Dynamic pressure in mould flux channel during mould non-sinusoidal oscillation

Abstract

Based on the lubrication theory of mould flux, a mathematical model of dynamic pressure in mould flux channel was developed, and the distribution of dynamic pressure and its variation during non-sinusoidal oscillation were investigated. The effects of casting speed and non-sinusoidal oscillation parameters, including the degree of non-sinusoidal operation (non-sinusoidal factor), amplitude and frequency of oscillation on the dynamic pressure in the mould flux channel, were studied. The results indicate that the maximum negative pressure is decreased, and the maximum positive pressure is increased with increasing non-sinusoidal factor. The optimum value of non-sinusoidal factor is ～0·2. With increasing amplitude and frequency of oscillation, both the negative and positive pressure are increased; moreover, the increment of positive pressure is obviously greater than that of negative pressure; especially when the oscillation frequency is increased, the increment of negative pressure is very little. When the casting speed is enhanced, the negative pressure is increased, but the positive pressure is decreased. Therefore, if the casting speed is increased, the oscillation amplitude needs to be increased, as well as the oscillation frequency needs to be decreased properly. With these adjustments, the positive pressure in mould flux channel is nearly unchanged. The actions of strand demoulding and cracks welding are kept effective. Moreover, the negative pressure in mould flux channel is increased properly, which causes the flux consumption to increase, so the mould lubrication is improved. Finally, the strand surface quality is improved greatly, and breakout can be avoided. The applicability of the optimised non-sinusoidal oscillation parameters for the two kinds of casting speed has been proven by industrial practice.     

Optimization of Oscillation Model for Slab Continuous Casting Mould Based on Mould Friction Measurements in Plant Trial

Lubrication and friction between the mould and strand are strongly influenced by mould oscillation, and play an important role in slab quality and operating safety during continuous casting processes. Investigation of mould oscillation is therefore essential for getting a better online control of the mould processes. A feasible approach for the development and optimization of mould oscillation was put forward, which combined online measurement of mould friction, design of negative oscillating parameters and evaluation for powder consumption. Three different control models including sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal oscillation for mould oscillations were developed to investigate and evaluate the effects of oscillation on mould friction and powder lubrication. For the purpose of investigating mould friction between mould and strand, online measurement was carried out on a slab continuous caster equipped with a hydraulic oscillator. Also the comparison of the mould friction in sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal mould oscillation was made for subsequent analysis. The industrial experiment result shows that the combination of inverse control model and non-sinusoidal oscillation mode will contribute to the proper powder consumption, leading to a suitable effect of friction force on strand surface, especially for high speed continuous casting. The proposed method provides reliable basis for guiding and optimizing mould oscillation among control models, sinusoidal oscillation and non-sinusoidal oscillation.     

Mould lubrication and friction behaviour with hydraulic oscillators in slab continuous casting

Abstract

It is very important to obtain reliable lubrication from casting powder both at the meniscus and in the gap between strand and mould as it affects slab surface quality and caster productivity. With knowledge of mould friction, a quantitative insight into the behaviour of powder during caster operation is possible. In the present research, the friction was studied based on a slab continuous caster equipped with hydraulic oscillators. The effects of mould oscillation and the abrupt change of casting speed on mould friction force were evaluated, and the characteristics of lubrication behaviour in a casting sequence were investigated. In particular, a comparison between the mould friction force between sinusoidal oscillation mode and non-sinusoidal oscillation mode was made. Finally, the characteristics of friction before a breakout are discussed. The experimental and analytical results may contribute to the development of mould friction online measurement and more clearly learn the lubrication behaviour in different conditions.     

