Submerged Nozzle with Angled Channels for Steel Casting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submerged nozzles for continuous steel casting are inefficient for producing slabs with a high B/h ratio, as they fail to effectively curl and rotate the metal within the mold, leading to direct contact with the mold walls and reduced quality of the crystallized metal.
Innovation Solution
A submerged nozzle design featuring a skirt with two parallel flat surfaces smoothly mated by cylindrical surfaces and two opposite side channels with a longitudinal axis making a sharp angle between 20° and 45°, allowing for efficient curling and rotation of metal within the mold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional submerged nozzles are used for continuous steel casting, then the nozzle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the metal jet directly contacts the mold walls causing destruction of the forming sinter skin and reducing blank quality
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple outlet channels (at least three channels) arranged around the longitudinal axis, with each channel directing metal flow at different angles. This segmentation allows the metal jet to be distributed and curled within the mold rather than directly impacting the mold walls, thereby improving blank quality while maintaining a relatively simple nozzle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each outlet channel is equipped with adjustable deflectors that can independently control the direction and angle of metal flow from each channel. This local adjustment capability allows precise control over where the metal jet impacts within the mold, preventing direct contact with mold walls at critical areas while still filling the mold effectively.
2Stability of the object's composition
If outlet channels are arranged to direct metal flow at angles to achieve curling effect, then metal rotation and mixing in the mold is improved, but the nozzle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet channels are arranged asymmetrically around the longitudinal axis with different inclination angles relative to the horizontal plane. At least three channels are positioned at different angular positions, creating an asymmetric flow pattern that promotes effective curling and rotation of metal within the mold. This asymmetric configuration enhances dendrite formation consistency by ensuring thorough mixing while avoiding excessive structural complexity through a straightforward geometric arrangement.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of outlet channels is increased to improve metal distribution, then coverage of steel volume in the mold is enhanced, but the nozzle manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates at least three outlet channels segmented around the longitudinal axis, providing sufficient metal distribution coverage for continuous casting operations. This segmented multi-channel design achieves adequate coverage without excessive complexity by using a minimal number of channels (three or more) rather than a large number, balancing manufacturing ease with effective metal distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet channels are designed with universal characteristics - they all share the same basic structure, dimensions, and adjustable deflector mechanism. This universality allows the nozzle to be manufactured using standardized processes and components, reducing manufacturing complexity even though multiple channels are present. Each channel performs the same function of directing and curling metal flow, making the multi-channel system easier to manufacture.
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
Enables the production of high-quality continuously-cast slabs across a wide range of sizes by effectively curling and rotating the metal, minimizing direct contact with the mold walls and ensuring thorough mixing, thus improving the quality and consistency of the crystallization process.
Implementation Method 1
the molten metal at the outlet of the casting tube is directed primarily in a preferred direction so that Eddies in the flow of the molten metal arise
Implementation Method 2
metal flow direction is changed as it leaves a closed-bottom submerged nozzle and enters a mold
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to the iron and steel industry, more specifically, to continuous slab casting using a submerged nozzle. The inventive submerged nozzle comprises a bottom, lateral channels and a skirt which is secured to the lower part of the nozzle above the output lateral channels and is formed by two parallel flat surfaces which are gradually conjugated on the ends thereof by means of cylindrical surfaces. The nozzle is arranged in the center of the skirt and has two similar oppositely positioned lateral channels having a common longitudinal axis which forms together with the parallel flat surfaces of the skirt an acute angle ranging from 20 to 45°.