TITLE:
Extensive Analysis of Multi Strand Billet Caster Tundish Using Numerical Technique
AUTHORS:
Rohit Agarwal, Mrityunjay K. Singh, Ram Bachchan Kumar, Biswajit Ghosh, Sudhansu Pathak
KEYWORDS:
Continuous Casting, CFD, Billet, Tundish, Grade Change, Modelling, Quality Control, Fluid Flow, Heat Transfer
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Mechanics,
Vol.9 No.2,
February
13,
2019
ABSTRACT: Continuous casting of steel involving different grades in the same casting sequence remains a challenge to billet caster operators. The intermixed composition obtained during the grade change does not meet the specification of either grade and must be downgraded. Incorrect identification of this intermixed region may result in non-conforming products reaching the customer. In this study, a numerical model based on CFD (computational fluid dynamics approach) has been developed which predicts the start and end of the intermixed composition and the tonnage to be downgraded under different casting conditions. This model was validated and the results were in good agreement with the actual plant data for a 6-strand billet caster at LD-1 of TATA Steel, India. This model is used to calculate transition tonnage for different scenarios, e.g. when one of the outermost strands is not functional or some combinations are not functional and varying casting speed during operation. Furthermore, impact of different design of baffles on performance of Tundish has been evaluated to find a way to reduce transition or intermixed composition.