Mould heat transfer and continuously cast billet quality with mould flux lubrication Part 1 Mould heat transfer

Abstract

With the drive to cast higher quality, many minimills are adopting mould powder as a lubricant for the continous casting of steel billets. Over the past three decades considerable experience has been accumulated on the relationship between mould behaviour and billet quality for oil lubrication, but comparatively few studies have been conducted for mould powder lubrication. This study, conducted at a Canadian minimill, involved instrumenting four faces of a copper mould with thermocouples and monitoring mould temperatures during casting of 208 × 208 mm billets with mould flux lubrication. Billet samples were also taken to coincide with periods of measurements. Mould temperatures were monitored for two different mould powder compositions, for different mould oscillation frequencies, two mould cooling water velocities, and a range of steel compositions. An inverse heat conduction model was developed to calculate mould heat transfer from the measured temperatures. In this paper, which is the first part of a two part series, details of the inverse heat conduction model and mould heat transfer data are presented. The results obtained for mould flux lubrication have been compared with those for mould heat transfer for oil lubrication. For peritectic steels, with carbon content in the range 0·12–0·14%, it was found that lubricant type has little influence on the measured mould heat flux distribution at the centreline of a face. The peak mould heat flux was found to be approximately 2500 kW m^-2 . In contrast, for medium carbon steels, mould heat transfer with mould powder was significantly lower than when oil was employed as a lubricant. For instance, at the meniscus, the peak heat flux with mould powder was approximately 2500 kW m^-2 , which was half that recorded with oil as a lubricant. The influence of oscillation frequency, mould cooling water velocity, and mould powder type on mould heat flux has also been presented.     

连铸结晶器混合驱动系统的非正弦振动波形

 针对频率、振幅和波形均可在线调整的连铸结晶器电动式混合驱动系统,提出与其运行模式相匹配的非正弦振动波形。首先阐明新型驱动系统非正弦波形的发生机理;然后按照激波机构的运行特点,考虑系统运行过程中的平稳性和运动约束条件,构建了激波机构的速度函数,进而根据驱动系统运动学推导出以频率、振幅和偏斜率为基本参数的结晶器非正弦振动波形;最后给出非正弦波形的关键工艺参数计算公式,讨论了[vc-f、h]同步控制模型中控制参数与振动工艺参数的关联规律,并以某中碳钢板坯连铸生产为例,利用关联规律,得到了完全符合振动工艺原则的非正弦控制模型,从而验证了该非正弦波形的有效性和实用性。     

电动缸非正弦振动在板坯连铸机上的应用

介绍了酒钢炼钢一工序的板坯振动台结晶器正弦及非正弦振动技术,对非正弦振动与正弦振动的特点进行了比较。通过对非正弦振动参数进行优化调整,降低负滑脱时间,明显减少了振痕深度和改善了铸坯表面质量,同时增加正滑脱时间,降低了粘连漏钢的风险。     

板坯连铸结晶器非正弦振动技术的应用

介绍了武钢三炼钢的结晶器液压正弦／非正弦振动技术，对非正弦振动与正弦振动的特点进行了比较。对VAI提供的振动参数之间的关系进行了研究和优化调整，降低负滑脱时间，明显减少了振痕深度和改善了铸坯表面质量，同时增加正滑脱时间，降低了粘连漏钢的风险，提高了操作安全性。     

Investigation and Application of Non-sinusoidal Oscillation Technique of Mold

To improve the slab quality, a kind of non-sinusoidal oscillation technique of mold driven by elliptic gears was developed. The waveform functions of non-sinusoidal oscillation were determined, and the calculation method and curves of technological parameters for non-sinusoidal oscillation were given. At the case of waveform deviation factor α equal to 0. 31 and oscillation amplitude h equal to ±2.7 mm, the relationship between oscillation frequency and casting speed is determined, and the technological parameters for non-sinusoidal oscillation are calculated. The testing results of industrial application indicated that this technique could not only improve the slab surface quality, but also reduce the steel breakout.     

结晶器液压振动台振动状态检测与分析

结晶器振动在连铸生产中具有重要的作用,液压振动是近年来被开发并逐渐推广应用的结晶器振动方式.基于板坯连铸结晶器液压振动装置,通过检测结晶器液压振动装置的位移等参数,对振动系统的振动状态的检测与评价进行试验研究.分析了不同振动参数下两侧液压缸位移偏差、相位差随振动参数的变化规律.结果表明,结晶器液压振动装置具有较高的振动精度.为液压振动条件下结晶器振动状态的检测与评价提供了一种方法.     

