Numerical Simulation of Steel Flow Through a One Strand Slab Tundish with Steel Flow Control Devices

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a computing simulation of steel flow in a one strand slab tundish. The tundish is used in a Polish steel mill to process continuous cast slabs. Fluent® was used to solve the mathematical model of the casting process. For verification of the mathematical model and results of the numerical simulation, experimental research during continuous steel casting process was conducted. The effect of the industrial experiment was characteristic of a change in chemical elements when steel grades were changed in the course of the casting sequence. The internal geometry of the considered object was changed by two types of flow control devices, i.e., subflux turbulence controller and gas permeable barrier. From these calculations of residence time distribution of steel curve (RTD) the influence of argon blowing and use of the subflux turbulence controller on steel flow in the tundish have been obtained.