Short belt side dam for twin-belt casting machine

Abstract

To provide a side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus.SOLUTION: A side dam 112 for a continuous metal casting apparatus includes a belt system having an insulator 134 and an endless belt 122. The endless belt includes a belt surface and can be moved relative to the insulator so that when the endless belt is moved, a part of the belt surface faces a casting cavity 106 of the continuous metal casting apparatus. In some examples, the endless belt can move in an operating plane perpendicular to the belt surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 797,460, filed on January 28, 2019, entitled "SHORT BELT SIDE DAM FOR TWIN BELT CASTER", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical Field) This application relates to a continuous casting apparatus for casting metal products. More particularly, this application relates to a side dam for confining molten metal and semi - molten metal in a casting cavity formed between continuously moving casting surfaces.

Background Art

[0003] Metal products (such as castings like metal sheets, metal slabs, metal plates, etc.), particularly products made of aluminum and aluminum alloys (such as 1XXX series aluminum alloys, 2XXX series aluminum alloys, 3XXX series aluminum alloys, 4XXX series aluminum alloys, 5XXX series aluminum alloys, 6XXX series aluminum alloys, 7XXX series aluminum alloys, or 8XXX series aluminum alloys, etc.) may be cast using a continuous casting system. In such a system, molten metal is introduced between two adjacent (usually actively cooled) elongated movable casting surfaces that form a casting cavity. The molten metal is confined within the casting cavity until enough metal has solidified to form at least an outer solid shell. The solidified metal strip is continuously discharged from the casting cavity by the movable casting surfaces and can be produced in indefinite lengths.

[0004] One form of such a system is a twin-belt casting machine in which two opposing belts rotate in a continuous manner, introducing molten metal by a rounder or injector into a thin casting cavity or mold formed between the opposing regions of the belts. An alternative form is a chain block casting machine in which a continuous chain of blocks moves around a fixed path and aligns with each other within the casting cavity, forming the casting surface. In a further example, a twin-roller system includes at least two twin-rotating rolls, and the casting cavity is formed between the walls of the rolls. In any of these devices, molten metal is introduced at one end of the system, transported by moving belts, rolls, or blocks for a distance sufficient to solidify the metal, and emerges at the opposite end of the system as a solidified strip from between the belts, rolls, or blocks.

[0005] Metal dams are sometimes placed on both sides of a casting machine to confine molten and semi-molten metal within the casting cavity, that is, to prevent the metal from escaping laterally between the casting surfaces. In twin-belt, twin-roll, and chain-block casting machines, this type of side dam is formed by a series of metal blocks joined together to form a continuous line or chain extending in the casting direction on both sides of the casting cavity. These blocks, commonly called side dam blocks, are typically made of a heat-conductive material such as cast iron or mild steel, and are sandwiched between the casting surfaces and move with the casting surfaces, recirculating so that the blocks exiting the casting cavity travel around a guided circulation path and are returned to the inlet of the casting cavity. Existing side dam blocks move in a vertical plane that loops beneath the lower carriage to return from the exit end to the inlet end of the casting machine. Idler rollers, metal sliding guideways, and lateral positioning devices are used to control the side dam blocks as they move through the circulation path. The blocks can expand and contract with thermal fluctuations, but they are loosely pinned to the conveyor ribbon to prevent the gaps between the blocks from increasing excessively, which could allow molten metal to leak out.

[0006] While casting belts or blocks remove heat from the molten metal as it passes through the casting cavity, side dams made from this type of block unnecessarily remove heat from the sides of the cavity where the molten metal contacts the side dam block. This heat removal on the sides of the cavity alters the microstructure and thickness of the metal product in these areas, potentially leading to undesirable non-uniformity from the sides to the center of the casting, such as shrinkage holes, edge cracks, and hot cracks. Furthermore, the use of side dam blocks limits the ability to converge the belt to accommodate the shrinkage of the metal during solidification while still maintaining an appropriate rate of heat removal from the metal. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention” as used in this patent are intended to broadly refer to all of the subject matter of this patent and the following claims. Any statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the following claims. The embodiments of the invention encompassed in this patent are defined by the following claims, not by the summary of this invention. The summary of this invention is a higher-level summary of the various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts further described in the section on embodiments for carrying out the invention. The summary of this invention is not intended to identify any important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used alone to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by referring to the entire specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and the appropriate portions of each claim.

[0008] According to several examples, a side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus includes an insulator and a belt system. In various examples, the belt system includes a movablely supported endless belt so that the endless belt can move relative to the insulator. In certain cases, the endless belt includes a belt surface, and a portion of the belt surface of the endless belt is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus as the endless belt moves. In various embodiments, the endless belt can move in a plane of operation perpendicular to the belt surface.

[0009] In various examples, a side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus includes an insulator and a belt system. In certain cases, the insulator includes an insulator surface, which includes a plurality of pockets. In some examples, the belt system includes a movable supported endless belt so that the endless belt can move relative to the insulator. In various embodiments, the endless belt includes a belt surface, a portion of which is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus as the endless belt moves. In certain examples, the endless belt is such that a portion of the endless belt configured to face the casting cavity is adjacent to an insulator surface having a plurality of pockets.

[0010] In certain examples, a side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus includes a support and a belt system. In some cases, the belt system includes an endless belt and a tensioner. In various examples, the endless belt is supported movably on the support so that the endless belt can move relative to the support. In some examples, the endless belt includes a belt surface, and a portion of the belt surface of the endless belt is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus as the endless belt moves. In certain cases, the tension of the endless belt is adjustable by a tensioner.

[0011] According to various embodiments, a method for continuously casting solidified metal products includes supplying molten metal to a casting cavity of a continuous casting machine, wherein a portion of the belt surface of an endless belt of a side dam faces the casting cavity. The method also includes advancing the molten metal into the casting cavity and solidifying the molten metal to form a solidified metal product. In some examples, advancing the molten metal includes moving the endless belt together with the molten metal relative to an insulator of a side dam such that the endless belt moves adjacent to the insulator surface of an insulator having multiple pockets.

