EP0775543B1 - Pouring nozzle for introducing liquid metal in a continuous casting mould for casting metallic products and continuous casting machine equipped with such a pouring nozzle - Google Patents

Pouring nozzle for introducing liquid metal in a continuous casting mould for casting metallic products and continuous casting machine equipped with such a pouring nozzle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0775543B1
EP0775543B1 EP96402272A EP96402272A EP0775543B1 EP 0775543 B1 EP0775543 B1 EP 0775543B1 EP 96402272 A EP96402272 A EP 96402272A EP 96402272 A EP96402272 A EP 96402272A EP 0775543 B1 EP0775543 B1 EP 0775543B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
nozzle
liquid metal
casting
continuous casting
terminal part
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP96402272A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0775543A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Michel Damasse
Jacques Barbe
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Thyssen Stahl AG
USINOR SA
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Thyssen Stahl AG
USINOR SA
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Publication of EP0775543A1 publication Critical patent/EP0775543A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/06—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
    • B22D11/0637—Accessories therefor
    • B22D11/064—Accessories therefor for supplying molten metal
    • B22D11/0642—Nozzles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/10—Supplying or treating molten metal
    • B22D11/106—Shielding the molten jet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
    • B22D11/14—Plants for continuous casting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
    • B22D41/50—Pouring-nozzles
    • B22D41/60—Pouring-nozzles with heating or cooling means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the continuous casting of metals, in particular steel. More specifically, it relates to tubes made of refractory material called "nozzles" according to the preamble of claim 1 (WO-A- 88/06932) who, are usually connected by their upper end to the distributor serving as liquid metal reservoir, the lower end of which dips into the metal bath liquid contained in the ingot mold where the solidification of the metal product begins.
  • the first role of these nozzles is to protect from atmospheric oxidation the jet of liquid metal on its path between the container and the mold. They allow also, thanks to appropriate configurations of their lower end, to orient the liquid metal flows in the ingot mold favorably so that the solidification of the product is carried out under the best possible conditions.
  • the casting can take place in an ingot mold which must give the product a very elongated rectangular section, which usually designates it by the expression "flat product”.
  • This is the case when, in the steel industry, steel is poured under slab shape, i.e. products about 0.6 to 3 m wide and a thickness generally of the order of 20 cm, but which can go down to a few cm on certain recent installations called “thin slab casting machines”.
  • the ingot mold is composed of fixed walls of copper or alloy of copper, energetically cooled on their cold side which is not in contact with the metal. We are also experimenting with installations making it possible to obtain, directly by solidification of liquid metal, steel strips a few mm thick.
  • the terminal lower part of the nozzle is sometimes given a shape complex, elongated parallel to the long sides of the pouring space. She occupies therefore a significant proportion of this space, particularly in the case of casting thin products between cylinders. It also represents a mass of material refractory that must be carefully preheated before pouring, under penalty of freezing the metal inside or around the nozzle at the start of casting. This is all the more the case when the nozzle is, inside, equipped obstacles locally narrowing its section in order to impose losses on the metal loads which stabilize its flow.
  • the object of the invention is to provide users with a type of nozzle and a casting installation incorporating it, which makes it possible to overcome a large measurement of the thermal problems which we have just mentioned, without having to complicate exaggeratedly the construction and use of the nozzle.
  • the invention relates to a nozzle for the introduction of a liquid metal into a mold for continuous product casting of metal, of the type comprising a chimney the upper end of which is intended to be connected by means of attachment to the outlet nozzle of a container containing said liquid metal, and the lower end of which is connected to a part end of the nozzle equipped with orifices intended to distribute said liquid metal in the casting space defined by said ingot mold, characterized in that said part terminal has, in its upper zone, at least one opening intended to allow the interior of said end portion to be reheated by means of heating such as a burner.
  • the invention also relates to a continuous casting installation of metal products, of the type comprising a bottomless ingot mold on the walls energetically internally cooled defining a casting space, and a nozzle of refractory material connected by its upper end to a container containing a liquid metal, and the lower end of which brings said liquid metal into said pouring space, characterized in that said nozzle is of the type previously described.
