Slab Casting Nozzle Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slab continuous casting apparatuses face challenges in achieving a stable swirling flow and sufficient agitation of molten metal, particularly when the discharge angle changes due to inclusion deposition or variations in mold width/thickness, leading to inadequate quality of ingots.
Innovation Solution
A slab continuous casting apparatus with a discharge direction change mechanism that includes an immersion nozzle quick replacement mechanism and a drive mechanism to freely adjust the discharge angle of molten metal, ensuring a swirling flow is maintained even with changes in mold dimensions or inclusion deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed discharge angle is used in conventional slab continuous casting apparatuses, then the structure is simple and operation is easy, but the swirling flow becomes unstable when mold dimensions change or inclusions deposit, leading to insufficient agitation quality
Solution Approach 1:
The immersion nozzle is made rotatable around its axis, transforming from a fixed discharge angle to a dynamically adjustable one. The drive mechanism enables continuous rotation to change the discharge angle during casting, allowing the system to adapt to different mold dimensions and inclusion deposition conditions while maintaining stable swirling flow
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge angle parameter is made variable through rotational movement of the immersion nozzle. By changing this parameter in real-time according to casting conditions, the system maintains optimal swirling flow stability without requiring a completely complex control system
2Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge angle is adjusted to accommodate changes in mold width or thickness, then the swirling flow stability is maintained, but additional mechanisms for angle adjustment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable immersion nozzle mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts the discharge angle for different mold dimensions (width and thickness), compensates for inclusion deposition, and maintains swirling flow stability. This single multi-functional mechanism replaces what would otherwise require separate adjustment systems for each condition
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic rotational adjustment of the immersion nozzle to adapt to varying mold dimensions. Rather than requiring separate mechanisms for width and thickness adjustments, a single rotational degree of freedom provides universal adaptability to all dimensional changes
3Reliability
If electromagnetic agitation devices are used to agitate molten metal in large cross-sectional area slabs, then sufficient agitation effect is achieved, but the equipment cost becomes extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic agitation systems with a mechanical flow control approach. By using a rotatable immersion nozzle to mechanically direct the molten metal flow at varying angles, sufficient agitation effect is achieved without requiring expensive electromagnetic devices, thus substituting a costly electromagnetic system with a simpler mechanical flow control system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using electromagnetic force to agitate the metal, the system changes the flow direction parameter of the molten metal through nozzle rotation. This parameter change creates natural convection and swirling flow that provides sufficient agitation effect at much lower cost than electromagnetic systems
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 apparatus ensures a stable and continuous swirling flow, improving the quality of ingots by allowing for real-time adjustment of the discharge angle, reducing breakout and surface defects, and extending the service life of immersion nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
the drive device 71 is operated such that the immersion nozzle 10 together with the immersion nozzle quick replacement mechanism 20 holding the immersion nozzle 10 is horizontally swirled around a center axis P of the immersion nozzle 10
Implementation Method 2
a sliding surface 40 which is in slide contact with a bottom surface of the immersion nozzle 10
Data Source
AI summary
A slab continuous casting apparatus according to this invention is configured to supply molten metal from a tundish to a slab water-cooled mold through at least an upper nozzle, a stopper, and an immersion nozzle and solidify the molten metal, and is provided with an immersion nozzle quick replacement mechanism. The slab continuous casting apparatus includes a discharge direction change mechanism that is provided between the stopper and the immersion nozzle and is capable of freely changing a discharge angle of the molten metal in a horizontal cross-section during casting.