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This article is focused on the optimization of the flow of steel in a symmetrical three-strand T-shaped tundish based on the change of its internal equipment. Since the investigated tundish has three outlet strands, it is very important to properly adjust its internal volume to achieve optimal flow and final steel purity. The main goal was to optimize the distribution of molten steel in a T-shaped tundish during the transition area. At the transition area, a new steel grade is started to be tapping into the tundish, which is filled with the previous steel grade. The goal was achieved by minimizing differences of the main investigated parameters, residence time between the middle and lateral casting strands. By reaching the lowest possible value of the maximum and the highest value of the minimum residence time, the tundish has favorable conditions for shortening the transition area, refining, cleanliness, and homogeneity of the steel. Ansys Fluent 17.2 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software was used to proposal the solution of the flow problem. The monitored flow changes were realized by deflecting the outlet openings in the dam of the tundish. Also, mathematical simulations were verified on a physical water model of a symmetrical T-shaped tundish at a scale of 1:2 to verify the accuracy of the simulation. Measurements were evaluated numerically and graphically in the form of C-curves and residence times. Residence time was recorded by monitoring the change in conductivity on the input and output probes during steady flow in the tundish under specified conditions using the water model.
Keywords: Tundish, metallurgy, modelling, simulation, residence time© This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.