  • This installation can in particular be a slab casting installation conventional or a thin strip casting installation, directly from metal liquid, such as casting between cylinders.
  • the invention consists in equipping a nozzle with at least less an opening allowing the passage of a device such as a burner which can heat the inside of the nozzle.
  • a device such as a burner which can heat the inside of the nozzle.
  • a corresponding number of openings must be provided. These burners can, if necessary, act both before and during casting.
  • the openings must, during casting, be kept permanently above the level of liquid metal, and can also be used to introduce additives in small quantities in the liquid metal, taking advantage, if necessary, of the action of burners to compensate for the heat losses due to this addition.
  • We can also, at start of casting, introduce into the metal, thanks to these openings, a powder exothermic favoring the start of casting or the fusion of solidifications parasites which thus become temporary.
  • the nozzle For effective use of this type of nozzle, it is essential to prevent air from passing through these openings and pollute the metal inside the nozzle. It is therefore highly recommended for this purpose enclose at least the lower part of the nozzle under a cover which ensures also environmental protection of the mold.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for the case where the nozzle has, in its lower part, a flared and elongated shape, this lower part being intended to be oriented parallel to the long sides of the mold.
  • the embodiment shown in Figures 1a and 1b relates to casting continuous of standard steel slabs, with a thickness of about 20 cm and a width between 0.6 and 3 m approximately.
  • the casting installation includes a liquid metal tank called "distributor", not shown.
  • Liquid steel flows from distributor, with a flow controllable by the operator, through an orifice provided in the bottom of the dispatcher. This orifice is extended by a tubular outlet nozzle 1 in a refractory material such as graphitized alumina, the interior space 2 of which is cylindrical, and to which is connected a nozzle 3 of a type according to the invention.
  • This nozzle 3 is made of a refractory material similar to the previous one, or of a material different, the nature of which takes account of the constraints of producing the nozzle 3 or physicochemical conditions prevailing in the mold. It has two parts, executed in one piece in the example shown.
  • the first part is a chimney 4 with an overall external shape cylindrical with diameter "d”, and whose cylindrical interior space 5 extends that of the outlet nozzle 1, being equal to or preferably slightly larger in diameter, so that any slight misalignment of the two spaces 2 and 5 is of no consequence on metal flows.
  • the connection between the outlet nozzle 1 and the chimney 4 of the nozzle 3 must be as tight as possible to avoid the creation of a suction current from the ambient atmosphere inside the nozzle 3. In the example shown, this connection is made by fixing to each other by means not shown of an upper ring 6 and a lower ring 7 which are supported on bearing surfaces 8, 9 respectively provided at the lower end of the outlet nozzle 1 and at the upper end of the chimney 4.
  • the second part of the nozzle 3, called the terminal part, has the functions of receive the liquid steel coming out of the chimney 4, and distribute it in the casting space defined by the ingot mold 10.
  • This ingot mold 10, which, as shown in the figures 1a, 1b, is suitable for the casting of steel slabs of conventional format, has as usually two long sides 11, 11 'and two short sides 12, 12', formed by walls of copper or copper alloy energetically cooled internally, and on which begins the solidification of the liquid metal. It gives the casting space 13 a constant rectangular cross section over its entire height.
  • the nozzle 3 retains a thickness "e" equal to the outside diameter "d" from the chimney 4, or little different from it.
  • the end part of the nozzle 3 has a pentagonal shape: when the nozzle 3 is in square, the bottom 14 is substantially horizontal, the side walls 15, 15 ', 15' ', 15' '' are substantially vertical, and these are connected to the lower end of the chimney 4 by oblique walls 16, 16 '.
  • these oblique walls 16, 16 'each have a opening 17, 17 '.
  • the function of these openings 17, 17 ' will be explained below; But they have, in principle, no role in the introduction of liquid metal into the space of casting 13.
  • This introduction is normally provided by series of openings in the bottom 14 and the side walls 15, 15 ', 15' ', 15' '' of the nozzle 3, and located so as to always be below level 18 of the surface of the liquid metal in ingot mold under normal casting conditions.
