Sealing systems for continuous casting plants and methods for producing metal products using these systems.

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing system (10) for use with dummy bar end (1) of a continuous casting plant, which includes a plate-shaped end part (12), whose edge (13) is fitted with a peripheral sealing ring (14), an adapting part (18) made of metal, which can be fastened by its underside (19) to the upper end face (2) of a dummy bar end (1), wherein the end part (12) can be fastened to the upper face (20) of the adapting part (18) and thus can be connected to the dummy bar end (1).

Description

[0001] Sealing system for a continuous casting plant

[0002] The invention relates to a sealing system for use with a cold strand head of a continuous casting plant according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] For the production of metallic products by continuous casting, it is known in the art to provide a seal on a dummy bar head at the beginning of the continuous casting process. This seal is used to suitably seal a gap between the dummy bar head and the inner walls of a mold of a continuous casting plant during the casting process. Corresponding sealing systems with such a seal are shown, for example, in EP 2 127 780 B1, DE 20 2005 001 310 U1, EP 0 234 299 B2, DE 44 01 825 A1, or DE 600 04 848 T2.

[0004] In the sealing systems according to the aforementioned prior art, an upper part is always precisely adapted to a lower part in the shape of the cold end head. This leads to the disadvantage that such an upper part, to which the seal is already attached or which serves to secure a seal located underneath, always only fits a specific shape of a cold end head and is not suitable for use with other types of cold end heads. This can adversely lead to increased production costs.

[0005] Accordingly, the object of the invention is to provide a sealing system which is suitable for use with a cold strand head of a continuous casting plant, with which the start of the continuous casting process can be carried out more easily and cost-effectively and the associated work preparations can be carried out more quickly.

[0006] This object is achieved by a sealing system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. A sealing system according to the present invention is intended for use with a dummy bar head of a continuous casting plant and comprises a head element, in particular a plate-shaped one, to the edge region of which a circumferential seal is attached. This sealing system is characterized by a metal adapter element, which can be fastened by its underside to an upper end face of a dummy bar head, wherein the head element can be fastened to an upper side of the adapter element and can thus be connected to the dummy bar head.

[0007] For the sealing system according to the invention, it is expedient if the head element is designed as a standardized component.

[0008] With regard to the adapter element, which is part of the sealing system according to the invention, it should be emphasized at this point that this is a separate component that can be arranged between the head element and an upper end face of a cold-end head. This ensures that the head element can be connected to or with the upper end face of the cold-end head using the adapter element. In this regard, it is advantageous if an upper side of the adapter element is designed in a standardized manner, in the same way as the head element, so that the head element can always be attached to the upper side of the adapter element.

[0009] The invention is based on the essential finding that, by means of the adapter element, it is possible to connect a head element to possibly different cold strand heads of a continuous casting plant. In particular, if the head element with the attached seal is designed as a standardized component, this results in the advantage that a head element designed in this way can be used for a multitude of possibly different cold strand heads. This ensures that the head element with the attached seal can be manufactured very cost-effectively and can be kept in stock for a multitude of possibly different cold strand heads, namely, as explained, thanks to the characteristic adapter element, with which a connection of the head element to a cold strand head can be realized.

[0010] In an advantageous development of the invention, the head element, with a seal attached thereto, which may be made of plastic or have a plastic component, is designed as a "disposable article." In the context of the present invention, this means that such a head element, when it comes into contact with the molten steel or metal and the resulting cast metal strand or continuous cast product at the beginning of a continuous casting process, then initially forms a permanent bond with the hot strip and is only separated from this product by cutting after sufficient solidification of an intermediate or final product formed therefrom, e.g., a slab.

[0011] According to an advantageous development of the invention, attachment of the adapter element to the dummy bar head is ensured by the fact that the underside of the adapter element is adapted to the upper end face of the dummy bar head and can be fastened to the upper end face of the dummy bar head by first fastening means. It is expedient for the first fastening means to be designed to be form-fitting, thereby achieving a high level of operational reliability for the start of the continuous casting process.