[0012] The various embodiments described herein may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which are not necessarily expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be contained within this disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

[0013] The features and components in the following figures are shown to highlight the general principles of this disclosure. Throughout the figures, corresponding features and components may be designated by matching reference letters for consistency and clarity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a continuous casting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a portion of the continuous casting system of Figure 1, which includes a side dam according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is another perspective view of the side dam. [Figure 4] This shows a portion of a continuous casting system with side dams according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This shows a portion of a continuous casting system with side dams according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]This is a top perspective view of a side dam according to an aspect of the present disclosure, which has a belt pinch configuration. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a bottom perspective view of the side dam equipped with the first pressing system. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the side dam equipped with a second pressing system. [Figure 9] Figure 6 shows a bottom perspective view of the side dam equipped with a second pressing system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described herein with specificity to satisfy legal requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be construed as implying any particular order or arrangement in or between the various steps or elements unless the order of individual steps or the arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back” are intended to refer to orientations shown and described in, among other things, one (or more) figures to which the components and directions refer.

[0016] This description refers to alloys identified by aluminum industry designations such as "Series" or "6xxx." For an understanding of the most commonly used numbering system for naming and identifying aluminum and its alloys, please refer to the "International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys" or the "Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Aluminum Alloys in the Form of Castings and Ingot," both published by the Aluminum Association.

[0017] Figures 1 and 2 show a continuous casting system 100 with at least one side dam 112. As shown in the example in Figure 1, the continuous casting system 100 is a twin-belt system with two opposing belts 104A and 104B having a casting surface. Although we will refer to a twin-belt system, the continuous casting system 100 may be any type of continuous casting system, including but not limited to a twin-roller system. The opposing belts 104A and 104B rotate continuously, and molten metal 102 is introduced from an injector 20 (sometimes called a nose tip or nosepiece) into a thin casting cavity or mold 106 formed between the opposing regions of the belts 104A and 104B. The solidified product 108 is continuously discharged from the casting cavity 106.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the side dam 112 of the continuous casting system 100 includes an upstream end 114 and a downstream end 116. The side dam 112 also has a cavity-facing side 115 (i.e., the side of the side dam 112 facing the casting cavity 106) and an outward-facing side 117 (i.e., the side of the side dam 112 facing in the opposite direction from the casting cavity 106). The distance from the upstream end 114 to the downstream end 116 defines the length of the side dam 112. The length of the side dam 112 can vary and is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2. In various examples, the casting-direction length of the side dam 112 is shorter than the casting-direction length of the casting cavity 106, such that the side dam 112 is interrupted before the casting cavity 106. By having the final portion of the side dam 112 before the end of the casting cavity 106, belts 104A and 104B may, as desired, be configured to converge or otherwise control the exit temperature of the metal product from the casting system 100, of the choice. In some cases, the minimum length of the side dam 112 may be adjusted based on several factors, including but not limited to the alloy, casting rate, molten metal temperature, casting gauge, and cooling rate of the casting machine. In certain embodiments, the side dam 112 has a minimum side dam length that is effective in keeping heat transfer limited to conduction through belts 104A-104B and can result in more uniform plate characteristics across the width of the metal product. Additional benefits of the side dam 112 having a minimum length include improved and / or smoother edges of the metal product, the tendency for the slab edges to be thicker than the rest of the slab (e.g., the middle portion of the slab), reduced "dogbone" effect of the metal product, improved slab quality due to reduced porosity and improved microstructure of the sides (which may also reduce waste due to edge trimming), and uniformity of the temperature of the emerging slab. In addition to changing the contact length in the casting direction, the side dam 112 can be adjusted relatively easily within and out of the casting machine to change the degree of contact with the metal product.In some embodiments, varying the degree of adhesion may affect the edge effect and may also be utilized to control the uniformity of the exit temperature of the cross width and / or the temperature difference between the edge and the center across the width of the slab.

[0019] Side dam 112 includes a support 118, a belt system 120, and an insulator 134. Optionally, side dam 112 may also include a cooling backing 140. In various examples, support 118 is a mounting bar, frame, or other suitable structure on which the other components of side dam 112 can be supported. As some non-limiting examples, a pulley, belt system 120, insulator 134, and / or cooling backing 140 may be supported directly or indirectly by support 118.

[0020] Belt system 120 includes an endless belt 122 having a belt surface 124. Belt 122 can be made of various materials including, but not limited to, copper, steel, stainless steel, or other suitable materials suitable for contacting molten metal 102 as it solidifies. As a non-limiting example, belt 122 may be 120 series stainless steel, although other materials may be utilized. As will be described in detail below, belt 122 and its support structure reduce heat transfer through the edge of the casting plate or slab such that molten metal is cooled primarily through belts 104A - 104B. In various examples, belt 122 prevents molten metal 102 from exiting casting cavity 106 while the metal 102 solidifies.

[0021] In some optional examples, the belt 122 may be coated. In such examples, the coating can further prevent the attachment of molten metal to the belt 122. In various aspects, the coating may be a permanent or temporary coating. In certain aspects, the coating can prevent wetting and can be flexible enough to remain on the belt 122 when the belt 122 bends around a pulley (which will be described later). In various examples, the coating can include, but is not limited to, graphite, high melting point metals (such as molybdenum alloys, tantalum, titanium, etc.), physical vapor deposition (e.g., using vanadium nitride, chromium nitride, combinations thereof, or other suitable various materials), or other suitable various materials for the coating.