  • a first series of holes 19, 19 ' is provided on the side walls 15 '', 15 '' 'which face the long sides 11, 11' of the ingot mold 10. They produce currents which must preferably feed the meniscus, i.e.
  • these orifices 19, 19 ′ are distributed over the whole of the width of the walls 15 '', 15 '' ', and can be oriented horizontally, or be inclined so as to orient the liquid metal which passes through them in the direction of the meniscus.
  • a second series of orifices 20, 20 ' is formed on the side walls 15, 15' which form facing the short sides 12, 12 ′ of the mold 10. They are generally one in number per wall 15, 15 ', due to the small width thereof. They have the same function as orifices 19, 19 'of the first series.
  • a third series of orifices 21 is formed in the bottom 14, of so as to supply the lower part of the casting space 13 with hot metal.
  • these orifices 21 are oriented vertically, but one can imagine to orient them obliquely if that appears useful.
  • the nozzle 3 also includes, so recommended but not compulsory, an insert 22, placed in a housing 23 inside of the chimney 4, which locally shrinks the interior space 5 of the chimney 4.
  • This local shrinkage causes the metal to lose part of its energy, which which leads to better filling of the entire interior space of the nozzle 3 and all of its outlet orifices 19, 19 ', 20, 20', 21.
  • the flows of the metal outside of the nozzle 3 are thus carried out with better regularity, which is favorable the quality of the cast metal.
  • This insert 22 can, as shown, take the form of a tubular element with a smaller diameter than that of the chimney 4, but it is possible give it other forms, for example that of a stack of perforated pellets. It can also be placed at the upstream or downstream end of the chimney 4.
  • the installation is completed by a device ensuring protection against the ambient atmosphere of the space surrounding the ingot mold 10.
  • the use of such device is not essential on a conventional slab casting installation, because the liquid steel is protected from the atmosphere by the fully closed nozzle and by the cover powder.
  • the openings 17, 17 'of the nozzle 3 according to the invention cause the interior space of the nozzle 3 to be exposed to the ambient atmosphere, and it is therefore particularly important to carry out an inerting of this atmosphere to avoid oxidation of the metal.
  • the flange 25 of the mold 10 has on its entire periphery a flange 26 supporting a channel 27 containing a sealing material such as sand 28.
  • the latter can therefore support the upward-downward movements of the distributor and the nozzle 3, with which the depth of immersion of the nozzle 3 in the steel can be adjusted liquid, without the inerting of the environment of the mold 10 being affected.
  • This vertical travel is also compatible with oscillating movements vertical, which is classic to impose on the mold.
  • Such a way of ensuring this sealing is known in itself, and of course is not the only one possible.
  • the cover 29 is pierced with two openings 31, 31 ', the dimensions and locations allow to insert two burners 32, 32 'oriented in direction of the openings 17, 17 'formed in the nozzle 3. This gives the possibility for these burners to heat the liquid metal when it is inside same of the nozzle 3, each burner 32, 32 'being in charge of half of the nozzle 3.
  • the use of a single burner 32, 32 ′ could be envisaged, but it is clear that the homogeneity of the reheating is better if there are two, in particular if we use the partition 24 which physically separates the interior space from the terminal part of the nozzle 3 in two compartments.
  • Each of these burners has a gas inlet fuel 33, 33 'and a combustion gas inlet 34, 34'.
  • This oxidizer can be oxygen or, preferably, air, because a defective adjustment of the flow rate oxidizer which would impose an incomplete consumption of it would cause a less oxidation, both of the metal and of the refractories.
  • the use of plasma torches, for example, is also possible.
  • Each of these burners 32, 32 ' is provided with a flange 35, 35 'which enables the opening 31, 31' of the hood to be sealed 29 that it crosses.
  • the collar 35, 35 ' is, for this purpose, fixed to the cover 29 by means not shown.
  • burners 32, 32 ' only during the nozzle 3 preheating phase, during which they preheat particularly effective from the inside of the nozzle 3.
  • excellent preheating of the entire nozzle 3 can be achieved, understood from its interior space.
  • the molds have either flat parallel faces 2 to 2, either converging faces towards the outlet of the ingot mold, or mixed faces flat / concave.