连铸结晶器振动方式的探讨

在分析结晶器振动参数及保护渣耗量对振痕深度及结晶器润滑影响的基础上，讨论了结晶器非正弦振动方式提高拉速，防止粘结的原因及高拉速振动参数的取值范围。     

板坯连铸结晶器非正弦振动技术的应用

介绍了武汉钢铁（集团）公司第三炼钢厂结晶器液压正弦/非正弦振动技术，对非正弦振动与正弦振动的特点进行了比较。研究VAI提供给我厂的振动参数之间的关系，对振动参数进行了优化调整，降低负滑脱时间，明显减少板坯振痕深度和改善了表面质量，同时增加了正滑脱时间，降低了粘连漏钢的风险，提高了操作安全性。     

Experimental study of oscillation mark depth in continuous casting of steel

Abstract

Mould oscillation is needed to reduce friction and thus prevent sticking and breakout of the liquid metal during casting. However, this oscillation is known to cause surface defects in the solidified steel slabs, so called oscillation marks. In this paper, the depth and the depth variation of these oscillation marks were studied using a two-level full factorial experiment (2) with four additional centre point runs. Four factors were studied: stroke length of the mould, oscillation frequency, motion pattern (strip factor) and casting speed. The stroke length affected the depth of the marks the most, where larger strokes created deeper marks. The interaction between the oscillation frequency and the strip factor of the mould also affected the oscillation mark depth. The oscillation mark depth variation was also increased by increased stroke lengths and at higher oscillation frequencies. The largest effect on the oscillation depth variation was found for the interaction between the stroke length and the oscillation frequency.     

Mechanism analysis of non-sinusoidal oscillation of continuous casting mold synchronously driven by double servomotors

Due to the disadvantages of complexity,high maintenance and vast investment of the electro-hydraulic servo oscillator,a new mechanical device synchronously driven by double servomotors was proposed.The working principle of the non-sinusoidal oscillator was analyzed and the model of the oscillator was validated via simulation software.Then,taking advantage of resonance technology,the hinging force and moment were calculated.The results showed that the hinging force and driving moment reduced,which was useful in reducing the impact of the hinge and prolonging the service life of the bearing.Besides,the best initial spring pressure was 0.9 times the mold gravity,which improved the oscillation system stability and reduced the load fluctuation and servomotor driving power.     

宽厚板连铸结晶器摩擦行为在线测试与分析

 结晶器/铸坯摩擦行为是影响并决定铸坯表面质量的重要因素。以宽厚板坯连铸结晶器为对象,在线检测基于液压振动装置的结晶器/铸坯摩擦力,测试和分析浇铸温度、铸坯断面、拉速与结晶器振动方式等主要工艺参数对摩擦力的影响,为考察和调控结晶器/铸坯摩擦行为提供试验基础。相同工艺条件下,摩擦力随浇铸温度的升高而降低,随铸坯断面尺寸的增加而增大。正弦、非正弦振动方式与拉速-振频、振幅振动控制模型的合理匹配,能够显著改善高拉速下的结晶器/铸坯摩擦行为,结晶器振动工艺的开发和优化对于充分发挥液压振动装置设备潜力,稳定高拉速下铸坯表面质量具有积极意义。     

Abnormal transient phenomena in the continuous casting process: Part 1

Abstract

This paper is the first of a series of two describing online monitoring of the continuous casting machine and the abnormal transient phenomena observed. The present paper, Part 1, pays attention to assessment of the friction between the billet and mould based upon the cam rod force and the electric current intensity of the mould oscillation motor. Information relating to casting parameters before 58 breakouts has been obtained with a monitoring computing program. Almost 40% of the breakouts could have been forecast through assessment of the billet-mould friction force before the breakouts. Transient phenomena in the withdrawal machine have been detected. The jerking of the strand is related to high billet-mould friction; however, other parameters such as the billet cutoff unit and roller bed design also have some effects on this transient phenomenon. Some mechanisms influencing the jerking of the strand are proposed.     

