Confinement systems for continuous casting plants

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing system 10 for use with a dummy bar head 1 of a continuous casting installation, said sealing system comprising in particular a plate-shaped head element 12, in whose edge region 13 a circumferentially extending sealing element 14 is attached, and said sealing system comprising an adapter element 18 made of metal, said adapter element being fixable with its underside 19 to the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head 1, said head element 12 being fixable to an upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 and thus connectable to the dummy bar head 1.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing system for use with a dummy bar head of a continuous casting installation according to the preamble of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] For the production of metal products by continuous casting, it is known from the prior art to provide a dummy bar head with a sealing element at the start of the continuous casting process, which sealing element ensures that the gap between the dummy bar head and the inner wall of the mold of the continuous casting installation is properly sealed during the first casting. Corresponding sealing systems with such sealing elements are shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,629,499, ... or US Pat. No. 5,629,499.

[0003] In the prior art sealing systems described above, the upper element of the sealing system is always precisely fitted to the lower element in the form of a dummy bar head. This causes the drawback that the upper member, which has a sealing element already attached thereto or is used for fixing the underlying sealing element, always fits only to the predetermined shape of the dummy bar head and is not suitable for use with other types of dummy bar heads, which can disadvantageously cause increased production costs. From US Pat. No. 6,529,562 a sealing system is known which has the features according to the preamble of claim 1. Further sealing systems according to the prior art are known from US Pat. No. 6,529,562, ... and US Pat. No. 6,529,562. These sealing systems have in common that they each have a head element and an adapter element made of metal, with the adapter element being fixable with its underside to the upper end face of the dummy bar head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2 127 780 B1 [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 20 2005 001 310U1 [Patent Document 3] European Patent No. 0 234 299 B2 [Patent Document 4] DE 44 01 825 A1 [Patent Document 5] German Patent Translation Publication No. 600 04 848 T2 Specification [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 3 266 104 A [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2012 / 000830 A1 [Patent Document 8] US Patent Application Publication No. 3 080 625 A [Patent Document 9] US Patent Application Publication No. 3,643,731 A [Patent Document 10] DE 16 08 089 A1 [Patent Document 11] European Patent Application Publication No. 3 797 897 A1 [Patent Document 12] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 111 299 530A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a sealing system suitable for use with a dummy bar head of a continuous casting plant, with which the start-up of the process in continuous casting can be carried out more simply and at lower cost, and the associated work preparation can be carried out more quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a sealing system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further configurations of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The sealing system according to the invention is intended for use with a dummy bar head of a continuous casting installation and comprises a plate-shaped head element, in the edge region of which a circumferentially extending sealing element is attached, and the sealing system includes an adapter element made of metal, the adapter element being securable with a lower surface thereof to an upper end surface of the dummy bar head; In this case, the head element can be fixed to the upper surface of the adapter element, thereby being connectable with the dummy bar head. Furthermore, the sealing system comprises second fastening means by which the head element and the adapter element can be joined. Regarding this sealing system, the second fastening means comprises a plurality of through openings formed in the plate-shaped head element; the second fastening means also comprising a plurality of pins attached to the upper surface of the adapter element and insertable through the through openings formed in the head element; and a longitudinal hole is formed at or adjacent to the free end of each pin, through which a wedge can be pushed; When the head element is inserted into the pin by the through opening of the head element, the wedge resting on an upper surface of the head element; is characteristic.

[0008] For the sealing system according to the invention, it is expedient if the head element is designed as a standardized structural element.

[0009] With regard to the adapter element that is part of the sealing system according to the invention, it should be emphasized that a separate structural element is the key element, and this structural element can be arranged between the head element and the upper end face of the dummy bar head, thereby ensuring that the head element can be connected to or at the upper end face of the dummy bar head by means of the adapter element. In this connection, it is advantageous if the upper side of the adapter element, like the head element, is formed in a standardized manner, so that the head element can always be attached to the upper side of the adapter element.

