A Novel Lab-Scale Casting Simulator to Quantify Submerged-Entry Nozzle Clogging: Experimental Development

Abstract

A novel lab-scale approach was developed to detect and quantify submerged entry nozzle (SEN) clogging during continuous casting by measuring apparent mass and buoyant forces of a crucible suspended in molten steel to indirectly determine the mass flow of the molten steel through an orifice into the crucible as a function of time using a model. A dynamic clogging factor was calculated to assess clogging based on the orifice constriction. The method was tested in Mn-Si and Al-killed heats to evaluate clogging caused by MnO∙SiO2 and Al2O3 inclusions formed under high oxygen supersaturation (~1000 ppm [O]). SEM analysis of 3D morphology showed spherical MnO-rich MnO∙SiO2 inclusions in the Mn-Si killed heat and coarsened, and needle-like dendritic Al2O3 inclusions approximately 11 minutes after Al deoxidation. Complete clogging occurred in the Al-killed heat (clogging factor ≈ 0) within 20 seconds. In contrast, the Mn-Si killed heat exhibited minimal to no clogging (clogging factor ≈ 1). Microscopic analysis revealed Al2O3 accretions concentrated at the nozzle entry port.

Department(s)

Materials Science and Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Continuous Casting; Inclusions; Submerged Entry Nozzle Clogging

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-093076743-3

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Association for Iron and Steel Technology, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2025

Link to Full Text

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