Casting Simulation of Calcium Titanate and Calcium Zirconate Nozzles for Continuous Casting of Aluminum-Killed Steels

Abstract

The clogging of submerged entry nozzles (SENs) and tundish well nozzles is a common problem in the continuous casting of aluminum-killed steels. Clogging occurs when alumina attaches to the inside of the nozzle restricting the flow. This article explores the use of new nozzle materials that could prevent accretion growth through the formation of liquid phases at the inclusion-refractory interface. Casting simulation experiments were conducted using three nozzle refractory formulations: calcium titanate, calcium zirconate, and a 2:1 calcium titanate to calcium zirconate molar mixture. Nozzles fabricated from these materials cast more aluminum-killed steel without clogging than typical industrial alumina graphite nozzles. However, the nozzles constructed of calcium titanate dramatically outperformed alumina graphite, calcium zirconate, and the mixed nozzles. Microscopy investigation of spent nozzles found no accretion formation in the calcium titanate nozzles. The performance difference was due to the formation of a liquid calcium aluminum titanate phase, which prevented alumina accretions.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Research Center/Lab(s)

Peaslee Steel Manufacturing Research Center

Sponsor(s)

American Iron and Steel Institute
United States. Department of Energy

Keywords and Phrases

Aluminum-Killed Steels; Clogging; Submerged Entry Nozzles; Tundish Well Nozzles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1073-5615

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2007 Springer Verlag, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2007

Link to Full Text

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