Optimization on Reducing Slag Entrapment in 150 × 1270 mm Slab Continuous Casting Mold

Area of Science:

• Metallurgical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Slag entrapment is a critical defect in continuous casting, impacting steel quality.
• Controlling slag inclusion is essential for producing high-grade steel slabs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and optimize parameters to minimize slag entrapment in slab continuous casting.
• To determine the ideal submerged entrance nozzle (SEN) depth and casting speed.

Main Methods:

• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
• Coupled Volume of Fluid (VOF) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) methods.
• Water modeling for validation of numerical simulations.

Main Results:

• An optimal scheme identified: SEN depth of 90 mm and casting speed of 1.6 m/min.
• Optimal conditions result in the lowest maximum surface velocity (0.335 m/s).
• Maximum slag entrapment ratio of 0.44% observed 0.1 m below meniscus after 15 seconds.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully identified optimal casting parameters to reduce slag entrapment.
• Numerical simulations were validated by water modeling results.
• Findings provide practical guidance for improving continuous casting processes.