Dynamic Flow Behavior in the Tundish: Optimization of Grade Transitions

摘要

Tundish water modeling has been used to study the dynamic flow behavior in the tundish during grade transition. The modeling has explored the flow behavior in two configurations of tundishes commonly used for both thin and conventional slab casting. It has been found that both the Type 1 tundish configuration (with 1st Generation impact pad) and Type 2 tundish configuration (with 2nd Generation impact pad) are not optimal for grade transition. To address the issues associated with these two configurations, a Type 3 tundish configuration was developed. The Type 3 tundish configuration includes a new 3rd Generation impact pad ― called the PERFORMER. This 3rd Generation impact pad better develops a nearly ideal plug-type flow behavior in the tundish and provides an enhanced transition performance. To best achieve and maximize the benefits of the optimized tundish configuration, a real-time software module ― HYTRAK ― Hybrid Slab Tracking System has been developed. It not only precisely predicts the start and finish of a hybrid slab, but also possesses an overall optimize function to provide instruction to ladle metallurgy for incoming steel chemistry adjustment and to the caster for slab cutting to meet customer requirements while maximizing the yield of prime slab.