[0012] In an advantageous further development, the above-mentioned first fastening means can be provided with at least one web having a bead or hook at its free end, and at least one recess. The bead or hook on the one hand and the recess on the other hand can be brought into engagement with one another in order to achieve a positive connection between the adapter element and the cold strand head. For example, the web can be provided as a projecting or protruding part on an underside of the adapter element, with the bead or hook being formed at a free end thereof. Furthermore, the recess can be formed in the cold strand head, preferably on or adjacent to its upper end face, and in this case comprise a widened region. Thus, the recess can be formed in the cold strand head adjacent to its upper end face and open into this end face.In this context, it is expedient if the bead and the widened area of ​​the recess are designed to be complementary to one another.

[0013] To achieve a reliable connection between the adapter element and the cold end head, it is advantageous if a plurality of webs are attached to the underside of the adapter element, which can then be positively hooked into the recesses of the cold end head. For example, three, four, or possibly more than four such webs can be provided on the underside of the adapter element, with a correspondingly adapted number of recesses in the cold end head adjacent to its upper face.

[0014] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the aforementioned first fastening means can be provided with a recess having a bottleneck-like, narrow section that extends from the upper end face of the dummy bar head into the widened area of ​​the recess. Complementary to the bottleneck-like section of the recess, the web comprises a slender neck area located between the mushroom-like bulge of the web and the underside of the adapter element. In any case, a secure positive connection between the adapter element and the dummy bar head in the direction of a transport direction of the dummy bar head is ensured when the mushroom-like bulge of the web is engaged in the widened area of ​​the recess.

[0015] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is expedient if the recess is open on at least one side surface of the dummy bar head, so that the web with its bead (or alternatively: with its hook) can be introduced into the recess from this side surface. 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, as well as a separation of the adapter element from the dummy bar head at an advanced stage of the continuous casting process by exerting a force (tensile or compressive force) on the adapter element transversely to the transport direction of the dummy bar head.

[0016] In an advantageous development of the invention, the head element and the adapter element are each provided with a rectangular cross-section in a plane running orthogonal to the transport direction of the dummy bar head, said cross-section having a long side and a short side. Such a rectangular cross-section is characterized in that its long side is many times larger than the short side. In any case, it should be emphasized in this context that both the head element and the adapter element, with their cross-section in the plane orthogonal to the transport direction of the dummy bar head, are each adapted to a cross-section of a mold of a continuous casting plant. With regard to the aforementioned length ratio, according to which the long side of the rectangular cross section is many times larger than the short side, it should be noted that this is typical in the continuous casting of slabs.

[0017] In an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that a 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, more preferably more than 150 mm. In this regard, it is understood for the present invention that the length of the short side of the rectangular cross-section influences the thickness of a subsequently solidified slab, or that the length of this short side corresponds to the thickness of a solidified slab.

[0018] According to an advantageous development of the invention, second fastening means are provided by which the head element and the adapter element can be connected to one another. Like the first fastening means, it is also advantageous for these second fastening means to function according to the positive locking principle.

[0019] According to an advantageous development of the invention, for the aforementioned second fastening means, a plurality of through-openings can be formed in the head element, preferably at equal distances from one another. Accordingly, a plurality of bolts, screws, or the like can be attached to the top side of the adapter element, preferably also at equal distances from one another and in particular adapted to the distance between the through-openings. In other words, a plurality of bolts, screws, or the like can be attached to the top side of the adapter element, the distance between these bolts, screws, or the like being selected in the same way as the distance between the through-openings formed in the head element.This makes it possible for the head element to be pushed onto the bolts or screws attached to the top of the adapter element from above using the through holes provided therein.

[0020] If screws are attached to the top of the adapter element, a connection of the head element to the adapter element can be achieved in a simple manner after the head element has been pushed onto the adapter element from above as explained and the screws pass through the through openings formed in the head element by screwing nuts onto the free ends of the screws, which then each come into contact with the top of the adapter element and thus press the head element against the adapter element.

