Circumferential Core Electromagnetic Stirrer for Continuous Casting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing continuous casting devices face challenges in generating a strong enough electromagnetic field to prevent metal clogging and slag formation in the nozzle during the casting of metals, particularly due to limited space and magnetic saturation issues with radial pole designs.

Innovation Solution

A continuous casting device with windings wound around a circumferential core, generating a magnetic field by using a compact and efficient stirrer design that eliminates the need for radial teeth, and includes a cooling circuit and shielding to optimize energy use and field strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If radial pole designs are used in the electromagnetic stirrer, then the structure can be implemented, but magnetic saturation occurs and the electromagnetic field strength becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic field strengthVSAvoidmagnetic saturation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional radial pole design by using a circumferential core with windings wound around the cross-section. Instead of radial poles extending from the center, the magnetic field is generated by circumferential windings that create a rotating magnetic field directly in the melt, avoiding magnetic saturation while maintaining structural feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the electromagnetic stirrer from radial to circumferential configuration. The core extends in the circumferential direction around the nozzle, and windings are wound around the cross-section of the core, fundamentally altering how the magnetic field is generated to eliminate saturation issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the space around the nozzle is limited due to small diameter, then compact design is required, but radial teeth cannot be positioned close enough to the melt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace around nozzleVSAvoidelectromagnetic field effect on melt

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending radial poles outward from the center toward the melt, the patent uses a circumferential core that wraps around the nozzle with windings on its cross-section. This inverted configuration allows the magnetic field generation elements to be positioned closer to the melt in the limited radial space while avoiding magnetic saturation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If argon gas is injected into the melt in the nozzle, then clogging is prevented, but inclusions and slag are formed in the strand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclogging preventionVSAvoidinclusions and slag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical argon gas injection system with an electromagnetic stirring system. The rotating magnetic field induces currents in the conductive molten metal, creating electromagnetic forces that stir the melt and prevent clogging without introducing foreign gas that would create inclusions and slag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnetic fields (analogous to hydraulic/pneumatic systems in fluid control) to induce stirring in the molten metal through induced currents, replacing the need for gas injection while achieving similar flow control and clogging prevention effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively generates a strong electromagnetic field, reducing metal clogging and slag formation, while efficiently transforming electric power into stirring force, and optimizing energy use by containing the magnetic field within the melt.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic stirrer for the purpose of stirring the melt that flows through the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

said electromagnetic field being generated by means of a stirrer comprising a core of a magnetic material that extends circumferentially around the nozzle and a plurality of windings wound around said core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

A rotating magnetic field generated by means of the suggested stirrer will induce a stirring of the melt in the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic stirring: Electromagnetic Stirring

Implementation Method 4

induce a stirring of the melt in the nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS8336605B2Continuous casting device

Publication Date: 2012.12.25 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A continuous casting device includes a mould, a nozzle, and an electromagnetic stirrer provided around the nozzle above the mould, the stirrer including a core of a magnetic material that extends circumferentially around the nozzle and a plurality of windings wound around the core. The windings are wound around a cross section of the core as seen in the circumferential direction of the core.