[0022] The endless belt 122 is movably supported by several supports such as a pulley 126 or other suitable supports, and is driven by a belt drive motor 128 that drives at least one pulley 126. In other examples, the belt drive motor 128 may be omitted, and the belt 122 may be driven through other suitable various mechanisms. The number, position, size, or type of the pulley 126 or other supports should not be considered as limiting the current disclosure. In various examples, one or more of the pulleys 126 may be cooled through suitable various mechanisms or coolants (e.g., air-cooled, water-cooled, etc.) and can operate at a temperature at which the side dam 112 is exposed during casting. In a particular example, the cooled pulley 126 may cool the belt 122 or otherwise control the temperature of the belt 122 before the belt 122 re-enters the casting cavity 106. In some cases, the cooled pulley 126 may be at a temperature of about 110°C to about 400°C, but in other examples, the cooled pulley 126 may be at a temperature less than about 110°C and / or greater than about 400°C.

[0023] In various examples, the pulleys 126 may be drive pulleys, idler pulleys, and / or tensioner pulleys. In some examples, one or more of the pulleys 126 may be idler pulleys, which can reduce friction between the belt 122 and the support 118 as the belt 122 moves around a particular part of the support 118. In some non-limiting examples, the pulleys 126 at the inlet of the cavity 106 (e.g., the pulley 126 at the upstream end 114) and / or the pulleys 126 at the outlet of the cavity 106 (e.g., the pulley 126 at the downstream end 116) may be idler pulleys, but in other examples, this is not required. In various examples, one or more of the pulleys 126 may be coupled to a drive system for the side dam 112 (e.g., a belt-driven motor 128), such that one or more of the pulleys 126 are drive pulleys that cause the endless belt 122 to move along its path. In certain examples, one or more of the pulleys 126 may be coupled to a tensioning system (e.g., a belt tensioner 132) of the side dam 112, such that one or more of the pulleys 126 are tensioner pulleys that control the tension of the belt 122 as it moves along its travel path.

[0024] In certain examples, the path of the endless belt 122 lies in a plane perpendicular to the belt surface 124 (and parallel to the plane of the casting surface of belts 104A-104B). As belt 122 moves, a portion of the belt surface 124 faces the casting cavity 106, forming the vertical sidewall of the casting cavity 106. In some examples, belt 122 is moved at a speed matching the speed of belts 104A-104B (e.g., via a belt drive motor 128). In such examples, belts 122 and 104A-104B form static movable cavities relative to the casting slab (e.g., along the top and bottom of the casting slab, and along both vertical edges). By providing movable cavities, hot cracking and / or fissures associated with edge cracks are reduced or eliminated. In various embodiments, the speed of belt 122 is controlled to match the speed of belts 104A-104B to achieve a relatively static casting cavity 106. In various examples, the path of the endless belt 122 between the upstream end 114 and the downstream end 116 of the cavity-facing side 115 may extend substantially linearly. However, in other examples, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the path of the endless belt 122 on the cavity-facing side 115 does not have to extend linearly, and portions of the path of the endless belt 122 on the cavity-facing side 115 may extend at a non-zero angle to other portions of the path. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the path of the belt 122 on the cavity-facing side 115 includes a first portion 148 and a second portion 150 between the upstream end 114 and the downstream end 116, with the second portion 150 extending diagonally to the first portion 148. In other examples, the path of the belt 122 on the cavity-facing side 115 may include any number of sub-sections as desired.

[0025] Although a belt-driven motor 128 is shown, in other examples the endless belt 122 may be driven by a variety of other suitable mechanisms. In a non-limiting example, the endless belt 122 may be driven by a casting machine belt drive system (e.g., a system for driving belts 104A-104B) such that the speed of the endless belt 122 can be mechanically coupled to and / or otherwise controlled such that the speeds of belt 122 and belts 104A-104B are the same, if desired. A variety of other suitable mechanisms may be used to control the endless belt 122. In some non-limiting examples, the speed of belt 122 may range from approximately 2 m / min to approximately 20 m / min, such as approximately 2 m / min, approximately 3 m / min, approximately 4 m / min, approximately 5 m / min, approximately 6 m / min, approximately 7 m / min, approximately 8 m / min, approximately 9 m / min, approximately 10 m / min, approximately 11 m / min, approximately 12 m / min, approximately 13 m / min, approximately 14 m / min, approximately 15 m / min, approximately 16 m / min, approximately 17 m / min, approximately 18 m / min, approximately 19 m / min, and / or approximately 20 m / min.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in some examples the belt system 120 includes a belt tensioner 132. The belt tensioner 132 is adjustable so that the tension of the belt 122 can be controlled and adjusted as desired. In one non-limiting example, the belt tensioner 132 is a pneumatic tensioner positioned to move at least one of the pulleys 126. In other examples, other suitable types of belt tensioners 132 may be used. In some cases, the tension of the belt 122 is controlled to control contact between the belt 122 and the insulator 134. In various embodiments, the belt tension is controlled to keep the belt 122 taut, as the belt 122 may undergo thermal growth during operation. In certain examples, the tension of the belt 122 may be controlled so that the belt 122 forms a substantially straight line within the casting cavity 106, forming a good edge in the metal. In certain cases, the tension of belt 122 can be controlled to control contact between belt 122 and pulley 126. In various cases, belt 122 is tensioned to maintain contact and / or alignment of belt 122 on pulley 126.

[0027] The insulator 134 may be provided on the side dam 112 so as to be reinforced by the insulator 134 while the belt 122 faces the casting cavity 106 along a portion of the length of the casting cavity 106. In some examples, the insulator 134 is made from a material that is heat resistant so as not to break under continuous casting temperatures and has a low thermal conductivity to minimize or reduce heat transfer from the solidified metal and the side dam 112. In certain examples, the insulator 134 is made from a material that is heat resistant, wear resistant and has a low coefficient of friction with respect to the belt 122. In various examples, the insulator 134 may be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to a substantially solid block of porous graphite material, sintered metal, or a variety of other suitable materials. As will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5, in some examples the surface of the insulator 134 includes several pockets to further reduce heat transfer. While the cast slab is being cooled via belts 104A to 104B, the insulator 134 and belt 122 reduce heat transfer across the edges of the cast slab.