  • the nozzle 3 is drawn in accordance with the outline horizontal of the pouring space 13.
  • Figures 2a, 2b show another example of implementation of the invention, applied to the casting of thin strips, with a thickness of the order of a few mm, when carried out between two energetically cooled cylinders.
  • Organs common in their functions and in their configuration between this example and that shown in Figures 1a, 1b are identified there by the same references.
  • the space of casting 13 of the mold is, as known, constituted by two cylinders 36, 36 ' close together, with horizontal axes, rotated in opposite directions around their axes. They are energetically cooled internally so that the solidification of the product flow begins on their external surfaces forming solidified skins which join at neck 37, i.e. where the cylinders are closest one of the other, to form the cast strip.
  • Liquid metal such as steel is confined laterally in this casting space by refractory side faces 38, 38 ' applied against the edges 40, 40 'of the cylinders 36, 36'.
  • a first series of orifices 41, 41 ' is formed on the side walls 15' ', 15 '' 'of the nozzle 39 which face the cylinders 36, 36'. They are spread over a width as large as possible. In particular if, as shown, they are oriented towards the high, they preferentially supply the area of first contact between the liquid metal and the cylinder with which they are close and provide the quantity of heat necessary for prevention of parasitic solidifications.
  • a second series of orifices 42, 42 ' is formed on the side walls 15, 15 ′ of the nozzle 39 which face the side faces 38, 38 ′ confining the pouring space 13. They too can direct the flows liquid metal up.
  • a cover 29 is provided which is integral with the upper ring 6 and pierced with two openings 31, 31 'allowing the passage of two burners 32, 32 '.
  • This cover 29 covers the pouring space, isolates it from the ambient atmosphere, and ensures the heating of the interior space of the nozzle 39 before and possibly during casting.
  • the channel 27 filled with sand 28 which receives the falling edge 30 of the cover 29 is supported on the lateral faces 38, 38 ′ by means of supports vertical 47, 47 '.
  • plumb with the cylinders 36, 36 ' are fixed shoes 48, 48 'whose lower surfaces conform to the shape of the surface outside of the cylinders 36, 36 ′ being at least a few mm apart.
  • a neutral gas is blown through these shoes 48, 48 'inside the spaces 49, 49 'separating them from cylinders 36, 36', in order to constitute a barrier gas to the penetration of air into the space surrounding the mold.
  • nozzle 50 is shown in the figures 3a and 3b. It is, like the previous nozzle 39, adapted in particular to the casting of thin strips between two cylinders. It is integrated into an inerting device for the casting space 13 similar to that previously described and shown in the Figures 2a, 2b. This nozzle 50 is formed of two separate parts.
  • the second part of the nozzle 50 is constituted by a basket 52 remotely enveloping the lower portion of the first part 51. It rests on spans 53, 53 'formed on the hooves 48, 48'. In its lower part, it also has a narrowing, so as to make it conform to the shape of the casting space 13 and to maintain a roughly uniform distance between each of its outer walls and the cylinder 36, 36 'to which it faces. So the liquid metal leaving the first part 51 of the nozzle 50, instead of flowing directly into the pouring space 13, first passes inside the basket 52. It leaves therefrom by a series orifices formed in the bottom 54 and the side walls 55, 55 ', 56, 56' of the basket 52.
  • the orifices 57, 57 ', 58, 58' orient it towards the lateral faces 38, 38 '
  • the orifices 59, 59' orient it towards the cylinders 36, 36 '
  • the orifices 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 orient it towards the bottom of the casting space 13. It is possible, for this purpose, to have two orifices in the bottom 54 which are neighbors give converging directions to the liquid metal, so that the currents break each other. This results in a diffuse flow of the metal which avoids thus local impacts on the solidified skin which would lead to its heating, even to his reflow.