[0010] The invention is based on the important realization that it is possible to connect a head element with possibly different dummy bar heads of a continuous casting installation by means of an adapter element. In particular, when the head element having the sealing element attached thereto is formed as a standardized structural member, this provides the advantage that the head element so formed can be used for a plurality of, possibly different, dummy bar heads. This ensures that the head element with the sealing element attached thereto can be manufactured at very low cost and can be pre-stored for a plurality of, possibly different, dummy bar heads, i.e., thanks to the characteristic adapter element as described above, by means of which the connection of the head element to the dummy bar head is possible.

[0011] In a further advantageous configuration of the invention, the head element is formed as a "disposable item" together with a sealing element attached to the head element, which may consist of a synthetic material or have a synthetic material component. This means that, within the meaning of the present invention, such a head element: the head element comes into contact with the molten steel or metal at the start of the continuous casting process and with the cast metal strand or continuously cast product formed from the molten steel or metal, This means that a permanent bond then first occurs with the hot strip and that only after sufficient solidification of the intermediate or final product formed therefrom, e.g. a slab, is it separated from this product by cutting.

[0012] According to an advantageous further configuration of the invention, the attachment of the adapter element to the dummy bar head is ensured by the fact that the lower surface of the adapter element is adapted to the upper end surface of the dummy bar head and can be fixed to the upper end surface of the dummy bar head by a first fixing means. It is expedient if the first fastening means are designed to be positively engaging, as a result of which a high operational reliability is achieved for the start of the continuous casting process.

[0013] In an advantageous further configuration, it is possible for the first fastening means described above to have at least one web with a bulge or locking portion at its free end and at least one cutout, whereby the bulge or locking portion on one side and the cutout on the other side are brought into engagement with each other, thereby achieving a positively engaging connection between the adapter element and the dummy bar head. For example, a web can be provided on the underside of the adapter element as a protruding or projecting part, with a bulge or a catch formed at the free end of the web.Furthermore, advantageously, a cutout can be formed in the dummy bar head at or adjacent to the upper end face of the dummy bar head, and can be provided with an enlarged area. Accordingly, the recess can be formed in the dummy bar head adjacent to the upper end face of the dummy bar head and can open towards this end face. In this connection, it is expedient if the bulge and the widened region of the recess are formed complementary to each other.

[0014] In order to achieve a reliable operational connection between the adapter element and the dummy bar head, it is expedient if a plurality of webs are attached to the underside of the adapter element, which webs can then be locked in the recesses of the dummy bar head so as to be form-fitting. For example, three, four, or possibly more than four such webs may be provided on the underside of the adapter element, with a correspondingly adapted number of cutouts in the dummy bar head adjacent to the upper end face of the dummy bar head.

[0015] In the first fixing means described above, according to an advantageous further configuration, it is possible for the cutout portion to have a narrow bottle-neck-shaped portion which, starting from the upper end face of the dummy bar head, leads into the widened area of ​​the cutout portion. Complementary to the bottle-neck-shaped portion of the cutout, the web has an elongated collar region that is located between the mushroom-shaped bulge of the web and the underside of the adapter element. In any case, when the mushroom-shaped bulge of the web is locked in the widened region of the cutout, a secure positive engagement between the adapter element and the dummy bar head in the direction of transport of the dummy bar head is guaranteed.

[0016] In an advantageous further configuration of the invention, it is expedient if the recess is open on at least one side of the dummy bar head, so that the web can be inserted into the recess from the side with its bulge (or alternatively: its anchoring portion). In this way, on the one hand, a particularly tool-free connection of the adapter element to or at the upper end face of the dummy bar head is possible, and, by applying a force (pulling or pressing force) to the adapter element transversely to the transport direction, separation of the adapter element from the dummy bar head is possible in an ongoing continuous casting process.

[0017] In an advantageous further configuration of the invention, it is provided for the head element and the adapter element that they each have a rectangular cross section in a plane extending perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head, the rectangular cross section having a longitudinal side and a narrow side, the rectangular cross section being characterized in that the longitudinal side of the rectangular cross section is several times larger than the narrow side. In any case, the head element and the adapter element are adapted with their cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head to the cross-section of the mold of the continuous casting installation, whereby the longitudinal sides of the rectangular cross-section are several times larger than the narrow sides, as regards the length ratios mentioned above, which should be pointed out as being typical in the continuous casting of slabs.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the short side of the rectangular cross section of the adapter element or the head element has a length of at least 100 mm, preferably 120 mm, and even more preferably more than 150 mm. In this connection, it should be understood that for the purposes of the invention, the length of the short side of the rectangular cross section influences the thickness of the subsequently solidified slab, or that the length of this short side corresponds to the thickness of the solidified slab.