[0028] The insulator 134 includes an upstream end 136 and a downstream end 138. Referring to Figure 2, the distance from the upstream end 136 to the downstream end 138 is the length of the insulator 134. In various examples, the length of the insulator 134 is shorter than, but does not have to be, the length of the side dam 112. As shown in Figure 2, in certain examples, the upstream end 136 of the insulator 134 is located upstream of the injector 20, and the downstream end 138 is located downstream at a predetermined distance from the injector 20. In some examples, the predetermined distance is the distance at which the metal partially solidifies. In some cases, the length of the insulator 134 can be made as short as possible to provide the best edge of the material being cast and to allow for maximum adjustment of convergence. In certain embodiments, the length of the insulator 134 may be adjusted based on the alloy and casting rate. In various cases, positioning the upstream end 136 of the insulator 134 upstream of the injector 20 makes it less likely for the initial molten metal 102 introduced into the casting cavity 106 to solidify or stick, especially at the start of the casting operation.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in some examples, side dams 112 are provided on the cooling backing 140. The cooling backing 140 can accommodate a variety of suitable coolants for cooling the edges of the casting slab, including but not limited to water, water / glycol, or a variety of other suitable coolants. In some embodiments, various nozzles or ports 142 may be provided so that the coolant is guided into or out of the cooling backing 140. In some examples, the insulator 134 is supported via the cooling backing 140, but is not required. In various examples, the cooling backing 140 is provided on the side dams 112 so that the belt 122 is reinforced by the cooling backing 140 along a portion of the length of the casting cavity 106. In a particular example, the portion of the belt 122 cooled by the cooling backing 140 is downstream of the portion of the belt 122 reinforced by the insulator 134. The insulator 134 is provided on the side dam 112 so that the belt 122 is reinforced by the insulator 134 while facing the casting cavity 106 along a portion of the length of the casting cavity 106. In a non-limiting example, a coolant may enter a cooling backing 140 downstream of the insulator 134, travel near the surface of the cooling backing 140 to cool the belt 122 behind the insulator 134, and then exit upstream of the insulator 134. In this example, the coolant path can isolate the heat in the area of ​​the insulator 134 while preventing the structure from becoming hot over time. In certain cases, this coolant system may be an open-loop system or a closed-loop system.

[0030] The orientation of the belt 122 on the side dam 112 provides the side dam 112 with greater flexibility compared to existing machines, which will meet the performance needs of the casting operation. For example, in some cases, the belt 122 may move in a horizontal plane so as to form the edge of the casting cavity 106 (in contrast to belts that move in a vertical plane along the entire length of the casting machine and loop under the lower carriage, as in current machines). The movement of the belt 122 in a horizontal plane allows the length of the side edge of the casting cavity to be shortened or lengthened as needed, depending on operational requirements. Furthermore, the side dam belt can be pulled up and moved away from the slab as needed to reduce contact with the slab. Conversely, the side dam belt can be made to be closer to the slab as needed. As a non-limiting example, side dam belts 122 on opposing side dams may move closer to each other and / or increase contact with the slab in other ways, if desired.

[0031] Figure 4 shows another example of the continuous casting system 400. The continuous casting system 400 is substantially similar to the continuous casting system 100, except that the insulator 434 of the side dam 112 of the continuous casting system 400 includes at least one pocket 444 on the surface 446 of the insulator 434 facing the casting cavity 106. During casting, the belt 122 passing adjacent to the insulator 434 passes adjacent to the surface 446 and therefore adjacent to at least one pocket 444, thereby further reducing heat transfer between the casting slab and the side dam 112. For example, in some cases, the air in the pocket 444 may act as an additional insulator and / or may further reduce or limit heat transfer between the casting slab and the side dam 112. The number, size, shape, or pattern of the pockets 444 provided on the surface 446 of the insulator 434 should not be considered as limiting the present disclosure. In some examples, multiple pockets 444 are provided on the surface 446. In some examples, two elongated pockets 444 are provided on the surface 446, as shown in Figure 4. Various other patterns or combinations of patterns of pockets 444 can be used as desired. In some non-limiting examples, the pockets 444 are provided on about 60-65% of the surface 446, or about 60-70% of the surface 446. In other words, 60-65% of the insulator surface is removed using the pockets 444, reducing heat transfer. In other examples, the pockets 444 may be provided on less than 60% of the surface 446, or more than 70% of the surface. The configuration of pockets 444 on the surface should not be considered limiting to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 5 shows another example of a continuous casting system 500 that is substantially similar to the continuous casting system 400. Compared to the casting system 400, the insulator 534 of the side dam 112 of the casting system 500 includes pairs of pockets 544 provided in the surface 446 at intervals along the length of the insulator 534.

[0033] Figures 6–9 show another example of the side dam 612 according to the present disclosure. The side dam 612 is similar to the side dam 112 and includes a support 618, a belt system 620, and an insulator 134. Compared to the side dam 112, the side dam 612 does not include a cooling backing 140, and instead the side dam 612 provides cooling via the pulleys of the belt system 620, as will be described in detail below.

[0034] Support 618 is similar to support 118, except that support 618 defines one or more openings 652 through support 118. The number, size, shape, or pattern of the openings 652 should not be considered limiting to the present disclosure. In some examples, the openings 652 may optionally extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the belt 122 moves. In various examples, the openings 652 can facilitate airflow through support 618 to limit heat transfer to support 618 outside the casting cavity 106.

[0035] Belt system 620 is similar to belt system 120 and includes an endless belt 122, pulleys 626, a drive motor 128, and a belt tensioner 632. Compared to the path of belt 122 in belt system 120, the path of belt 122 on the cavity-facing side 115 of the side dam 612 includes a first portion 148, a second portion 150, and a third portion 656 extending obliquely to the first portion 148.

