Direct Observation at Early Stage of Solidification in Continuous Casting with Copper Alloy and Mold Powder

摘要

The formation of oscillation marks and molten flux inflow from the meniscus into the flux channel between the solidified shell and mold wall were directly observed through a transparent heat-resistant glass plate installed in the mold of a laboratory-scale continuous caster. Copper alloy was used as the casting material and a conventional oxide mold flux was applied to simulate the meniscus of steel casting. Oscillation marks were formed by the relative motion between the solidified shell and the mold wall at the meniscus. The formation of oscillation marks occurred in the period from the beginning of negative stripping to one-half of positive stripping. The molten flux inflow from the meniscus into the flux channel was clearly visualized and was found to occur mainly during the period of negative stripping. The estimated flux consumption calculated from a mathematical model based on the visualization was in good agreement with the measured value at a commercial steel continuous casting plant.