract
In this study the effects of the depth of immersion of the Submerged Entry Nozzles (SEN) on the fluid-dynamic structure, oscillations of the free surface and opening of the slag layer, in a continuous casting mold for conventional slab of steel were analyzed. For this work, a water/oil/air system was used in a 1:1 scale model, using the techniques of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), colorimetry and mathematical multiphase simulation. The results of the fluid dynamics by PIV agree with those obtained in the mathematical simulation, as well as with the dispersion of dye. It was observed that working with immersion depths of 100 mm or less could be detrimental to steel quality because they promote surface oscillations of a higher degree of Stokes with high elevations and asymmetry in their three dimensions. In addition, this generates an excessive opening of the oil layer which was corroborated through the quantification of the F index. On the other hand, with depths of immersion in the range of 150–200 mm, lower oscillations were obtained as well as zones of low speed near the wall of the SEN and a smaller opening of the oil layer.
Highlights
The production and consumption of steel has increased extraordinarily in the last decades worldwide, occupying the first place the Asian continent with ~68% of the production [1]
Regarding the symmetry obtained in the fluid dynamic structure, very few differences are observed for Cases I and II, given the occurrence of the new recirculations, Case III exhibit the best symmetry with respect to the central axis of the Submerged Entry Nozzle (SEN)
A good agreement of the fluid-dynamic structure results obtained by the techniques of colorimetry, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and mathematical simulation was found
Summary
The production and consumption of steel has increased extraordinarily in the last decades worldwide, occupying the first place the Asian continent with ~68% of the production [1]. A study [8] concluded that antioxidants can destabilize ZrO2 , accelerating the process of erosion of the SEN In this sense, it is important to mention that in industrial practice, the depth of immersion of the SEN is commonly varied to reduce the localized wear that occurs through contact with the slag line. It is important to mention that in industrial practice, the depth of immersion of the SEN is commonly varied to reduce the localized wear that occurs through contact with the slag line This practice allows to increase the useful life of the SEN and the productivity of the plant, the surface quality of the steel slab can be compromised if there is no control of the immersion of the SEN. Three immersion depths (100, 150 and 200 mm) of a bifurcated SEN were studied, considering the typical variations in the plant with the intention of avoiding the localized wear of the nozzle in contact with the slag, and the F index was quantified to associate it with the level oscillations in all cases of study
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