[0019] The head element and the adapter element can be connected to each other by means of secondary fastening means. As with the first fastening means, it is expedient also for these secondary fastening means if they function according to the principle of positive engagement.

[0020] With regard to the second fastening means described above, it is provided that in the head element a plurality of through-openings are formed, preferably at equal intervals from one another. Correspondingly, it is possible for a plurality of pins to be mounted on the upper side of the adapter element, preferably also at equal intervals from one another and in particular adapted to the spacing of the through-openings. In other words, it is possible for a plurality of pins to be attached to the upper side of the adapter element, with the relative spacing of these pins being selected to be the same as the relative spacing of the through-openings formed in the head element, which allows the head element to be inserted from above, via the through-openings formed in the head element, onto the pins attached to the upper side of the adapter element.

[0021] With regard to the second fixing means described above, it is intended that one longitudinal hole is respectively formed in a pin which is mounted on the upper side of the adapter element as described above.

[0022] In interaction with such a longitudinal hole, a wedge is provided which can be inserted into said longitudinal hole. Such a wedge thereby fulfills the function that the head element can be fastened at or by means of the upper surface of the adapter element after it has been inserted from above onto a pin attached to the upper surface of the adapter element by means of a through opening formed in the head element, with the wedge being driven into the longitudinal hole of the pin. For this purpose, the only tool that may be necessary is a hammer for driving the wedge into the longitudinal hole.

[0023] According to the invention, a method for the production of metal products by continuous casting is also contemplated, in which a closed system having the characteristics described above is used. At the start of such a process, the molten metal undergoes sufficient cooling by contact with the upper surface of the head element and the raised portions provided on this upper surface when poured into the mold of the continuous casting installation, so that the start of the process can be carried out without cooling scrap.

[0024] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention are formed by the following features: Reduced damage from cooling scrap, since the risk of damage to the subsequent parts of the supporting strand guide of the continuous casting plant by the cooling scrap previously used for sealing is eliminated. - Reduced risk of breakout on first casting. - shortening of the process, especially with regard to the preparation of the work for sealing the mold at its lower opening before the start (or continuation) of the continuous casting process. - simplification of the necessary sealing of the mould at its lower opening due to a reduced number of process steps; - The duration of the preparatory work steps for the first casting and the duration of personnel's stay in the mould are minimised. - Simplification of the first casting in continuous slab casting, including the sealing of the mold. and / or - Acceleration of the preparation for the first casting and protection against breakouts, by minimizing the duration of the preparation steps for the first casting and the duration of personnel's stay in the mould.

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of diagrammatically simplified figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a sealing system according to the present invention in an assembled state; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view (from above) of the sealing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of the individual components of the closure system of FIG. 1, the closure system comprising a head element and an adapter element. [Figure 5] 5 is a perspective view of the closure system of FIG. 4 when the adapter element of the closure system is already coupled with the dummy bar head. [Figure 6] 1 is a side view of a web attached to the underside of an adapter element. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view of a cutout portion formed in the dummy bar head adjacent to the upper end face of the dummy bar head. [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of a pin attached to the upper surface of an adapter element. [Figure 9]2 is a perspective view of the assembled closure system of FIG. 1 when the closure system is inserted into a mold of a continuous casting facility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In the following, with reference to Figures 1 to 9, an advantageous embodiment of a sealing system 10 is shown, which is intended for use with a dummy bar head of a continuous casting installation. Identical features in the figures are respectively provided with the same reference numerals. It is pointed out here that the figures are merely simplified and are not particularly drawn to scale.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a sealing system 10 according to the present invention when the sealing system is assembled to a dummy bar head 1 .

[0029] The closure system 10 according to the present invention is comprised of a number of structural members and in detail comprises a head element 12 and an adapter element 18.

