Melt flow control in a multistrand tundish using a turbulence inhibitor

R. D. Morales, J. J. De Barreto, S. López-Ramirez, J. Palafox-Ramos, D. Zacharias

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

Water modeling and mathematical simulation techniques were used to study the melt flow under the influence of turbulence inhibitors in a multistrand bloom caster tundish. Three different cases were studied: a bare tundish (BT), a tundish with two pairs of baffles and a waved impact pad (BWIP), and a tundish equipped with turbulence inhibitor and a pair of dams (TI&D). Chemical mixing of tracer turbulence diffusion was also simulated and compared with actual experimental results. The TI&D arrangement showed an improvement of the fluid flow characteristics, yielding better tracer distribution among the outlets, lower values of back mixing flow, and higher values of plug flow. A mass transfer model coupled with k-ε turbulence model predicted acceptably well the experimental chemical mixing of the tracer in the water model. The water modeling and the numerical simulation indicated that the TI&D arrangement retains the tracer inside the vessel for longer times, increasing the minimum residence time. These results encourage the use of turbulence-inhibiting devices in bloom and billet casters, which pursue excellence in product quality.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1505-1515
Number of pages11
JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions B: Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science
Volume31
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

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