[0021] With regard to the aforementioned second fastening means, according to an advantageous development of the invention - as an alternative to the aforementioned screws - it is provided that an elongated hole is formed in each of the bolts which, as explained, are attached to the top side of the adapter element. In conjunction with such an elongated hole, a wedge is provided which can be inserted into this elongated hole. Such a wedge fulfills the function that, after the head element has been pushed from above with its through openings formed therein onto the bolts attached to the top side of the adapter element, it is possible to clamp the head element to or with its top side by driving the wedge into the elongated hole of a bolt. The only tool that may be required for this is a hammer for driving the wedge into the elongated hole.

[0022] According to the present invention, a method for producing a metallic product by continuous casting is also provided, in which a sealing system with the aforementioned features is used. At the beginning of such a process, the molten metal undergoes sufficient cooling upon filling the mold of a continuous casting plant through contact with the top of the head element and the protrusion(s) provided there, so that this initial process can be carried out without cooling scrap.

[0023] Further aspects of the present invention and its advantages are formed by the following features:

[0024] - Reduction of damage caused by cooling scrap, because the risk of damage to the downstream parts of a supporting strand guide of a continuous casting plant due to the cooling scrap previously used for sealing is eliminated.

[0025] - Reducing the risk of breakouts during casting.

[0026] - Shortening the process, particularly with regard to the preparation of work for sealing the mold at its lower opening before starting (or continuing) a continuous casting process.

[0027] - Simplification of the necessary sealing of the mold at its lower opening by reducing the number of process steps.

[0028] - The duration of the preparation steps for pouring and the time spent by employees at the mold are minimized.

[0029] - Simplification of the pouring process in continuous slab casting, including sealing of the mold. And / or:

[0030] - Acceleration of the preparation for pouring and protection against breakout by minimizing the duration of the preparation steps for pouring and the time spent by employees at the mold.

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to a simplified schematic drawing. They show:

[0032] Fig. 1 is a side view of a sealing system according to the invention in the assembled state,

[0033] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line AA of Fig. 1 ,

[0034] Fig. 3 is a plan view (from above) of the sealing system of Fig. 1 ,

[0035] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of individual parts of the sealing system of Fig. 1, which comprises a head element and an adapter element,

[0036] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the sealing system of Fig. 4 when its adapter element is already connected to a cold strand head,

[0037] Fig. 6 is a side view of a web attached to an underside of a

[0038] adapter element is attached,

[0039] Fig. 7 is a side view of a recess formed in a cold strand head adjacent to its upper end face,

[0040] Fig. 8 is a side view of a bolt attached to a top side of the adapter element, and

[0041] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the assembled sealing system of Fig. 1 when it is inserted into a mold of a continuous casting plant.

[0042] Preferred embodiments of a sealing system 10 intended for use with a dummy bar head of a continuous casting plant are shown and explained below with reference to Figs. 1 to 9. Identical features in the drawings are provided with identical reference numerals. It is specifically noted that the drawing is merely simplified and, in particular, is not drawn to scale. Fig. 1 shows a side view of the sealing system 10 according to the invention when mounted on a dummy bar head 1.

[0043] The sealing system 10 according to the invention consists of several components and specifically comprises a head element 12 and an adapter element 18.

[0044] The head element 12 and the adapter element 18 are preferably made of metal, for example steel.

[0045] In Fig. 4, the individual components of the sealing system 10 are shown in perspective in an exploded view.

[0046] The adapter element 18 can be fastened with its underside 19 to or on an upper end face 2 of the cold strand head 1 (see Fig. 4, bottom view). For this purpose, the invention comprises first fastening means 22, which are explained separately below.

[0047] The head element 12 can be placed from above onto an upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 and suitably fastened there by means of second fastening means 30.