[0030] The head element 12 and the adapter element 18 are advantageously made of metal, for example steel.

[0031] In FIG. 4, the individual components of the closure system 10 are shown in perspective and exploded view.

[0032] The adapter element 18 can be fixed at or on the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head 1 with its underside 19 (see FIG. 4, lowest illustration). For this purpose, the invention comprises first fixing means 22, which are described separately further below.

[0033] The head element 12 can be placed from above onto the upper surface 20 of the adapter element 18 and suitably fixed there using the second fixing means 30 .

[0034] The head element 12 according to the embodiment shown here is formed in the shape of a plate, which gives rise to the advantages that the head element has a low weight and can be manufactured at low cost.

[0035] A circumferentially extending sealing element 14 is attached along the edge region 13 of the head element 12. This sealing element 14 can be made of a synthetic material and is attached to or suitably fixed to the edge region 13 of the head element 12. In this respect, the head element 12 and the sealing element 14 attached to it form a structural unit.

[0036] With regard to the sealing element 14, it is hereby pointed out separately that the outer dimensions of the sealing element are only slightly larger, in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head, than the cross section of the mold of the continuous casting installation. In this regard, reference is made to FIG. 9, in which a mold 4 is shown in a simplified manner, with a sealing system 10 according to the invention arranged inside the mold 4, and with the aid of a sealing element 14 the opening 5 of the mold being able to be sealed.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the dummy bar head 1 along the line AA in Figure 1 and clearly shows that this cross-section is rectangular in shape, the proportions of which are chosen so that the long side L of this cross-section is many times larger than the short side K of this cross-section.

[0038] It should be pointed out that the cross section of the adapter element 18 is chosen in the same way and therefore has the same proportions with respect to the cross section of the dummy bar head 1 shown in Fig. 2. Likewise, the outer dimensions of the head element 12, shown in the plan view of Fig. 3, can correspond to the cross section of Fig. 2.

[0039] In any case, the proportions of the head element 12 and the adapter element 18 are selected so that they are respectively adapted to the cross section of the mold 4 of the continuous casting installation (not shown) (see FIG. 9) and can thus be inserted into this mold 4.

[0040] A plurality of ridges 16 are attached to the upper surface 15 of the head element 12. The ridges 16 are formed so that they have as large a contact surface as possible. In the embodiment shown here, the ridges each have a multi-part structure that forms a cross in plan view (see FIG. 3).

[0041] The raised portion 16 is used for the purpose of coming into contact with the liquid molten cast steel at the start of the continuous casting process, which is poured from above into the mold 4 of the continuous casting installation, whereupon the raised portion 16 is passed over by the liquid molten cast steel, so that the hot strand formed from the molten cast steel is firmly bonded to the head element 12 at the upper surface 15 of the head element and the raised portion 16 attached thereto. Due to the large contact surface of the raised portion 16, on contact with the molten steel, a reduction in the temperature of the molten steel is advantageously achieved, which contributes to the solidification of the molten steel.

[0042] In the following, the first fastening means 22 are described, by means of which the fastening of the adapter element 18 on the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head 1 is achieved.

[0043] The first fastening means 22 comprises at least one web 24 with a mushroom-shaped bulge 25 at the free end of the web and at least one cutout 26 with an enlarged area 27 .

[0044] According to the middle illustration of Figure 4, three webs 24 are attached to the underside 19 of the adapter element 18, each of which projects downward from this underside 19. With regard to the formation of these webs 24, reference should likewise be made to the side view of Figure 6, in which one web is shown to have a mushroom-shaped bulge 25 at its free end.

[0045] As shown in the lower illustration of Figure 4, a notch 26 is formed in the dummy bar head 1 adjacent to the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head, i.e., the notch 26 opens toward the upper end face 2. 7, the cutout 26 has an enlarged region 27. Between the enlarged region 27 and the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head 1, the cutout 26 has a narrow bottle-neck-like portion 28 that starts from the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head 1 and leads into the enlarged region 27 of the cutout 26.