  • Such a basket 52 has several advantages. It constitutes a additional energy absorber, thus giving better stability to liquid metal flows into the casting space 13 and attenuates the fluctuations of the level 18 of its surface, all things going in the direction of improving the quality of cast products. On the other hand, it allows to retain a large part of the non-metallic inclusions and various impurities present in the liquid metal flowing out of the distributor: this allows products to flow better cleanliness. But in return, such a basket 52, if it was used on a type nozzle usual, would deteriorate the preheating of the nozzle since it would make it inaccessible by outside, after assembly, the bottom 14 of the first part 51 of the nozzle which it surrounded.
  • FIG. 1 Another advantage of the nozzles 3, 39, 50 according to the invention is that the presence openings 17, 17 'makes it possible to introduce addition elements therein, in the form solid matter or gas.
  • This introduction can be achieved through conduits 66, 66 'passing through the cover 29, and the end of which lower overhangs the openings 17, 17 '.
  • solid materials can be introduced under powder, granules, wire or cored wire, or small diameter lances allowing gas to be bubbled through the liquid metal.
  • conduits 66, 66 ' can also be used to introduce measuring instruments inside the nozzle 3, such as means for measuring the temperature of the liquid metal or its dissolved oxygen content, or a probe taking gas samples to check the correct inerting of the atmosphere in the nozzle 3. It is also possible to introduce through these conduits 66, 66 ' means for taking samples of liquid metal, such as glass tubes under vacuum.
  • the other types of nozzles described and represented can also be equipped with such conduits 66, 66 ', or functionally equivalent devices. For guarantee a good distribution of these additions inside the nozzle 3, 39, 50, it is better to use two conduits 66, 66 'rather than one, especially in the case where a partition 24 is used.
  • micro-additions alloying elements This gives us the possibility of making micro-additions alloying elements at a late stage of development by ensuring homogeneity of these additions better than if they were carried out in the mold.
  • the possibility of heating the metal during casting, thanks to the burners 32, 32 ', at the very place where these additions are made, allows effective compensation their possible endothermic effect on the liquid metal.
  • these micro-additions may have the functions in particular of finely adjusting the composition of the metal, improve its solidification conditions, modify the composition and morphology of non-metallic inclusions.
  • nozzles 3, 39, 50 Another advantage of the nozzles 3, 39, 50 according to the invention is that the openings 17, 17 'make their manufacture in one piece by compaction easy hot isostatic of the refractory material which constitutes them, including when it is desired give them a complex interior shape. This compaction is usually made around a core in one or more pieces, which must be able to be then removed without damaging the nozzle.
  • the openings 17, 17 'of the nozzles according to the invention allow precisely to successively remove the different parts of the core. But the realization of the entire nozzle according to the invention in a single piece is not mandatory, and we can plan to make the nozzle in several parts that we assemble to each other before the fitting of the nozzle on the distributor, or at the time of this installation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Continuous Casting (AREA)
  • Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Vertical, Hearth, Or Arc Furnaces (AREA)

Abstract

A nozzle (3) is claimed for introducing liquid metal into the mould (10) of a continuous casting machine, of the type that comprises a shaft (4) of which the upper end is designed to be connected by some means of fixing (6,7) to the outlet nozzle (1) of a hot metal ladle and the lower end of which is connected to a terminal part of the nozzle (3) equipped with apertures (19, 20, 20') designed to distribute the liquid metal in the casting space (13) defined by the mould (10). This terminal part of the nozzle (3) incorporates, in its upper zone, at least one aperture (17) designed to allow the reheating of the interior of the terminal part by some means of heating such as a burner (32, 32'). The installation for the continuous casting of metal products using this nozzle (3) is also claimed and is of the type incorporating a bottomless mould (10) with energetically cooled walls (11, 11' ,12, 12') defining a casting space (13) and a nozzle (3) of refractory material connected to a vessel containing the liquid metal, the lower end of the nozzle feeding this liquid metal into the casting space (13). This installation can be a classical slab casting machine or a casting machine with rolls for casting thin strip.