[0036] The pulleys 626 of the belt system 620 include at least one drive pulley 626A, at least one idler pulley 626B, and at least one tensioner pulley 626C. In other examples, it will be understood that other combinations or partial combinations of pulleys may be used, and / or other types of pulleys may be used. As shown in Figures 6 to 10, in some examples, the idler pulleys 626B are located at both ends of the side dams 612, such that the tensioner pulleys 626C are located at both ends of the casting cavity 106. The idler pulleys 626B located at both ends of the side dams 612 can optionally reduce friction between the belt 122 and the support 618 as the belt 122 moves around those parts of the support 618. In some examples, one or more of the pulleys 626 are cooled using a variety of suitable coolants or combinations of coolants such as air, water, or oil. The pulleys 626 may be cooled internally or externally, as desired. In various examples, the cooling pulley 626 may cool the belt 122 before it re-enters the casting cavity 106, which may keep the belt 122 at a lower temperature compared to an uncooled pulley. In the examples in Figures 6 to 10, the drive pulley 626A and tensioner pulley 626C are internally cooled with compressed air, and the idler pulley 626B is air-cooled through an opening defined within the pulley. In other examples, the coolant may be any other suitable type of coolant as desired. In this example, port 142 may be in fluid communication with the drive pulley 626A and tensioner pulley 626C so as to selectively supply and remove the coolant from the pulleys.

[0037] Compared to the belt tensioner 132 of the side dam 112, the belt tensioner 632 of the side dam 612 is a linear tensioner that selectively moves the tensioner pulley 626C along an axis (movement represented by arrow 658 in Figure 6). In the examples in Figures 6 to 9, the axis of movement of the linear tensioner is substantially parallel to the axis extending from the upstream end 116 to the downstream end 114 of the side dam 612. In other examples, the axis of movement of the linear tensioner does not need to be substantially parallel to the axis extending from the upstream end 116 to the downstream end 114. In some cases, the linear belt tensioner 632 may require less bending of the belt 122 during operation, which can facilitate the removal or installation of the belt 122 to the side dam 612.

[0038] In various examples, the belt system 620 also includes a pressing system 660 that can keep the belt 122 pressed against the surface of the drive pulley 626A. The pressing system 660 may be supported by a pressing system support 664, which may be coupled to or integrally formed with the support 618. In various examples, the pressing system support 664 may support multiple types of pressing systems 660 so that the type of pressing system 660 can be changed as desired. In another example, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the pressing system 660 includes a pressing belt 668 supported on one or more pulleys 670, the pressing belt 668 compressing the belt 122 and the drive pulley 626A. In another example, referring to Figures 8 and 9, the pressing system 660 includes a pinch roller 662 that compresses the belt 122 and the drive pulley 626A. In various examples, one or more of the pulleys 670 may be optionally directly driven, while the remaining pulleys 670 may be idler pulleys.

[0039] In various examples, a method for continuously casting metal products includes supplying molten metal 102 to a casting cavity 106. In some examples, supplying molten metal 102 to the casting cavity 106 includes supplying molten metal 102 adjacent to the movable belt 122 of a side dam 112 (or side dam 612) such that the belt surface 124 faces the molten metal 102. In some non-limiting examples, the molten metal 102 may include, but is not limited to, aluminum alloys of the 1xxx series, 2xxx series, 3xxx series, 4xxx series, 5xxx series, 6xxx series, 7xxx series, or 8xxx series. In other examples, the molten metal 102 may be aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper-based materials, steel, steel-based materials, or various other materials suitable for continuous casting.

[0040] In various examples, the method includes advancing molten metal 102 into a casting cavity 106 and solidifying the molten material to form a solidified metal product 108. In some examples, advancing the molten metal 102 includes moving an endless belt 122 on a side dam 112 at a speed matching the speed of belts 104A-104B such that belts 122 and 104A-104B form a static movable cavity with respect to the molten metal 102. In various examples, moving belt 122 includes driving belt 122 with a belt drive motor 128. In certain particular cases, moving belt 122 includes moving belt 122 adjacent to a surface 446 of an insulator 134 having at least one pocket 444. In some examples, moving belt 122 includes moving belt 122 along a path in a plane perpendicular to the belt surface 124. Optionally, this plane is a horizontal plane. In some examples, this method includes adjusting the tension of the belt 122 with a belt tensioner 132.

[0041] A collection of exemplary examples is provided below, including at least some explicitly listed as “Examples” to provide further explanation of the various types of examples based on the concepts described herein. These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to these exemplary examples, but rather encompasses all conceivable modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0042] Example 1. A side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus, comprising an insulator and a belt system having an endless belt movably supported so that the endless belt moves relative to the insulator, wherein the endless belt has a belt surface, and a portion of the belt surface of the endless belt is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus when the endless belt is moved, and the endless belt is movable in a plane of operation perpendicular to the belt surface, the side dam.

[0043] Example 2. A side dam according to any prior embodiment, subsequent embodiment, or combination of embodiments, further comprising: at least one pulley supporting the endless belt; a belt drive motor configured to move the endless belt relative to the insulator; and a belt tensioner configured to adjust the tension of the endless belt.

[0044] Example 2a. The side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, wherein the belt system further comprises at least one pulley supporting the endless belt, the at least one pulley being a cooling pulley.

[0045] Example 2b. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, wherein at least one pulley is internally cooled.

[0046] Example 2c. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples or a combination thereof, wherein at least one pulley is air-cooled or water-cooled.

[0047] Example 2d. The belt system further comprises at least one pulley supporting the endless belt, wherein the at least one pulley comprises at least one idler pulley, drive pulley, or tensioner pulley, according to any prior embodiment, subsequent embodiment, or combination of embodiments.

[0048] Example 2e. A side dam according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of the examples, further comprising a belt tensioner, wherein the belt tensioner is a linear belt tensioner.