[0046] Regarding the notch 26, it should be further pointed out that this notch is open on at least one side (shown in the foreground of the image in the lower illustration of FIG. 4) of the dummy bar head 1. As a result, it is possible to insert the web 24 with the bulge 25 of this web laterally into the notch 26 from this open side. 5 shows the assembled state of the adapter element 18 when the webs 24 attached to the underside 19 of the adapter element 18 have been inserted entirely into the assigned cutouts 26 of the dummy bar head 1. In this connection, it should be emphasized that the bulges 25 of the webs 24 and the widened areas 27 of the cutouts 26 are designed to complement one another, i.e., such that the webs 24, with their bulges 25, can be inserted into the cutouts 26 and into the widened areas 27 of the cutouts without clamping. When viewed in the transport direction of the dummy bar head 1, symbolized by the arrow "T" in Figures 1 and 9, respectively, and with the web 24 inserted in the cutout 26 as described above, a positively engaging connection between the adapter element 18 and the dummy bar head 1 is provided at the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head.

[0047] In the following, second fastening means 30 are described, by means of which the fastening of the head element 12 at or on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 is achieved.

[0048] The second fastening means 30 comprises a plurality of through-openings 31, which are formed in particular in the plate-shaped head element 12. These through-openings 31 are shown, for example, in the upper illustration of Figure 4 and likewise in Figure 5.

[0049] Furthermore, the second fastening means 30 in the embodiment shown here also comprises a plurality of pins 32, which are attached to the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0050] With regard to the mounting of the pins 32 in the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18, it can be provided that for this purpose through-openings (not shown) are respectively formed in the upper side 20, into which the pins 32 are inserted. In line with these through-openings, "windows" or through-cutouts 21 are respectively formed in the adapter element 18, as can be seen in the middle illustration of FIG. 4 and also in FIG. 5. In any case, the pins 32 are mounted in the aforementioned through openings in the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 so that they project into the windows 21 allocated with their lower free ends and can be suitably fixed there by means of nuts 33 (see FIG. 1).

[0051] Further details of pin 32 are shown and described in connection with FIG.

[0052] At the outer peripheral surface of the pin 32, in the region above the upper surface 20 of the adapter element 18, at least one projection N, or the like, is fixed or formed thereon. This projection N is used so that when the pin 32 is inserted into the allocated through-opening in the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18, it rests on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 and thus reaches a defined final position in which it is then possible to fix the pin 32 at its lower free end using a nut 33, as described above. In connection with such fixation of the pins 32 in the upper surface 20 of the adapter element 18, the above-mentioned windows 21 are useful, which are formed in the adapter element 18 adjacent to the upper surface 20 of the adapter element.

[0053] With regard to the embodiment of the adapter element 18, as this embodiment is shown in Figures 4 and 5, it should be pointed out that the shaping of the window 21 deviates only slightly from the embodiment according to Figure 1. Nevertheless, this does not change in any way the function of this window 21, by virtue of which the possibility of assembling a pin 32 on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 is possible.

[0054] Adjacent its upper free end, the pin 32 has a longitudinal hole 34 into which a wedge 36 can be inserted, which is used for fixation of the head element 12 on the adapter element 18, as will be explained below.

[0055] After the pins 32 have been attached as described above to the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18, the head element 12 can be placed from above on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18, with the pins 32 passing through the through openings 31 formed in the head element 12. In the position of the plate-shaped head element placed on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18, the plate-shaped head element 12 is located below the longitudinal holes 34 formed in each pin 32. Following this, wedges 36 are pushed through the longitudinal holes 34 of the respective pins 32, so that they rest on the upper surface 15 of the head element 12. In this way, a positively engaging clamping of the head element 12 at or with the upper surface 20 of the adapter element 18 can be achieved, a hammer or similar object being required for this purpose if necessary.

[0056] The assembled position of the head element 12 when it is mounted on the upper surface 20 of the adapter element 18 and clamped on this upper surface using the wedge 36, as described above, is shown in the perspectives of Figures 1 and 3.

[0057] As already explained at the outset elsewhere, it is expedient for the head element 12 to be configured as a standardized structural element. By means of the adapter element 18, it is then possible to connect such a standardized head element 12 to a possibly different dummy bar head 1.