[0048] The head element 12 according to the embodiment shown here is plate-shaped. This has the advantage that the head element is lightweight and can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0049] A circumferential seal 14 is attached along an edge region 13 of the head element 12. This seal 14 can be made of plastic and is molded or suitably attached to the edge region 13 of the head element 12. In this respect, the head element 12 and the seal 14 attached thereto form a single structural unit.

[0050] With regard to the seal 14, it should be specifically noted at this point that its external dimensions are slightly larger than a cross-section of a mold of a continuous casting plant in a plane orthogonal to the transport direction of the dummy bar head. Reference is made to Fig. 9, which shows a simplified representation of a mold 4, wherein the sealing system 10 according to the invention is arranged within this mold 4, and a lower opening 5 of the mold can be sealed by means of the seal 14.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a cross-section through the dummy bar head 1 along line AA of Figure 1 and illustrates that this cross-section is rectangular. Its proportions are chosen such that a long side L is several times larger than a short side K of this cross-section.

[0052] With regard to the cross-section of the cold strand head 1 shown in Fig. 2, it should be noted that the cross-section of the adapter element 18 is selected in the same way and thus has the same proportions. Likewise, the outer dimensions of the head element 12, shown in the top view of Fig. 3, can correspond to the cross-section of Fig. 2.

[0053] In any case, the proportions of the head element 12 and the adapter element 18 are selected such that they are each adapted to a cross-section of the mold 4 of a continuous casting plant (not shown) (cf. Fig. 9) and can thus be introduced into the mold 4.

[0054] A plurality of elevations 16 are attached to an upper side 15 of the head element 12. These elevations 16 are designed to have the largest possible contact area. In the embodiment shown here, these elevations can each have a multi-part structure that is cross-shaped in plan view (see Fig. 3).

[0055] The elevations 16 serve the purpose of coming into contact with molten steel at the beginning of a continuous casting process, which is poured from above into the mold 4 of a continuous casting plant. The molten steel flows around the elevations 16, with the result that a hot strand formed from the molten steel firmly bonds to the head element 12 at its upper side 15 and the elevations 16 provided there. Due to the large contact surfaces of the elevations 16, a reduction in the temperature of the molten steel is advantageously achieved upon contact with the molten steel, which contributes to its solidification.

[0056] The first fastening means 22 are explained below, with which fastening of the adapter element 18 to the upper end face 2 of the cold strand head 1 is achieved.

[0057] The first fastening means 22 comprise at least one web 24 having a mushroom-shaped bead 25 at its free end, and at least one recess 26 with a widened region 27.

[0058] As can be seen from the central illustration of Fig. 4, three webs 24 are attached to an underside 19 of the adapter element 18, each of which protrudes downward from the underside 19. Regarding the design of these webs 24, reference may also be made to the side view of Fig. 6: This shows that a web comprises a mushroom-shaped bead 25 at its free end.

[0059] As can be seen from the lower illustration of Fig. 4, the recess 26 in the dummy bar head 1 is formed adjacent to its upper end face 2, namely such that this recess 26 opens into this end face 2. As also illustrated in the view of Fig. 7, the recess 26 has a widened region 27. Between this widened region 27 and the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head 2, the recess 26 comprises a narrow, bottleneck-like section 28, which, starting from the upper end face 2 of the dummy bar head 1, leads into the widened region 27 of the recess 26.

[0060] Regarding the recess 26, it should also be noted that it is open on at least one side surface of the cold strand head 1 (shown in the foreground of the lower illustration of Fig. 4). As a result, it is possible to insert the web 24 with its bead 25 laterally into the recess 26 from this open side surface. Fig. 5 shows an assembled state of the adapter element 18 when the webs 24, which are attached to the underside 19 of the adapter element 18, have all been inserted into the associated recesses 26 of the cold strand head 1. In this regard, it should be emphasized that the bead 25 of the web 24 and the widened region 27 of the recess 26 are designed to be complementary to one another, namely in such a way that the web 24 with its bead 25 can be inserted into the recess 26 and its widened region 27 without jamming. Seen in the transport direction of the cold strand head 1, which is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig.9 is symbolized by an arrow “T”, this results in a positive connection between the adapter element 18 and the cold strand head 1 at its upper end face 2 when the webs 24 are inserted into the recesses 26 as explained.

