Abstract
The aims of the present study are to predict and improve inclusion separation capacity of a six strand tundish by employing flow modifiers (dams and weirs) and to assess the influence of inclusion properties (diameter and density) together with velocity of liquid steel at the inlet gate on the inclusion removal efficiency of a six-strand tundish. Computational solutions of the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Strokes (RANS) equations together with the energy equation are performed to obtain the steady, three-dimensional velocity and temperature fields using the standard k-e model of turbulence. These flow fields are then used to predict the inclusion sepapration by numerically solving the inclusion transport equation. To account for the effects of turbulence on particle paths a discrete random walk model is employed. It was observed that with the employment of flow modifiers, the inclusion separation capacity of tundish increases without any large variation in the outlet temperatures. It is shown that inclusion properties and velocity are important parameters in defining the operating conditions of a six-strand tundish.
Highlights
Continuous casting processes dominate steel production the world over due to their significant advantages, i.e., considerable energy saving, small waste material, improved labor productivity and reduced pollution
It is shown that inclusion properties and velocity are important parameters in defining the operating conditions of a six-strand tundish
A validation of the inclusion removal was carried out against the results reported by Mikki and Thomas [16]
Summary
Continuous casting processes dominate steel production the world over due to their significant advantages, i.e., considerable energy saving, small waste material, improved labor productivity and reduced pollution. Tundish is the final and most important unit of a continuous casting process in which the final processing with liquid metal can be done before it reaches the mould. Since it is the final unit, tundish serves as a reservoir for the mold which helps to avoid splashing and removal of inclusions particles resulting from various metal air interactions together with other impurities present in the molten steel. Raghavendra et al [1] investigated the behavior of inclusion in a four-strand tundish using the software OpenFoam They concluded that the tendency of getting trapped at the top surface is more for inclusions with higher diameter as compared to that for smaller diameter inclusions. Zhang et al [3] investigated the inclusion removal with the help of gas bubbling and concluded that bubbling affects large particles but tendency of floating out of small particle increases due to bubbling
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