A PATHWAY TO OPTIMIZE NOZZLE DESIGN AND METAL FLOW STABILITY IN CONTINUOUS CASTING PROCESSES

1 MANU Karthik
Co-authors:
1 LOPEZ Pavel Ramirez 1 ECK Joakim 1 SUNDSTRÖM Anton 2 NILSSON Christer 3 HACKL Gernot
Institutions:
2 SSAB, Svartöbrinken 20, 974 37, Luleå, Sweden, EU, christer.nilsson@ssab.com
3 RHI Magnesita Technology Center, Magnesitstrasse 2, 8700, Leoben, Austria, EU, gernot.hackl@RHIMagnesita.com
Conference:
34th International Conference on Metallurgy and Materials, Orea Congress Hotel Brno, Czech Republic, EU, May 21 - 23, 2025
Proceedings:
Proceedings 34th International Conference on Metallurgy and Materials
ISBN:
978-80-88365-27-3
ISSN:
2694-9296
Licence:
CC BY 4.0
Metrics:
11 views / 5 downloads
Abstract

Real-time measurements in steel continuous casting are challenging due to extreme temperatures, leading to limited process understanding and frequent breakouts. This project aims to address this issue of casting process control by simulating steel flow using a low-melting-point Bi-Sn alloy with steel-like properties, enabling real-time analysis of pressure, velocity, vibrations, and mold level fluctuations to optimize stopper-nozzle designs. A novel glass window in the nozzle rod provides unprecedented visibility into liquid metal flow under varying inert gas injection rates. Results from Swerim’s unique Continuous Casting Simulator (CCS), the world’s only facility of its kind, are validated through SSAB plant trials. This innovation drives greater efficiency, fewer breakouts, and a deeper understanding of casting dynamics, marking a transformative leap for the steel industry.

Keywords: Continuous casting, liquid metal, nozzle, steel, under-pressure

© 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.

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