The Effect of the Transition Metal Oxide Content of a Mold Flux on the Radiation Heat Transfer Rates

Abstract

Heat transfer in the mold of a steel continuous casting machine strongly influences cast surface quality. Transition metal oxides have been widely used in mold slags in continuous casting to aid in liquid pool formation and enhance melting rates. Although a few research studies have been carried out to investigate the thermal properties of mold slags containing transition metal oxides, very few studies have directly correlated their effect on radiation heat transfer rate in continuous casting. This study investigates the radiation heat transfer rates across a mold flux film and determines the influence of the transition metal oxides, MnO and Fe2O3, on these rates. It is found that additions of 10% MnO or 5% Fe2O3 reduce the radiation heat transfer rate by approximately 25% and increase the adsorption coefficient from 400 to 1800 m−1.