[0049] Example 2f. The side dam according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of embodiments, wherein the side dam further has a cavity-facing side and an outward-facing side, and the path of the endless belt along the cavity-facing side includes a first portion and a second portion, and the portion of the endless belt in the first portion of the path is not coplanar with the portion of the endless belt in the second portion of the path in a direction along the length of the side dam.

[0050] Example 3. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, further comprising a support and a water-cooled backing connected to the support, wherein the insulator is supported on the water-cooled backing, the endless belt is movably supported on the support, and the endless belt is movable between the insulator and the casting cavity, and between the water-cooled backing and the casting cavity.

[0051] Example 4. A side dam according to any of the preceding example, subsequent example, or combination of the examples, wherein the side dam has a side dam length, the insulator has an insulator length, and the insulator length is shorter than the side dam length.

[0052] Example 5. A side dam according to any of the preceding example, subsequent example, or combination of the examples, wherein the side dam length is shorter than the length of the casting cavity.

[0053] Example 6. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples or a combination of the examples, wherein the insulator is configured to be adjacent to the injector of the continuous metal casting apparatus and to extend upstream of the injector.

[0054] Example 7. A side dam according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of embodiments, wherein the insulator has an insulator surface, the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets, and the endless belt is configured such that a portion of the endless belt facing the casting cavity is movable adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets.

[0055] Example 8. A continuous casting apparatus comprising a first endless casting belt having a first casting surface, a second endless casting belt having a second casting surface, wherein the first casting surface and the second casting surface define the casting cavity, and a side dam according to any of the preceding example, subsequent example, or combination of examples.

[0056] Example 9. A continuous casting apparatus according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of the embodiments, wherein the speed of the endless belt is adjustable so that the speed of the endless belt matches the speed of the first casting surface and the speed of the second casting surface.

[0057] Example 10. A continuous casting apparatus according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of the examples, wherein the casting cavity and the endless belt form a static movable cavity with respect to the casting slab.

[0058] Example 11. A side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus, comprising: an insulator having an insulator surface, the insulator surface having a plurality of pockets; and a belt system comprising an endless belt movably supported so that the endless belt can move relative to the insulator, wherein the endless belt has a belt surface, a portion of the belt surface is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus when the endless belt is moved, and the endless belt is movable such that the portion of the endless belt configured to face the casting cavity is adjacent to the insulator surface having a plurality of pockets.

[0059] Example 12. The endless belt is a side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples or a combination thereof, which can move in a plane of operation perpendicular to the surface of the belt.

[0060] Example 13. A side dam according to any prior embodiment, subsequent embodiment, or combination of embodiments, further comprising: at least one pulley supporting the endless belt; a belt drive motor configured to move the endless belt relative to the insulator; and a belt tensioner configured to adjust the tension of the endless belt.

[0061] Example 13a. The side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, wherein the belt system further comprises at least one pulley supporting the endless belt, the at least one pulley being a cooling pulley.

[0062] Example 13b. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples or a combination thereof, wherein at least one pulley is internally cooled.

[0063] Example 13c. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples or a combination of the examples, wherein at least one pulley is air-cooled or water-cooled.

[0064] Example 13d. The belt system further comprises at least one pulley supporting the endless belt, wherein the at least one pulley comprises at least one idler pulley, drive pulley, or tensioner pulley, according to any prior embodiment, subsequent embodiment, or combination of embodiments.

[0065] Example 13e. A side dam according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of the examples, further comprising a belt tensioner, wherein the belt tensioner is a linear belt tensioner.

[0066] Example 13f. The side dam according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of embodiments, wherein the side dam further has a cavity-facing side and an outward-facing side, and the path of the endless belt along the cavity-facing side includes a first portion and a second portion, and the portion of the endless belt in the first portion of the path is not coplanar with the portion of the endless belt in the second portion of the path in a direction along the length of the side dam.

[0067] Example 14. A side dam according to any prior example, subsequent example, or combination of examples, further comprising a support and a water-cooled backing connected to the support, wherein the insulator is supported on the water-cooled backing, the endless belt is movably supported on the support, and the endless belt is movable between the insulator and the casting cavity, and between the water-cooled backing and the casting cavity.

[0068] Example 15. A side dam according to any of the preceding example, subsequent example, or combination of the examples, wherein the side dam has a side dam length, the insulator has an insulator length, and the insulator length is shorter than the side dam length.

[0069] Example 16. A side dam according to any of the preceding example, subsequent example, or combination of the examples, wherein the side dam length is shorter than the length of the casting cavity.

[0070] Example 17. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples or a combination of the examples, wherein the insulator is configured to be adjacent to the injector of the continuous metal casting apparatus and to extend upstream of the injector.

[0071] Example 18. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, wherein the insulator has an insulator surface, the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets, and the endless belt is configured such that a portion of the endless belt facing the casting cavity is movable adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets.

[0072] Example 19. A continuous casting apparatus comprising a first endless casting belt having a first casting surface, a second endless casting belt having a second casting surface, wherein the first casting surface and the second casting surface define the casting cavity, and a side dam according to any of the preceding example, subsequent example, or combination of examples.

[0073] Example 20. A continuous casting apparatus according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, wherein the speed of the endless belt is adjustable so that the speed of the endless belt matches the speed of the first casting surface and the speed of the second casting surface.

[0074] Example 21. A continuous casting apparatus according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of the examples, wherein the casting cavity and the endless belt form a static movable cavity with respect to the casting slab.

[0075] Example 22. A side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus, comprising a support and a belt system comprising an endless belt and a tensioner, wherein the endless belt is movably supported on the support so that the endless belt can move relative to the support, the endless belt has a belt surface, a portion of the belt surface of the endless belt is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus when the endless belt is moved, and the tension of the endless belt is adjustable by the tensioner, the side dam.

[0076] Example 23. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, further comprising an insulator connected to the support, wherein the endless belt is movable relative to the insulator.

