Abstract
Purpose: Ladle to tundish melt transfer is paramount importance over the last three decades to controlling the cleanliness of high value steel. Tundish is an important buffer between ladle and mould where inclusion separation, flotation can be enhanced and exposed slag eye formation can be hindered by applying the knowledge of fluid dynamics as well heat transfer by changing the design of conventional flow modifiers towards production of ultra clean steel. Design/methodology/approach: In current numerical investigation a new conceptual flow control device called ‘vacuum shroud (VS)’ has been proposed to reduce slag eye formation, emulsifications and unwanted inclusions generations. Due to upward suction force from the side of the pouring nozzle the device is quite capable to reduce turbulence and emulsification within the tundish melt. Findings: Approximately 76% improvement in the overall process and 40% enhancement to inclusion floatability are predictable by using current flow control device (FCD). Research limitations/implications: Slag eye formation during pouring of liquid steel to tundish is a barrier to clean steel production on sustained manner. Several efforts have been made over the decades to resolve this phenomenon by suppressing the turbulence within this reactor incorporating many innovative flow control refractory’s like turbo-stop, trumpet shroud, advance pouring box, dissipative shroud, velocity break shroud, swirling flow shroud etc. But ultimate success is not possible to reach. Originality/value: The present investigation is development of an innovative flow control device (FCD) to control the aforementioned problems within this metallurgical reactor.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have