Performance Optimization of a Six-Strand Tundish

Abstract

The aims of the present study are to predict and improve inclusion separation capacity of a six strand tundish by em ploying flow modifiers (dams and weirs) and to assess the influence of inclusion properties (diameter and density) to gether with velocity of liquid steel at the inlet gate on the inclusion removal efficiency of a six-strand tundish. Compu tational solutions of the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Strokes (RANS) equations together with the energy equation are performed to obtain the steady, three-dimensional velocity and temperature fields using the standard k-ε model of tur bulence. These flow fields are then used to predict the inclusion sepa p ration by numerically solving the inclusion trans port equation. To account for the effects of turbulence on particle paths a discrete random walk model is employed. It was observed that with the employment of flow modifiers, the inclusion separation capacity of tundish increases with out any large variation in the outlet temperatures. It is shown that inclusion properties and velocity are important pa rameters in defining the operating conditions of a six-strand tundish.