西钢电炉厂连铸结晶器振动系统改造

采用非正弦振动技术,对连铸机结晶器振动系统进行了改造。改造后的系统提高了铸坯质量,减少粘结漏钢事故,减少设备故障,保证生产顺利。     

Analysis of variability and non-uniformity of mould heat extraction for round billet continuous casting in plant trials

Abstract

Maintaining a stable and uniform heat transfer from steel shell to mould is important to produce high quality casting billet. In the present paper, a large amount of measured data of heat flux and temperature for round billet continuous casting mould from a plant trial has been analysed to shed light on the variability and non-uniformity of mould heat transfer around the perimeter. The results show that the variability and non-uniformity of heat extraction from the steel through the mould is affected slightly by operational parameters, such as pouring temperature, casting speed, meniscus, electromagnetic stirring current, but strongly by the steel carbon content and mould powder type. The installation of the mould in caster machine determines the magnitude of non-uniformity of heat transfer to a great extent. The relative root mean square (rRMS) of mould heat flux, presenting the variability and non-uniformity of mould heat transfer around the perimeter in transverse section, has wider range of variation and higher mean value compared with that of temperature. When the abnormality of heat transfer happens, such as deposit, the non-uniformity of mould heat transfer is also studied.     

Optimization of Mold Oscillation for High Speed Casting — New Criteria for Mold Oscillation

Abstract

Consistent and uniform lubrication in the mold during casting is an issue especially with high speed casting. However, criteria of mold oscillation related to lubrication, has not been clarified for critical conditions such as thin slab casting. This paper discusses the mechanism of powder penetration into the meniscus, in terms of negative strip area ratio and positive strip time, including the case of non-sinusoidal oscillation which is effective for better mold lubrication. In this context, a lubrication index is proposed as a new criteria which can be used to estimate mold powder consumption rate. © 2000 Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Résumé

La lubrification consistante et uniforme du moule lors de la coulée est un sujet important, spécialement pour la coulée à haute vitesse. Cependant, les critéres d'oscillation du moule reliés à la lubrification n'ont pas été clarifiés pour des conditions critiques telles que la oulée de brame mince. Ce document discute du mécanisme de pénétration de poudre dans le ménisque, en termes de rapport négatif de surface d'écoulement et de durée positive d'écoulement, incluant le cas d'oscillation non sinusoïdale, plus efficace pour la lubrification du moule. Dans ce contexte, on propose un index de lubrification comme nouveau critére pouvant être utilisé dans l'estimation du taux de consommation de poudre du moule. © 2000 Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.     

结晶器非正弦谐振技术的开发与应用

研究了非正弦振动发生装置。构造了非正弦振动的波形函数，开发了非正弦振动发生装置和结晶器谐振技术，给出了最佳谐振弹簧力的计算方法。针对首钢大板坯连铸机，优化了非正弦振动的工艺参数，减小了负滑动时间和最大相对速度差，增加了负滑动率、正滑动时间和负滑动量。此技术应用于首钢板坯连铸机，且对采用非正弦振动和正弦振动的两流铸坯进行对比分析。结果表明，此非正弦振动技术在减少粘结性拉漏、减少表面裂纹及减轻表面振痕、提高铸坯表面质量等方面均取得了明显效果。     

Looking into continuous casting mould

Abstract

When you look into the continuous casting mould you can see very little. Consequently, steelmakers have had to rely on plant trials, simulation experiments and physical property measurements on fluxes and steels to gain an understanding of the mechanisms responsible for process problems and product defects. However, in recent years, mathematical modelling has advanced to the stage where they can provide us with great insight into these mechanisms. As a non-mathematical modeller, I was initially sceptical of some of the predictions of the mathematical models. However, I have been completely won over by the ability of these models to simulate accurately the mechanisms responsible for various defects, such as slag entrapment, oscillation mark formation, etc. Mathematical modelling literally allows us to ‘see’ what is happening in the mould. It is a remarkable tool.