Optimization of Four-strand Tundish Configuration in Bloom Continuous Casting

Fluid flow characteristics in four-strand tundish with different configuration in bloom continuous casting at No. 1 steelmaking plant, Anshan Iron Steel Co., have been studied in water modeling experiment. It is found that large difference in flow characteristics exits between the two outlets at the same side of the tundish with the former configuration. Compared to the inside outlet, the outside outlet has short minimum residence time and peak concentration time, small plug volume and large dead zone volume. With the optimal tundish configuration by using a turbulence inhibitor and baffles, the RTD curves of the two outlets at the same side tend to be the same, showing that the flow characteristics between the two outlets are almost uniform. With the optimal tundish configuration, average inclusion removal degree is improved from (51.25 %) to (73.46 %), Most of inelusions in slab are smaller than 10 μm insize.