Test Stand for Secondary Cooling of Cast Strand
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Solution Overview
Problem
In continuous casting plants, the cooling effect of cooling nozzles during secondary cooling of casting strands is difficult to predict due to various influencing parameters, and direct measurements are hindered by the high temperature of the casting strand, making reliable quantitative assessment challenging.
Innovation Solution
A test stand with a swivel frame, movable nozzle holders, and a heated travel table that simulates the movement and temperature of the casting strand, allowing for adjustable positioning of cooling nozzles and simulation of coolant distribution, enabling realistic measurement of cooling effects under various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurements are performed on a real continuous casting plant, then the cooling effect can be determined under actual conditions, but the high temperature of the casting strand makes measurements difficult and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a test stand that replicates the essential conditions of a continuous casting plant's strand guide, including a model strand, cooling nozzles, and secondary cooling system. This copy allows measurements to be performed under controlled conditions without the harmful high temperatures of the actual casting process, while still providing representative data for optimizing the real system.
2Reliability
If measurements are performed on a real continuous casting plant, then realistic cooling conditions can be tested, but the complexity and risk of measuring at high temperatures increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The test stand creates a simplified model system that copies the essential geometry and cooling mechanism of the strand guide. The model strand with its specific dimensions, nozzle arrangements, and water flow conditions replicates the thermal behavior of the actual casting process, allowing reliable measurements without the complexity of high-temperature measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses scaled model dimensions and adjusted water flow parameters to replicate the thermal conditions of full-scale casting. By changing the physical parameters (size, flow rate, temperature) while maintaining dimensional and thermal similarity, the test stand achieves reliable cooling effect determination under controlled, low-temperature conditions.
3Productivity
If cooling nozzle parameters are optimized based on theoretical predictions, then the cooling process can be improved, but theoretical predictions alone are insufficient due to unknown parameter interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The test stand enables systematic measurement of cooling effects under various nozzle configurations, water flow rates, and strand velocities. This empirical feedback reveals the actual interactions between parameters, allowing for optimized cooling nozzle design that accounts for non-linear effects and parameter couplings that theoretical models cannot predict.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent investigates the dynamic interaction between cooling parameters by systematically varying nozzle position, water flow rate, and strand velocity to observe their combined effects. This dynamic approach reveals how parameter interactions change under different operating conditions, providing comprehensive guidance for optimizing cooling efficiency in real casting operations.
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 accurate determination of cooling effects of cooling nozzles by simulating the strand guide and casting strand conditions, allowing for optimization of coolant distribution and nozzle placement, thereby improving the cooling process.
Implementation Method 1
the heating area (31) can be heated in a heating position of the traversing table (23)
Implementation Method 2
into which a coolant can be discharged from a cooling nozzle arranged in the nozzle holder (11) in a test position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test rig (1) for secondary cooling of a casting strand in a continuous casting plant. The test rig (1) comprises a pivoting frame (3) pivotable about a pivot axis (5) and at least one nozzle holder (11) for a cooling nozzle (13), which is arranged on the pivoting frame (3) so as to be displaceable both parallel to the pivot axis (5) and in and against a displacement direction (15). Furthermore, the test rig (1) comprises a linearly movable traversing table (23) mounted on the pivoting frame (3) with a table surface (29) having a heatable heating zone (31). Each nozzle holder (11) and the traversing table (23) are arranged relative to each other on the pivoting frame (3) such that the heating zone (31) can be guided through an effective zone by moving the traversing table (23), into which a coolant can be discharged from a cooling nozzle (13) arranged in a test position in the nozzle holder (11).