[0061] The second fastening means 30 are explained below, with which fastening of the head element 12 to or on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 is achieved.

[0062] The second fastening means 30 comprise a plurality of through-openings 31 formed in the particularly plate-shaped head element 12. These through-openings 31 are shown, for example, in the upper illustration of Fig. 4 and similarly in Fig. 5.

[0063] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown here, the second fastening means 30 also comprise a plurality of bolts 32 which are attached to the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 (cf. Fig. 4 + Fig. 5).

[0064] In order to attach the bolts 32 to the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18, it can be provided that for this purpose, through openings (not shown) are formed in the upper side 20, into which the bolts 32 are inserted. In alignment with these through openings, "windows" or openings 21 are 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 bolts 32 are attached to the said through opening on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 in such a way that they protrude with their lower free ends into the associated windows 21 and can be suitably fixed there by means of a nut 33 (cf. Fig. 1).

[0065] Referring to Fig. 8, further details of a bolt 32 are shown and explained:

[0066] At least one cam N or the like is fastened or formed on the outer circumferential surface of a bolt 32 in the region above the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18. The cam N serves to ensure that a bolt 32, when introduced into an associated through-opening in the upper side 10 of the adapter element 18, rests with this cam N on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18 and thus reaches a defined end position in which, as explained, the bolt 32 can then be fixed by means of the nut 33 at its lower free end. In connection with such an attachment of the bolt 32 to the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18, the aforementioned windows 21, which are formed in the adapter element 18 adjacent to its upper side 18, are helpful.

[0067] With regard to the embodiment of an adapter element 18, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, it should be noted that the shape of the windows 21 differs slightly from the embodiment according to Fig. 1. Nevertheless, this does not change the functionality of these windows 21, which allows the bolts 32 to be mounted on the upper side 20 of the adapter element 18.

[0068] The bolt 32 has an elongated hole 34 adjacent to an upper free end thereof, into which a wedge 36 can be inserted. This serves to fasten the head element 12 to the adapter element 18, as explained below:

[0069] After the bolts 32 have been attached to the top side 20 of the adapter element 18 as explained, the head element 12 can be placed from above onto the top side 20 of the adapter element 18, with the bolts 32 being inserted through the through-openings 31 formed in the head element 12. In its position placed on the top side 20 of the adapter element 18, the plate-shaped head element 12 is located below the elongated holes 34 formed in the respective bolts 32. Subsequently, wedges 36 are driven through the elongated holes 34 of the respective bolts 32, so that the wedges 36 rest on the top side 15 of the head element (12). In this way, a positive clamping of the head element 12 to or with the top side 20 of the adapter element 18 can be achieved, whereby a hammer or the like may be required for this purpose.

[0070] The assembled position of the head element 12 when it is mounted as explained on the top side 20 of the adapter element 18 and clamped thereon using the wedges 36 is shown in the views of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3.

[0071] As already explained elsewhere at the beginning, it is expedient for the head element 12 to be designed as a standardized component. With the aid of the adapter element 18, it is then possible to connect such a standardized head element 12 to possibly different cold strand heads 1.

[0072] The invention now works as follows:

[0073] At the beginning of a continuous casting process, an adapter element 18 is first equipped with the bolts 32 on its upper side 20.

[0074] The adapter element 18 is then connected in a form-fitting manner to the upper end face 2 of the cold strand head 1 by inserting the webs 24 with the beads 25 formed thereon from the side into the associated recesses 26 of the cold strand head 1 (cf. Fig. 5).

