Mathematical modeling of the tundish of a single-strand slab caster

Abstract

The production of quality steel from a casting machine is dependent on a large number of interlinked process parameters of ladle, tundish and casting operations. Continuous casting tundishes provide an important link between the ladle and the caster and the parameters of liquid metal in the tundish get affected by both up-stream and down-stream processes. In this paper, the variation of tundish temperature under the influence of various operating parameters is numerically simulated using a mathematical model. A two-dimensional mathematical model, based on coupled fluid flow and heat transfer, is developed to simulate the tundish operation. The model accounts for turbulent fluid flow and dynamic level changes in the tundish. The model is validated with data published in the literature as well as with data obtained during the plant campaign. Simulation of the tundish operations demonstrates the capability of the model in capturing process dynamics correctly. The effect of a few important process parameters on the tundish outlet temperature is also studied.