Effects of Angle of Rotation of Submerged Entry Nozzle on Fluid Flows in a Square Billet Casting Mold

Abstract

Having knowledge of fluid flows within the mold region of a billet continuous caster is of paramount importance to reduce a product’s internal and external defects. In this regard, a three-dimensional numerical model was developed to simulate the influence of the orientation of a five-port submerged entry nozzle (SEN) on the flow field of liquid steel within the mold region of a curved, square billet, continuous caster. The realizable k–ϵ turbulence model, together with the volume of fluid multiphase model, was used to simulate the effects of turbulence on these fluid flows, and their impact on the liquefied mold powder layer sitting on top of the liquid steel within the mold. The behavior of flows generated in the mold cavity was validated against previous experimental work. The numerical results showed that the modified SEN’s horizontal angle of rotation can significantly change the flow pattern within the billet mold. These changes can stabilize the liquid steel meniscus, which is expected to improve the quality of continuously cast products by decreasing mold powder entrainment.