Description

L'invention concerne la coulée continue des métaux, notamment de l'acier. Plus précisément, elle concerne les tubes en matériau réfractaire dits "busettes" suivant le préambule de la revendication 1 (WO-A- 88/06932) qui, habituellement, sont connectés par leur extrémité supérieure au répartiteur servant de réservoir de métal liquide, et dont l'extrémité inférieure plonge dans le bain de métal liquide contenu dans la lingotière où s'amorce la solidification du produit métallique. Le premier rôle de ces busettes est de protéger de l'oxydation atmosphérique le jet de métal liquide sur son parcours entre le récipient et la lingotière. Elles permettent également, grâce à des configurations appropriées de leur extrémité inférieure, d'orienter favorablement les écoulements du métal liquide dans la lingotière pour que la solidification du produit s'effectue dans les meilleures conditions possibles.The invention relates to the continuous casting of metals, in particular steel. More specifically, it relates to tubes made of refractory material called "nozzles" according to the preamble of claim 1 (WO-A- 88/06932) who, are usually connected by their upper end to the distributor serving as liquid metal reservoir, the lower end of which dips into the metal bath liquid contained in the ingot mold where the solidification of the metal product begins. The first role of these nozzles is to protect from atmospheric oxidation the jet of liquid metal on its path between the container and the mold. They allow also, thanks to appropriate configurations of their lower end, to orient the liquid metal flows in the ingot mold favorably so that the solidification of the product is carried out under the best possible conditions.

La coulée peut avoir lieu dans une lingotière devant conférer au produit une section de forme rectangulaire très allongée, qui le fait désigner habituellement par l'expression "produit plat". C'est le cas lorsque, en sidérurgie, on coule l'acier sous forme de brames, c'est à dire de produits ayant environ 0,6 à 3 m de large et une épaisseur généralement de l'ordre de 20 cm, mais pouvant descendre jusqu'à quelques cm sur certaines installations récentes dites "machines de coulée de brames minces". Dans ces exemples, la lingotière est composée de parois fixes en cuivre ou alliage de cuivre, énergiquement refroidies sur leur face froide qui n'est pas au contact du métal. On expérimente également des installations permettant d'obtenir, directement par solidification du métal liquide, des bandes d'acier de quelques mm d'épaisseur. Pour ce faire, on utilise des lingotières dont l'espace de coulée est délimité sur ses grands côtés par une paire de cylindres refroidis intérieurement à axes horizontaux parallèles et tournant autour de ces axes en sens inverses, et sur ses petits côtés par des plaques de fermeture (appelées faces latérales) en matériau réfractaire appliquées contre les extrémités des cylindres. Les cylindres ou les faces latérales peuvent également être remplacés par des bandes sans fin refroidies.The casting can take place in an ingot mold which must give the product a very elongated rectangular section, which usually designates it by the expression "flat product". This is the case when, in the steel industry, steel is poured under slab shape, i.e. products about 0.6 to 3 m wide and a thickness generally of the order of 20 cm, but which can go down to a few cm on certain recent installations called "thin slab casting machines". In these examples, the ingot mold is composed of fixed walls of copper or alloy of copper, energetically cooled on their cold side which is not in contact with the metal. We are also experimenting with installations making it possible to obtain, directly by solidification of liquid metal, steel strips a few mm thick. For this make, we use molds whose casting space is delimited on its long sides by a pair of internally cooled cylinders with parallel horizontal axes and rotating around these axes in opposite directions, and on its short sides by plates of closure (called side faces) of refractory material applied against ends of cylinders. Cylinders or side faces can also be replaced by cooled endless belts.

