Mathematical Heat Transfer Model Research for the Improvement of Continuous Casting Slab Temperature

To improve the temperature of continuous casting slab, a mathematical heat transfer model simulating the solidification process of continuous casting slab was developed based on the technical conditions of the slab caster of Steelmaking plant of Wu-Han Iron and Steel Group Corp., by which the slab temperature distribution and shell thickness were computed. The adequacy of the model was compared with the measured slab surface temperature at the caster exit. The effects of the main operation parameters including casting speed, secondary cooling conditions, slab size and steel melt superheat on the solidification process were discussed and the means of enhancing the slab temperature was brought forward. Raising the casting speed from 1.0 or 1.1 to 1.3 m/min, controlling the flow rate of secondary cooling water and optimizing the spray pattern at the lower segments of secondary cooling zone could effectively improve the slab temperature. Whereas increasing the superheat is adverse to the production of slab with high temperature. The results of model research have been applied to plant operation at Steelmaking plant of Wu-Han Iron and Steel Group Corp. The slab surface temperature has risen from 900 to 1 250°C, and the slab are directly fed to the rolling mill after exiting caster.