[0058] The present invention now works as follows:

[0059] At the start of the continuous casting process, the adapter element 18 is first equipped with a pin 32 on the upper side 20 of the adapter element.

[0060] The web 24 is then inserted laterally, with the bulge 25 formed on it, into the corresponding recess 26 of the dummy bar head 1, so that the adapter element 18 is connected to the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head 1 in a form-fitting manner (see Figure 5).

[0061] Following this, the head element 12 (with the sealing element 14 already attached to it) is placed on the upper surface 20 of the adapter element 18 as described above, with the through opening 31 of the head element 12 being penetrated by the pin 32. The clamping of the head element 12 on or at the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 is then carried out using wedges 36, which are driven into the longitudinal holes 34 of the respective pins 32.

[0062] Now, as soon as the head element 12 is coupled to the dummy bar head 1 using the adapter element 18, the resulting sealing system 10 is inserted into the mold 4 of the continuous casting facility, as shown in Figure 9. In the illustration of Figure 9, for the sake of simplicity, the plate located in the foreground of the image is indicated only by phantom lines, so that the sealing system 10 located behind it is recognizable.

[0063] The dummy bar head 1 is then positioned in the mold 4 in preparation for the first casting so that the lower opening 5 is appropriately closed or sealed using the sealing element 14. As a result, it is achieved by the present invention that the liquid molten metal, e.g., liquid steel, cannot flow downwards out of the mold 4 during the actual first casting.

[0064] As mentioned above, contact of the liquid molten metal or steel with the raised portions 16 provided on the upper side 15 of the head element 12 and having a relatively large contact surface causes the molten metal or steel to experience a temperature drop, which contributes to the desired solidification of the molten metal or steel. Consequently, the use of cooled scrap can be omitted at the start of the initial or continuous casting process.

[0065] Extraction of the dummy bar head 1 from the mold 4 in the transport direction T is achieved by means (not shown), for example in the form of chains or the like, which are brought into engagement with undercuts or grooves 3 formed in the lower end of the dummy bar head 1.

[0066] At that stage in the continuous casting process, when a metal strand or hot strip has already been formed from the solidified molten metal, the dummy bar head 1 can be disengaged from the adapter element 18 by applying a force to the dummy bar head perpendicular or transverse to the transport direction T. As a result, in this case, the web 24 is expelled from the notch 26, which separates the dummy bar head 1 and the adapter element 18 from each other, and thus at least the dummy bar head 1 can be used again.

[0067] The adapter element 18 can also be reused for a new continuous casting process. For this purpose, the portion of the solidified hot strand connected to the head element 12 can be separated, followed by disengaging the nut 33 from the lower end of the pin 32, and thus removing the adapter element 18 from the pin 32. When the adapter element 18 is reused, a new pin 32 must simply be attached to the upper surface 20 of this adapter element. The "old" pin 32, on the other hand, remains in the solidified area of ​​the hot strand and forms "scrap" together with the head element 12.