Pour procurer des orientations favorables aux écoulements du métal dans la lingotière, on donne parfois à la partie inférieure terminale de la busette une forme complexe, allongée parallèlement aux grands côtés de l'espace de coulée. Elle occupe donc une proportion importante de cet espace, particulièrement dans le cas de la coulée de produits minces entre cylindres. Elle représente également une masse de matériau réfractaire qu'il faut impérativement soigneusement préchauffer avant la coulée, sous peine de risquer un figeage du métal à l'intérieur ou autour de la busette en début de coulée. C'est d'autant plus le cas lorsque la busette est, en son intérieur, équipée d'obstacles rétrécissant localement sa section afin d'imposer au métal des pertes de charge qui stabilisent son écoulement. Et par sécurité, afin d'éviter un tel figeage en cours de coulée si la température du métal en répartiteur devait baisser sensiblement (notamment dans les dernières minutes de la coulée), on est souvent conduit à couler le métal à une température supérieure à ce qui serait métallurgiquement souhaitable pour obtenir un produit de la meilleure qualité. On peut également prévoir de réchauffer le métal présent dans le répartiteur pour maintenir sa température constante pendant toute la coulée, grâce à un dispositif à induction ou une torche à plasma. Mais ces dispositifs sont coûteux à l'installation et à l'usage, en ce qu'ils compliquent la construction de l'installation de coulée et consomment beaucoup d'énergie. On a également proposé d'incorporer à la busette des éléments chauffants sous forme de résistances électriques, pouvant agir pendant la coulée elle-même. Mais cela complique singulièrement la construction et l'utilisation de la busette (voir le document JP 1-228649)To provide directions favorable to the flow of metal in the ingot mold, the terminal lower part of the nozzle is sometimes given a shape complex, elongated parallel to the long sides of the pouring space. She occupies therefore a significant proportion of this space, particularly in the case of casting thin products between cylinders. It also represents a mass of material refractory that must be carefully preheated before pouring, under penalty of freezing the metal inside or around the nozzle at the start of casting. This is all the more the case when the nozzle is, inside, equipped obstacles locally narrowing its section in order to impose losses on the metal loads which stabilize its flow. And for safety, in order to avoid such freezing in casting course if the temperature of the metal in the distributor were to drop significantly (especially in the last minutes of casting), we are often led to sink the metal at a temperature higher than what would be metallurgically desirable for get the best quality product. We can also plan to heat the metal present in the distributor to maintain its constant temperature throughout casting, using an induction device or a plasma torch. But these devices are expensive to install and use, in that they complicate the construction of casting installation and consume a lot of energy. We also proposed to incorporate heating elements in the form of electrical resistances into the nozzle, can act during the casting itself. But that singularly complicates the construction and use of the nozzle (see document JP 1-228649)

Le but de l'invention est de proposer aux utilisateurs un type de busette et une installation de coulée l'incorporant, qui permettent de s'affranchir dans une large mesure des problèmes thermiques que l'on vient de citer, sans devoir compliquer exagérément la construction et l'utilisation de la busette.The object of the invention is to provide users with a type of nozzle and a casting installation incorporating it, which makes it possible to overcome a large measurement of the thermal problems which we have just mentioned, without having to complicate exaggeratedly the construction and use of the nozzle.

Avec ces objectifs en vue, l'invention a pour objet une busette pour l'introduction d'un métal liquide dans une lingotière de coulée continue de produits métalliques, du type comportant une cheminée dont l'extrémité supérieure est destinée à être raccordée par des moyens de fixation à la busette de sortie d'un récipient renfermant ledit métal liquide, et dont l'extrémité inférieure est raccordée à une partie terminale de la busette équipée d'orifices destinés à répartir ledit métal liquide dans l'espace de coulée défini par ladite lingotière, caractérisée en ce que ladite partie terminale comporte, dans sa zone supérieure, au moins une ouverture destinée à permettre le réchauffage de l'intérieur de ladite partie terminale par des moyens de chauffage tels qu'un brûleur.With these objectives in view, the invention relates to a nozzle for the introduction of a liquid metal into a mold for continuous product casting of metal, of the type comprising a chimney the upper end of which is intended to be connected by means of attachment to the outlet nozzle of a container containing said liquid metal, and the lower end of which is connected to a part end of the nozzle equipped with orifices intended to distribute said liquid metal in the casting space defined by said ingot mold, characterized in that said part terminal has, in its upper zone, at least one opening intended to allow the interior of said end portion to be reheated by means of heating such as a burner.

L'invention a également pour objet une installation de coulée continue de produits métalliques, du type comportant une lingotière sans fond aux parois énergiquement refroidies intérieurement définissant un espace de coulée, et une busette en matériau réfractaire connectée par son extrémité supérieure à un récipient contenant un métal liquide, et dont l'extrémité inférieure amène ledit métal liquide dans ledit espace de coulée, caractérisée en ce que ladite busette est du type précédemment décrit.The invention also relates to a continuous casting installation of metal products, of the type comprising a bottomless ingot mold on the walls energetically internally cooled defining a casting space, and a nozzle of refractory material connected by its upper end to a container containing a liquid metal, and the lower end of which brings said liquid metal into said pouring space, characterized in that said nozzle is of the type previously described.

