Triangular Port Submerged Entry Nozzle for Steel Casting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The throughput of liquid steel through submerged entry nozzles in continuous casting processes is often low, leading to sticking and bridging issues due to insufficient feeding near the nozzle region, which causes defects and shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
A submerged entry nozzle with triangular shaped ports that taper from the top to the bottom, increasing the velocity of fluid flow and reducing sticking and bridging issues by improving fluid dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional cylindrical bore with straight walls is used in the nozzle, then the manufacturing is simple, but the fluid flow velocity at discharge is insufficient causing sticking and bridging issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the nozzle bore from a conventional cylindrical shape with straight walls to a tapered conic shape. This changes the cross-sectional area parameter along the flow path, creating acceleration of the liquid steel as it moves through the nozzle. The conic taper ratio and angle are specific parameters that control the velocity increase at discharge, directly resolving the contradiction by improving flow velocity while maintaining a relatively simple monolithic nozzle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature principles by replacing the straight cylindrical walls with a curved conic taper surface. The continuous curved surface of the conic bore creates smooth flow acceleration without sudden changes in direction or cross-section. This curved geometry naturally guides the liquid steel along the taper, increasing velocity at the discharge end while avoiding turbulence and flow separation that would occur with sharp corners or abrupt transitions.
2Reliability
If the throughput of liquid steel is low at steady state conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but sticking and bridging issues occur due to insufficient feeding near the nozzle region
Solution Approach 1:
The conic tapered bore changes the velocity parameter of the liquid steel flow along the length of the nozzle. Even at low throughput conditions, the taper geometry ensures that the steel maintains sufficient velocity at the discharge point to prevent sticking and bridging. This parameter change in the flow characteristics along the nozzle length allows reliable operation across a wider range of throughput conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional straight-walled ports are used, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but fluid flow improvement is insufficient to prevent defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the ports from straight-walled cylindrical openings to conic tapered openings. This parameter change in the port geometry creates accelerated flow discharge that prevents sticking and bridging defects. The conic taper angle and ratio are controlled during manufacturing to achieve the desired flow characteristics while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for ceramic or metal nozzles.
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
Enhances the quality of molded steel and the efficiency of the continuous casting process while reducing costs by minimizing sticking and bridging problems.
Implementation Method 1
A submerged entry nozzle with triangular shaped ports is disclosed which may improve fluid flow at the discharge of the ports by increasing the velocity of the liquid steel exiting the nozzle and into the mold
Data Source
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AI summary
A submerged entry nozzle for a continuous casting process includes a pair of triangular shaped ports that narrow from a top portion to a bottom portion of the ports. These triangular shaped ports may improve fluid flow at the discharge of the ports by increasing the velocity of the liquid steel exiting the nozzle and into the mold.