Title

Ladle Injection and Cold Tundish Lining Techniques. A Review of Their Influence on the Cleanliness of Continuously Cast Steel

Ladle Injection and Cold Tundish Lining Techniques. A Review of Their Influence on the Cleanliness of Continuously Cast Steel

Authorship

COURTENAY, J. H.; PHEASANT, S. T.; SMITH, J. S.

COURTENAY, J. H.

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PHEASANT, S. T.

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SMITH, J. S.

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DOI

10.5151/2594-5300-12Aciaria-307-328

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Abstract

The steady increase in demand for higher quality steels, such as those required for aircraft, oil pipelines and high surface quality deep drawing applications, has required higher levels of steel cleanness. Two areas of steelmaking practice, ladle refining and continuous casting, play an important role in achieving these standards. The paper reviews developments in these areas, with particular reference to ladle injection and cold tundish lining techniques. It discusses inclusion formation (indigenous and exogenous), deoxidation and desulphurisation practices, calcium and lime-based injection reagents, influence of ladle linings and slag carry-over, tundish design, mould practice, stream shrouding and nozzle blockage. The combined control of refining, metal transfer and casting practices is shown to significantly reduce inclusion levels and improve the cleanliness and quality of continuously cast steel.

The steady increase in demand for higher quality steels, such as those required for aircraft, oil pipelines and high surface quality deep drawing applications, has required higher levels of steel cleanness. Two areas of steelmaking practice, ladle refining and continuous casting, play an important role in achieving these standards. The paper reviews developments in these areas, with particular reference to ladle injection and cold tundish lining techniques. It discusses inclusion formation (indigenous and exogenous), deoxidation and desulphurisation practices, calcium and lime-based injection reagents, influence of ladle linings and slag carry-over, tundish design, mould practice, stream shrouding and nozzle blockage. The combined control of refining, metal transfer and casting practices is shown to significantly reduce inclusion levels and improve the cleanliness and quality of continuously cast steel.

Keywords

Steel cleanliness, Ladle injection, Cold tundish lining, Continuous casting, Inclusion control, Desulphurisation, Deoxidation, Calcium treatment, Stream shrouding, Tundish design

Steel cleanliness, Ladle injection, Cold tundish lining, Continuous casting, Inclusion control, Desulphurisation, Deoxidation, Calcium treatment, Stream shrouding, Tundish design