[0077] Example 24. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, wherein the insulator has an insulator surface, the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets, and the endless belt is configured such that a portion of the endless belt, which faces the casting cavity, can move adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets.

[0078] Example 25. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent examples or a combination of examples, wherein the endless belt is movable in a plane of operation perpendicular to the belt surface, and in some optional examples, the plane of operation is a horizontal plane.

[0079] Example 26. A side dam according to any prior embodiment, subsequent embodiment, or combination of embodiments, further comprising: at least one pulley supporting the endless belt; and a belt drive motor configured to move the endless belt relative to the insulator.

[0080] Example 27. A side dam according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of embodiments, further comprising an insulator and a water-cooled backing connected to the support, wherein the insulator is supported on the water-cooled backing, the endless belt is movably supported on the support, and the endless belt is movable between the insulator and the casting cavity, and between the water-cooled backing and the casting cavity.

[0081] Example 28. A side dam according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of the examples, further comprising an insulator, wherein the side dam has a side dam length, the insulator has an insulator length, and the insulator length is shorter than the side dam length.

[0082] Example 29. A side dam according to any of the preceding example, subsequent example, or combination of the examples, wherein the side dam length is shorter than the length of the casting cavity.

[0083] Example 30. A side dam according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, further comprising an insulator, the insulator being adjacent to the injector of the continuous metal casting apparatus and extending upstream of the injector.

[0084] Example 31. A continuous casting apparatus comprising a first endless casting belt having a first casting surface, a second endless casting belt having a second casting surface wherein the first casting surface and the second casting surface define the casting cavity, and a side dam according to any of the preceding example, subsequent example, or combination of examples.

[0085] Example 32. A continuous casting apparatus according to any of the preceding or subsequent embodiments or a combination of embodiments, wherein the speed of the endless belt is adjustable so that the speed of the endless belt matches the speed of the first casting surface and the speed of the second casting surface.

[0086] Example 33. A continuous casting apparatus according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of the examples, wherein the casting cavity and the endless belt form a static movable cavity with respect to the casting slab.

[0087] Example 34. A method for continuously casting a solidified metal product, comprising supplying molten metal to a casting cavity of a continuous casting machine, wherein a portion of the belt surface of an endless belt of a side dam faces the casting cavity, and advancing the molten metal into the casting cavity and solidifying the molten metal to form the solidified metal product, wherein advancing the molten metal comprises moving the endless belt together with the molten metal with respect to the insulator of the side dam such that the endless belt moves adjacent to the insulator surface of an insulator having a plurality of pockets.

[0088] Example 35. The method according to any of the preceding and succeeding embodiments or a combination of embodiments, wherein moving the endless belt includes moving the endless belt in a plane of operation perpendicular to the belt surface, and in some optional examples, the plane of operation is a horizontal plane.

[0089] Example 36. A method according to any of the preceding, subsequent, or combination of the examples, wherein moving the endless belt is to move the endless belt at a speed matching the speed of the casting surface of the casting cavity to form a static movable cavity with respect to the molten metal.

[0090] Example 37. The method according to any of the preceding and subsequent examples or a combination of the examples, wherein the molten metal contains aluminum.

[0091] Example 38. The method according to either the prior example, the subsequent example, or a combination of the examples, wherein the aluminum is selected from the group consisting of 1xxx series aluminum alloys, 2xxx series aluminum alloys, 3xxx series aluminum alloys, 4xxx series aluminum alloys, 5xxx series aluminum alloys, 6xxx series aluminum alloys, 7xxx series aluminum alloys, and 8xxx series aluminum alloys.

