Slag formation in the tundish of a continuous-casting machine

Slag formation in the tundish of a continuous-casting machine is investigated during the casting of 360-t low-carbon and low-alloy steel melts. In casting 5–10 steel melts, the slag mass increases significantly, and its composition changes. That is largely associated with the supply of nonmetallic inclusions to the slag from the steel. In casting low-carbon steel, the mass of such inclusions is around 30% of the total mass of the final slag; in casting low-alloy steel, the figure is around 50%. A smaller factor responsible for the change in slag composition is solution of the refractory lining: 4–5% of the mass of the final slag for a fireclay lining and 14–15% for a magnesia lining. The change in slag composition increases its melting point to 80–140°C.