Title

INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR THE SLAB CASTER MACHINE HEAD

INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS FOR THE SLAB CASTER MACHINE HEAD

Authorship

MÖRWALD, K.; SCHULZ, O.; JUZA, P.

MÖRWALD, K.

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SCHULZ, O.

I am this author

JUZA, P.

I am this author

DOI

10.5151/2594-5300-2471

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Abstract

Excellent product quality is achieved by a combination of specific caster parameters, flexible adjustment of operational parameters as well as excellent control software. The slab caster machine head is the most decisive part to take influence on the surface quality of the cast strand. VAI´s technological packages specifically dedicated to this area have been successfully installed on new casters as well as on caster revamps. Operational results will be shown for both scenarios. LevCon is a software package for automatic mold level control which takes into account the dead time of the control circuit. HydroWAM, a remote width adjustable mold in combination with an optimized control routine allows maximum width adjustment speeds of 50 mm/min for both width increase and width decrease. DIFACE, an optimized shape for the mold narrow side optimizes the heat transfer in the mold as well as mold friction. DYNAFLEX, an oscillator with hydraulic drives, wear free leaf springs for mold guidance and a dynamic process control for inverse oscillation guarantees optimum oscillation conditions. MoldEXPERT is the advanced tool which allows operators, metallurgists and production managers to “see inside the mold”. This is made possible by experience-based models used in combination with acquired data derived from sensors positioned in the mold and oscillator area.

Excellent product quality is achieved by a combination of specific caster parameters, flexible adjustment of operational parameters as well as excellent control software. The slab caster machine head is the most decisive part to take influence on the surface quality of the cast strand. VAI´s technological packages specifically dedicated to this area have been successfully installed on new casters as well as on caster revamps. Operational results will be shown for both scenarios. LevCon is a software package for automatic mold level control which takes into account the dead time of the control circuit. HydroWAM, a remote width adjustable mold in combination with an optimized control routine allows maximum width adjustment speeds of 50 mm/min for both width increase and width decrease. DIFACE, an optimized shape for the mold narrow side optimizes the heat transfer in the mold as well as mold friction. DYNAFLEX, an oscillator with hydraulic drives, wear free leaf springs for mold guidance and a dynamic process control for inverse oscillation guarantees optimum oscillation conditions. MoldEXPERT is the advanced tool which allows operators, metallurgists and production managers to “see inside the mold”. This is made possible by experience-based models used in combination with acquired data derived from sensors positioned in the mold and oscillator area.

Keywords

Continuous casting, Slab caster, Mold level control, Oscillation control, Mold technology

Continuous casting, Slab caster, Mold level control, Oscillation control, Mold technology