[0068] Finally, it should be pointed out that the embodiment of the first fastening means 22 shown in Figures 4, 6 and 7, i.e. in the form of a web 24 with a mushroom-shaped bulge 25 and a notch 26 with an enlarged area 27, is only one possible example of this first fastening means 22. Alternatively, but with the same functional aspects, it is also possible for these form-locking first fastening means 22 to have a locking portion (not shown) or the like (advantageously at the free end of the web 24), which can be brought into engagement with a part or parts of the dummy bar head 1, for example in the form of a notch or undercut, thereby achieving a form-locking connection between the adapter element and the dummy bar head, which connection can likewise be released again if necessary. The present application relates to the invention described in the claims, but may also include the following as other aspects. 1. A sealing system (10) for use with a dummy bar head (1) of a continuous casting facility, comprising: The sealing system comprises in particular a plate-shaped head element (12) in the edge region (13) of which a circumferentially extending sealing element (14) is attached, In the above-mentioned closed system, The sealing system comprises an adapter element (18) made of metal, the adapter element being fixable with its lower surface (19) to the upper end surface (2) of the dummy bar head (1); The head element (12) can be fixed to the upper surface (20) of the adapter element (18) and thereby can be coupled to the dummy bar head (1). A sealing system (10) characterized by: 2. The lower surface (19) of the adapter element (18) is adapted to the upper end surface (2) of the dummy bar head (1), and 10. The sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it can be fixed to the upper end face (2) of the dummy bar head (1) by a first fixing means (22). 3. The sealing system (10) according to item 2 above, wherein the first fastening means (22) is formed to be geometrically engaged. 4. The first fastening means (22) comprises at least one web (24) having a bulge (25) or a locking portion at the free end of the web, and at least one notch (26), and the bulge (25) or the locking portion of the web (24) and the notch can be brought into engagement with each other; Advantageously, the web (24) has a bulge (25), in particular mushroom-shaped, and the cutout (26) has an enlarged area (27), and in that case the bulge (25), in particular mushroom-shaped, and the enlarged area (27) of the cutout (26) are configured complementary to one another; More advantageously, said web (24) is attached at the lower side (19) of said adapter element (18), and The notch (26) is formed in the dummy bar head (1) adjacent to an upper end surface (2) of the dummy bar head and opens toward the end surface (2); 3. The sealing system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that: 5. The notch (26) has a narrow bottle-neck-like portion (28), The sealing system (10) described in 4 above, characterized in that this narrow bottle neck-like portion starts from the upper end face (2) of the dummy bar head (1) and leads to the enlarged area (27) of the cutout portion (26). 6. The notch (26) is open on at least one side surface of the dummy bar head (1), Therefore, the web (24) can be inserted into the notch (26) from the side with the bulge (25) of the web, as described in 4 or 5 above. 7. The head element (12) and the adapter element (18) each have a rectangular cross section in a plane extending perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head (1), with a longitudinal side (L) and a short side (K); the longitudinal extension of the long sides (L) is several times greater than the longitudinal extension of the short sides (K), Advantageously, the head element (12) and the adapter element (18) are adapted with their cross sections in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head (1) to the cross section of the mold (4) of the continuous casting installation, respectively. 7. A sealing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: 8. A sealing system (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the short side (K) of the rectangular cross section of the adapter element (18) or the head element (12) has a length of at least 100 mm, advantageously 120 mm, and even more advantageously greater than 150 mm. 9. The sealing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the head element (12) is formed as a standardized structural member. 10. A sealing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the head element (12) and the adapter element (18) can be connected to each other by means of second fastening means (30), in particular by means of shape-engaging second fastening means. 11. The second fastening means (30) comprise a plurality of through-openings (31) formed in the head element (12), which is in particular plate-shaped; the second fastening means (30) also comprises a plurality of pins, screws or the like (32) attached to the upper surface (20) of the adapter element (18) and insertable through the through openings (31) formed in the head element (12); 11. The sealing system (10) according to claim 10. 12. At or adjacent to the free end of each pin (32) there is formed a longitudinal hole (34) through which a wedge (36) can be pushed; When the head element is inserted onto the pin (32) by means of the through opening (31) of the head element, 12. The sealing system (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the wedge rests on the upper surface (15) of the head element (12). 13. A sealing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one ridge (16), advantageously a plurality of such ridges (16), is formed on the upper surface (15) of the head element (12). 14. The sealing element (14) is made of synthetic material; Advantageously, the outer dimensions of the sealing element (14) are only slightly larger than the cross section of the mold (4) of the continuous casting installation in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head (1); 14. A sealing system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: 15. A method for the production of metal products by continuous casting using a closed system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, At the beginning of the method, the molten metal undergoes sufficient cooling during pouring into the mold (4) of the continuous casting plant by contact with the upper surface (15) of the head element (12) and the raised portion (16) provided on this upper surface, Therefore, the start of the process is carried out without cooling scrap. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Dummy Bar Head 2 Upper end face (of dummy bar head 1) 3 Undercut area 4. Mold 5 Lower opening (of mold 4) 10 Sealed System 12 Head element 13 Edge region (of head element 12) 14 Sealing element 15 (of head element 12) upper surface 16 (on the upper surface 15 of the head element 12) 18 Adapter Elements 19 (of adapter element 18) lower surface 20 (of adapter element 18) upper surface 21 window or through-cut (in adapter element 18) 22 First fixing means 24 Web 25 Bulge 26 Notch 27 (of the notch 26) enlarged area 28 (notch 26) narrow bottle-neck-like portion 30 Secondary fixing means 31 Through opening 32-pin 33 Nut 34 Longitudinal hole 36 Wedge L Longitudinal side K short side T (Dummy bar head 1) transport direction

