Continuous Casting Nozzle Heating Device for Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous casting methods face challenges with nozzle blockages due to alumina and base metal adhesion, which are not effectively prevented by existing methods such as argon gas blowing or refractory material composition changes, leading to defects and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A continuous casting method where the outside surface of the nozzle is heated to 1000° C or higher using a radiant heating device, such as a carbon or silicon carbide heater, to prevent adhesion and maintain a stable temperature, thereby reducing the risk of nozzle blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If argon gas is blown into the molten steel inside the nozzle to achieve a cleaning effect, then alumina buildup on the submerged nozzle is prevented, but bubbles of argon gas enter the mold and become trapped in the solid shell, causing defective products
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful argon gas blowing method while retaining the beneficial nozzle cleaning function through alternative means (mechanical cleaning devices or chemical treatments), thereby eliminating product defects caused by trapped bubbles while maintaining nozzle blockage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary cleaning mechanism (such as a cleaning device or chemical agent) that mediates between the need to prevent alumina buildup and the need to avoid introducing gas bubbles into the molten steel, achieving both goals without the harmful effects of argon gas blowing
2Reliability
If the nozzle is preheated using a gas burner before beginning the casting process, then spalling due to thermal shock is prevented, but preheating time is long (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary heating action using high-temperature heating devices that can rapidly bring the nozzle to the required temperature before casting begins, reducing the preheating time from 1.5-2 hours to a much shorter duration while still preventing thermal shock spalling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the heating parameters by using heating devices capable of achieving much higher temperatures (e.g., 1000°C or more) compared to conventional gas burners, thereby dramatically reducing the time required to reach the target temperature while maintaining thermal shock prevention
3Use of energy by stationary object
If the nozzle is covered by an insulating material to improve preheating efficiency and suppress temperature reduction, then preheating efficiency is improved, but the nozzle temperature cannot be maintained at 1000° C or higher during casting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous heating action during the casting process using heating devices that maintain the nozzle temperature at 1000°C or higher throughout casting, eliminating the need for insulating materials and ensuring consistent high temperature to prevent adhesion and blockages
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter by using heating devices capable of maintaining much higher temperatures (1000°C or more) during casting compared to conventional methods, thereby preventing adhesion and blockages without relying on insulating materials
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
This approach prevents nozzle blockages and increases the number of consecutive casting charges without the drawbacks of argon gas blowing or refractory material deterioration, ensuring a stable and efficient continuous casting process.
Implementation Method 1
heating the outside surface of a continuous casting nozzle to be immersed in molten metal in a mold to 1000° C. or higher by a nozzle heating device including a radiant heater
Data Source
AI summary
In a continuous casting method, the outside surface of a continuous casting nozzle which supplies molten metal into a mold while immersed in the molten metal in the mold, is heated to 1000° C. or higher by a nozzle heating device comprising an external heater which performs radiant heating, while the molten metal passes through the continuous casting nozzle.