[0075] Subsequently, the head element 12 (with the seal 14 already attached) is placed onto the top side 20 of the adapter element 18 as explained, with the bolts 32 passing through the through-holes 31 of the head element 12. The head element 12 is then clamped onto or at the top side 20 of the adapter element 18 using the wedges 36, which are driven into the elongated holes 34 of the respective bolts 32.

[0076] Once the head element 12 has been connected to the dummy bar head 1 using the adapter element 18, the sealing system 10 thus formed can be introduced into the mold 4 of a continuous casting plant, as illustrated in Fig. 9. For the sake of simplicity, in the illustration of Fig. 9, a plate located in the foreground of the image is indicated only with phantom lines, so that the sealing system 10 located behind it can be recognized.

[0077] In preparation for the casting process, the dummy bar head 1 is then positioned in the mold 4 such that the lower opening 5 is suitably closed or sealed by the seal 14. As a result, the present invention prevents a molten metal, for example, liquid steel, from flowing downwards out of the mold 4 during the actual casting process.

[0078] Through the contact of the liquid metal or steel melt with the elevations 16, which, as explained, are arranged on the upper side 15 of the head element 12 and have a relatively large contact area, the invention achieves a reduction in the temperature of the metal or steel melt, which contributes to the desired solidification of the melt. Thus, according to the invention, the use of cooling scrap can be dispensed with during the pouring or at the beginning of a continuous casting process.

[0079] Pulling the dummy bar head 1 out of the mold 4 in the transport direction T is achieved by means (not shown), for example in the form of a chain or the like, which is brought into engagement with the undercut or groove 4 formed at a lower end of the dummy bar head 1.

[0080] At an advanced stage of the continuous casting process, in which a metal strand or hot strip has already formed from the solidified molten metal, the cold strand head 1 can be detached from the adapter element 18 by exerting a force perpendicular or transverse to the transport direction T. As a result, the webs 24 are then driven out of the recesses 26, whereby the cold strand head 1 and the adapter element 18 are separated from each other and thus at least the cold strand head 1 can be used again.

[0081] The adapter element 18 can also be reused for a new continuous casting process. For this purpose, a section of the solidified hot strand that has bonded to the head element 12 can be severed, after which the nuts 21 are loosened from the lower ends of the bolts 32, so that the adapter element 18 can be removed from the bolts 32. When the adapter element 18 is reused, new bolts 32 only need to be attached to its upper side 20. In contrast, the "old" bolts 32 remain in the solidified area of ​​the hot strand and, together with the head element 12, then form "rejects."

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiment of the first fastening means 22 shown in Fig. 4, Fig. 6, and Fig. 7, namely both in the form of the web 24 with the mushroom-shaped bead 25 and the recess 26 with the widened region 27, is merely one possible embodiment of these first fastening means 22. Deviating from this, but with the same functionality, these positive-locking first fastening means 22 can also comprise a hook (not shown) or the like (preferably at the free end of the web 24), which can be engaged with a part or section on the cold strand head 1, for example in the form of a recess or an undercut, in order to thereby realize a positive-locking connection between the adapter element and the cold strand head, which can also be released again if necessary. List of Reference Symbols

[0083] 1 cold strand head

[0084] 2 upper end face (of the cold strand head 1)

[0085] 3 Undercut

[0086] 4 mold

[0087] 5 lower opening (of the mold 3)

[0088] 10 Sealing system

[0089] 12 head element

[0090] 13 Edge area (of the head element 12)

[0091] 14 Seal

[0092] 15 Top side (of head element 12)

[0093] 16 elevation(s) (on the top 15 of the head element 12)

[0094] 18 Adapter element

[0095] 19 Bottom side (of adapter element 18)

[0096] 20 Top side (of adapter element 18)

[0097] 21 Window or opening (in the adapter element 18)

[0098] 22 first fasteners

[0099] 24 jetty

[0100] 25 bulge

[0101] 26 Recess

[0102] 27 widened area (of the recess 26)

[0103] 28 bottleneck-like narrow section (of the recess 26)