Claims

1. A sealing system (10) for use with a dummy bar head (1) of a continuous casting facility, comprising: The sealing system comprises a plate-shaped head element (12) to the edge region (13) of which a circumferentially extending sealing element (14) is attached, The sealing system comprises an adapter element (18) made of metal, the adapter element being fixable with its lower surface (19) to the upper end surface (2) of the dummy bar head (1), the head element (12) is fixable to the upper surface (20) of the adapter element (18) and thereby connectable to the dummy bar head (1); and the closure system comprises second fastening means (30) by means of which the head element (12) and the adapter element (18) can be joined; In the above-mentioned closed system, the second fastening means (30) comprises a plurality of through openings (31) formed in the plate-shaped head element (12); the second fastening means (30) also comprising a plurality of pins (32) attached to the upper surface (20) of the adapter element (18) and insertable through the through openings (31) formed in the head element (12); At or adjacent to the free end of each pin (32) there is formed a longitudinal hole (34) through which a wedge (36) can be pushed; When the head element is inserted onto the pin (32) by means of the through opening (31) of the head element, the wedge rests on the upper surface (15) of the head element (12); The lower surface (19) of the adapter element (18) is adapted to the upper end surface (2) of the dummy bar head (1), and It can be fixed to the upper end surface (2) of the dummy bar head (1) by a first fixing means (22); the first fastening means (22) being formed to be form-fitting, and the first fastening means (22) having at least one web (24) with a bulge (25) or locking portion at the free end of the web and at least one notch (26), the bulge (25) or locking portion of the web (24) and the notch being capable of being brought into engagement with each other; A sealing system (10) characterized by:

2. the web (24) has a mushroom-shaped bulge (25) and the cutout (26) has an enlarged area (27), and in that case the mushroom-shaped bulge (25) and the enlarged area (27) of the cutout (26) are formed in a complementary manner; The sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that

3. The web (24) is attached to the underside (19) of the adapter element (18), and The notch (26) is formed in the dummy bar head (1) adjacent to an upper end surface (2) of the dummy bar head and opens toward the end surface (2); The sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that

4. The cutout (26) has a narrow bottle-neck-like portion (28), A sealing system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that this narrow bottle-neck-like portion starts from the upper end face (2) of the dummy bar head (1) and leads to the enlarged area (27) of the cutout portion (26).

5. The notch (26) is open on at least one side surface of the dummy bar head (1), 2. A sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the web (24) can therefore be inserted into the notch (26) from the side with its bulge (25).

6. the head element (12) and the adapter element (18) each have a rectangular cross section in a plane extending perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head (1), with a longitudinal side (L) and a short side (K); the longitudinal extension of said longitudinal sides (L) is several times greater than the longitudinal extension of said short sides (K), The sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that

7. the head element (12) and the adapter element (18) are adapted with their cross sections in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head (1) to the cross section of the mold (4) of the continuous casting facility, respectively; 7. The sealing system (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that:

8. 7. The sealing system (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the short side (K) of the rectangular cross section of the adapter element (18) or the head element (12) has a length of at least 100 mm, preferably 120 mm, and more preferably greater than 150 mm.

9. 2. The sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the head element (12) has an upper surface (15) formed with a plurality of ridges (16).

10. said sealing element (14) being made of synthetic material; The sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that

11. the outer dimensions of the sealing element (14) are only slightly larger than the cross section of the mold (4) of the continuous casting installation in a plane perpendicular to the transport direction of the dummy bar head (1); The sealing system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that

12. A method for the production of metal products by continuous casting using a closed system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, At the beginning of the method, the molten metal undergoes sufficient cooling during pouring into the mold (4) of the continuous casting plant by contact with the upper surface (15) of the head element (12) and the raised portion (16) provided on this upper surface, Therefore, the start of the process is carried out without cooling scrap.

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