[0092] The embodiments described above are merely possible examples of embodiments and are described solely for the purpose of clearly understanding the principles of this disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments(s) described above without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of this disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be incorporated herein within the scope of this disclosure, and all conceivable claims for individual embodiments or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by this disclosure. Furthermore, certain terms are used herein and in the following claims, but they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and are not intended to limit the described invention or the following claims. This disclosure includes the following embodiments of the invention: <Aspect 1> A side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus, Insulators and A belt system comprising an endless belt that is movably supported so that the endless belt can move relative to the insulator, Equipped with, The endless belt has a belt surface, and a portion of the belt surface of the endless belt is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus when the endless belt is moved. The endless belt has side dams that can move within a horizontal operating plane perpendicular to the belt surface. <Aspect 2> The aforementioned belt system At least one pulley supporting the endless belt, A belt drive motor configured to move the endless belt relative to the insulator, A belt tensioner configured to adjust the tension of the endless belt and A side dam according to embodiment 1, further comprising the above. <Aspect 3> Support and A water-cooled backing connected to the support and Furthermore, The insulator is supported on the water-cooled backing, The side dam according to embodiment 1, wherein the endless belt is movably supported on the support, and the endless belt is movable between the insulator and the casting cavity, and between the water-cooled backing and the casting cavity. <Aspect 4> The side dam according to embodiment 1, wherein the side dam has a side dam length, and the insulator has an insulator length, the insulator length being shorter than the side dam length. <Aspect 5> The insulator has an insulator surface, and the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets. The side dam according to embodiment 1, wherein the endless belt is configured such that a portion of the endless belt, which is configured to face the casting cavity, is movable so as to be adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets. <Aspect 6> The side dam described in Embodiment 1, A first endless cast belt having a first cast surface, A second endless casting belt having a second casting surface, wherein the first casting surface and the second casting surface define the casting cavity, and A continuous casting apparatus equipped with the following features. <Aspect 7> Equipped with additional injectors, The continuous metal casting apparatus according to embodiment 6, wherein the insulator is adjacent to the injector of the continuous metal casting apparatus and extends upstream of the injector. <Aspect 8> A side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus, An insulator having an insulator surface, wherein the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets, A belt system comprising an endless belt that is movably supported so that the endless belt can move relative to the insulator, Equipped with, The endless belt has a belt surface, and a portion of the belt surface is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus when the endless belt is moved. The endless belt has a side dam, in which a portion of the endless belt configured to face the casting cavity can move so as to be adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets. <Pattern 9> The side dam according to embodiment 8, wherein the endless belt is movable in a horizontal operating plane perpendicular to the belt surface. <Aspect 10> The aforementioned belt system At least one pulley supporting the endless belt, A belt drive motor configured to move the endless belt relative to the insulator, A belt tensioner configured to adjust the tension of the endless belt and A side dam according to embodiment 8, further comprising: <Aspect 11> Support and A water-cooled backing connected to the support and Furthermore, The insulator is supported on the water-cooled backing, The side dam according to embodiment 8, wherein the endless belt is movably supported on the support, and the endless belt is movable between the insulator and the casting cavity, and between the water-cooled backing and the casting cavity. <Aspect 12> The side dam according to embodiment 8, wherein the side dam has a side dam length, and the insulator has an insulator length, the insulator length being shorter than the side dam length. <Aspect 13> The insulator has an insulator surface, and the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets. The side dam according to embodiment 8, wherein the endless belt is configured such that a portion of the endless belt, which is configured to face the casting cavity, is movable so as to be adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets. <Aspect 14> The side dam described in aspect 8, A first endless cast belt having a first cast surface, A second endless casting belt having a second casting surface, wherein the first casting surface and the second casting surface define the casting cavity, Injector and Equipped with, The insulator is adjacent to the injector of the continuous metal casting apparatus and extends upstream of the injector. A continuous casting apparatus in which the casting cavity and the endless belt form a static movable cavity with respect to the casting slab. <Aspect 15> A side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus, Support and A belt system equipped with an endless belt and tensioner Equipped with, The endless belt is supported so as to be movable on the support so that the endless belt can move relative to the support. The endless belt has a belt surface, and a portion of the belt surface of the endless belt is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus when the endless belt is moved. The tension of the endless belt is adjustable by the tensioner, side dam. <Aspect 16> The side dam according to embodiment 15, wherein the endless belt is movable in a horizontal operating plane perpendicular to the belt surface. <Aspect 17> The insulator further comprises the support connected to the support, The endless belt is movable relative to the insulator, the insulator has an insulator surface, and the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets. The side dam according to embodiment 15, wherein the endless belt is configured such that a portion of the endless belt, which is configured to face the casting cavity, is movable so as to be adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets. <Aspect 18> An insulator connected to the support, A water-cooled backing connected to the support, wherein the insulator is supported on the water-cooled backing, the endless belt is movably supported on the support, and the endless belt is movable between the insulator and the casting cavity, and between the water-cooled backing and the casting cavity. A side dam according to embodiment 15, further comprising the features described above. <Aspect 19> Equipped with additional insulators, The side dam according to embodiment 15, wherein the side dam has a side dam length, and the insulator has an insulator length, the insulator length being shorter than the side dam length. <Aspect 20> The side dam described in aspect 15, A first endless cast belt having a first cast surface, A second endless casting belt having a second casting surface, wherein the first casting surface and the second casting surface define the casting cavity, and Equipped with, A continuous casting apparatus in which the casting cavity and the endless belt form a static movable cavity with respect to the casting slab.

Claims

1. A side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus, An insulator having an insulator surface, wherein the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets, and the insulator has a thermal barrier material, A belt system comprising an endless belt that is movably supported so that the endless belt can move relative to the insulator, Equipped with, The endless belt has a belt surface, and a portion of the belt surface is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus when the endless belt is moved. The endless belt has a side dam, in which a portion of the endless belt configured to face the casting cavity can move so as to be adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets.

2. The side dam according to claim 1, wherein the endless belt is movable in a horizontal operating plane perpendicular to the surface of the belt.

3. The aforementioned belt system At least one pulley supporting the endless belt, A belt drive motor configured to move the endless belt relative to the insulator, A belt tensioner configured to adjust the tension of the endless belt and The side dam according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. Support and A water-cooled backing connected to the support and Furthermore, The insulator is supported on the water-cooled backing, The side dam according to claim 1, wherein the endless belt is movably supported on the support, and the endless belt is movable between the insulator and the casting cavity, and between the water-cooled backing and the casting cavity.

5. The side dam according to claim 1, wherein the side dam has a side dam length defined by the distance from the upstream end to the downstream end of the side dam, and the insulator has an insulator length, the insulator length being shorter than the side dam length.

6. The insulator has an insulator surface, and the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets. The side dam according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the endless belt configured to face the casting cavity is movable so as to be adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets.

7. A side dam for a continuous metal casting apparatus, Support and A belt system comprising an endless belt and a tensioner, wherein the endless belt is capable of moving in a horizontal operating plane perpendicular to the belt surface, An insulator connected to the support and providing thermal insulation to the side dam, Equipped with, The endless belt is movable relative to the insulator, the insulator has an insulator surface, and the insulator surface has a plurality of pockets. The endless belt is configured such that a portion of the endless belt facing the casting cavity is movable adjacent to the insulator surface having the plurality of pockets. The endless belt is supported so as to be movable on the support so that the endless belt can move relative to the support. The endless belt has a belt surface, and a portion of the belt surface of the endless belt is configured to face the casting cavity of the continuous metal casting apparatus when the endless belt is moved. The tension of the endless belt is adjustable by the tensioner, side dam.

8. An insulator connected to the support, A water-cooled backing connected to the support, wherein the insulator is supported on the water-cooled backing, the endless belt is movably supported on the support, and the endless belt is movable between the insulator and the casting cavity, and between the water-cooled backing and the casting cavity. The side dam according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. Equipped with additional insulators, The side dam according to claim 7, wherein the side dam has a side dam length defined by the distance from the upstream end to the downstream end of the side dam, and the insulator has an insulator length, the insulator length being shorter than the side dam length.

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