[0104] 30 second fasteners

[0105] 31 passage opening

[0106] 32 bolts or screws

[0107] 33 Mother

[0108] 34 slot

[0109] 36 wedge

[0110] L long side

[0111] K Short side

[0112] T Transport direction (of the dummy bar head 1)

Claims

Patent claims 1. Sealing system (10) for use with a cold extrusion head (1) of a continuous casting plant, comprising a head element (12) in particular a plate-shaped form, on the edge region (13) of which a circumferential seal (14) is attached, characterized by an adapter element (18) made of metal, which can be attached with its underside (19) to an upper end face (2) of the cold extrusion head (1), wherein the head element (12) can be attached to a top (20) of the adapter element (18) and can thereby be connected to the cold extrusion head (1).

2. Sealing system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the underside (19) of the adapter element (18) is adapted to the upper end face (2) of the cold strand head (1) and can be fastened to the upper end face (2) of the cold strand head (1) by means of first fastening means (22).

3. Sealing system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first fastening means (22) are designed to be form-fitting.

4. Sealing system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first fastening means (22) have at least one web (24) having a bead (25) or hook at its free end, and at least one recess (26), wherein the bead (25) or hook of the web (24) and the recess can be engaged with each other, preferably that the web (24) has a particularly mushroom-shaped bead (25) and the recess (26) comprises a widened area (27) and the particularly mushroom-shaped bead (25) and the widened area (27) of the recess (26) are complementary to each other, further preferably that the web (24) is attached to a bottom surface (19) of the adapter element (18) and the The recess (26) in the cold strand head (1) is formed adjacent to its upper end face (2) and opens into this end face (2).

5. Sealing system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess (26) has a narrow bottleneck-like section (28) which leads from the upper end face (2) of the cold strand head (1) into the widened area (27) of the recess (26).

6. Sealing system (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the recess (26) is open on at least one side surface of the cold strand head (1), so that the web with its bead (25) can be inserted into the recess (26) from this side surface.

7. Sealing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head element (12) and the adapter element (18) each have a rectangular cross-section with a longitudinal side (L) and a short side (K) in a plane orthogonal to the transport direction of the cold strand head (1), wherein a longitudinal extent of the longitudinal side (L) is a multiple greater than a longitudinal extent of the short side (K), preferably that the head element (12) and the adapter element (18) are adapted with their cross-section in the plane orthogonal to the transport direction of the cold strand head (1) to a cross-section of a mold (3) of a continuous casting plant.

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

9. Sealing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head element (12) is designed as a standardized component.

10. Sealing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the head element (12) and the adapter element (18) can be connected to each other by second, in particular form-fitting, fastening means (30).

11. Sealing system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second fastening means (30) comprise a plurality of through-openings (31) formed in the head element (12), which is in particular plate-shaped, wherein the second fastening means (30) also comprise a plurality of bolts, screws or the like (32) which are attached to the top (20) of the adapter element (18) and can be inserted through the through-openings (31) formed in the head element (12).

12. Sealing system according to claim 11, characterized in that an elongated hole (34) is formed at a free end of a bolt (32) or adjacent thereto, through which a wedge (36) can be driven, which rests on a top surface (15) of the head element (12) when it is placed on the bolts (32) with its through-openings (31).

13. Sealing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one projection (16), preferably a plurality of such projections (16), is or are formed on a top surface (15) of the head element (12).

14. Sealing system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seal (14) is made of plastic, preferably that the outer dimensions of the seal (14) are slightly larger than a cross-section of a mold (3) of a continuous casting plant in a plane orthogonal to the transport direction of the cold strand head (1).

15. Method for producing a metallic product by continuous casting using a sealing system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10 14, wherein at the beginning of the process the molten metal is sufficiently cooled when being poured into the mold (3) of a continuous casting plant by contact with the top (15) of the head element (12) and the raised area(s) (16) provided therein, so that this beginning of the process is carried out without cooling scrap. 21

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