Design of nozzle for steel continuous casting system based on flow analysis I -Tundish(TD)upper nozzle

Abstract

In steel continuouscasting system, tundish upper nozzlehas an important role on the flow rate control of the molten steel and the elimination of the inclusions and etc. Based on the basic principle of hydrodynamics, the optimal nozzle bore profilewasdetermined with aiming to suppress the turbulence with high kinetic energy generated in the flow of the molten steel. Asimulation by flow analysis and a water model experiment were performed and clarified that the turbulence with high kinetic energy could be minimized in the nozzle with newly devised inner bore profile. The actual nozzle devised was manufactured and tested in the steel works with satisfying results. It can contribute tonot only improvethe durability of the refractoriesas materials of the nozzle but also stabilize the casting operation by preventing from clogging of the nozzle.