CFD Modeling of Nos. 2 and 3 Slab Casters at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor No. 2 Steel Producing Shop

摘要

Mold flow structure in a continuous casting machine has direct influence on slab quality and castability. In the past, ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Number 2 Steel Producing reported slab quality and castability problems on certain grades, made at their Nos. 2 and 3 Slab Casters. Preliminary investigations indicated the need to optimize the mold flow structures by evaluating the performance of different SEN designs. In order to achieve this, three-dimensional single phase (liquid steel) and multi-phase (liquid steel and argon gas) k-ε turbulence models were developed. For the Number 3 Slab Caster, the modeling was performed to determine which SEN would provide higher meniscus activity to obtain better mold powder melting characteristics. Two SEN designs which have different port angle and orientation have been evaluated for that purpose. For the Number 2 Slab Caster, the modeling was performed to determine which SEN would provide less defect penetration deep in to the strand with more dispersed distribution. Two SEN designs which have different port angles but same orientations have been evaluated for that purpose. These efforts along with plant trials and water model tests, helped reduce the customer rejection rate at the Number 2 Slab Caster and improve the castability at the Number 3 Slab Caster.