The Design, Construction and Installation of a Continuous Casting Plant for the Production of Special Steel Billets at Stocksbridge Works

Abstract

The decision to install a continuous casting plant for the production of special steels was taken by the British Steel Corporation in January 1979. In October 1983, the plant installed at their Stocksbridge Works operated for the full month at rated capacity. In this paper an attempt has been made to give an appreciation of the project from concept to customer acceptance of the product produced. Increasing economic pressures demanded that new technological processes be adopted to reduce the conversion costs from raw materials to sold billet products, and maintain or improve the product quality. Early in the modern history of steel-making it was realized that the continuous casting process would reduce costs by the considerable energy savings and improved yields which could be achieved. However, it was not until recent years that certain aspects of the process were developed such that continuous casting could be considered acceptable for the high demands of special steels. The metallurgical parameters for the machine and the translation to machine hardware have been discussed, together with some of the problems encountered in the construction and commissioning. The finished plant introduces contemporary technology to the steel-making process and Stocksbridge are justifiably proud of the enviable position now occupied with a plant which places it at the forefront of continuous casting technology, producing a product which is at least as good as that produced by the conventional ingot route but with enhanced productivity and profitability. All metallurgical requirements have been satisfied and the course is set for developing the route for steels used in even more demanding applications and markets.