Cette installation peut être notamment une installation de coulée de brames classiques ou une installation de coulée de bandes minces, directement à partir de métal liquide, telle qu'une coulée entre cylindres. This installation can in particular be a slab casting installation conventional or a thin strip casting installation, directly from metal liquid, such as casting between cylinders.

Comme on l'aura compris, l'invention consiste à équiper une busette d'au moins une ouverture permettant le passage d'un dispositif tel qu'un brûleur pouvant chauffer l'intérieur de la busette. Lorsque, comme il est souvent préférable, on emploie plusieurs brûleurs, un nombre d'ouvertures correspondant doit être prévu. Ces brûleurs peuvent, si nécessaire, agir aussi bien avant que pendant la coulée. Les ouvertures doivent, pendant la coulée, être maintenues en permanence au-dessus du niveau de métal liquide, et peuvent aussi être utilisées pour introduire des éléments d'addition en faibles quantités dans le métal liquide, en profitant, si nécessaire, de l'action des brûleurs pour compenser les pertes thermiques dues à cette addition. On peut aussi, au début de la coulée, introduire dans le métal, grâce à ces ouvertures, une poudre exothermique favorisant le démarrage de la coulée ou la fusion des solidifications parasites qui, ainsi, deviennent temporaires. Pour une utilisation efficace de ce type de busette, il est indispensable d'empêcher que de l'air puisse traverser ces ouvertures et venir polluer le métal à l'intérieur de la busette. Il est donc, à cet effet, très conseillé d'enfermer au moins la partie inférieure de la busette sous un capot qui assure également la protection de l'environnement de la lingotière. L'invention est particulièrement adaptée au cas où la busette présente, dans sa partie inférieure, une forme évasée et allongée, cette partie inférieure étant destinée à être orientée parallèlement aux grands côtés de la lingotière.As will be understood, the invention consists in equipping a nozzle with at least less an opening allowing the passage of a device such as a burner which can heat the inside of the nozzle. When, as is often preferable, several burners, a corresponding number of openings must be provided. These burners can, if necessary, act both before and during casting. The openings must, during casting, be kept permanently above the level of liquid metal, and can also be used to introduce additives in small quantities in the liquid metal, taking advantage, if necessary, of the action of burners to compensate for the heat losses due to this addition. We can also, at start of casting, introduce into the metal, thanks to these openings, a powder exothermic favoring the start of casting or the fusion of solidifications parasites which thus become temporary. For effective use of this type of nozzle, it is essential to prevent air from passing through these openings and pollute the metal inside the nozzle. It is therefore highly recommended for this purpose enclose at least the lower part of the nozzle under a cover which ensures also environmental protection of the mold. The invention is particularly suitable for the case where the nozzle has, in its lower part, a flared and elongated shape, this lower part being intended to be oriented parallel to the long sides of the mold.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit, faisant référence aux figures annexées suivantes:

  • les figures 1a et 1b qui montrent, vue en section selon respectivement Ia-Ia et Ib-Ib, un exemple de busette selon l'invention, ainsi que la lingotière et l'environnement de la lingotière de la machine de coulée continue de brames ainsi équipée;
  • les figures 2a et 2b qui montrent, vue en section selon respectivement IIa-IIa et IIb-IIb, un exemple de busette selon l'invention, ainsi que la lingotière et l'environnement de la lingotière de la machine de coulée de bandes minces entre deux cylindres ainsi équipée;
  • les figures 3a et 3b qui montrent, vue en section selon respectivement IIIa-IIIa et IIIb-IIIb, un autre exemple de busette selon l'invention, ainsi que la lingotière et l'environnement de la lingotière de la machine de coulée de bandes minces entre deux cylindres ainsi équipée.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, referring to the following appended figures:
  • Figures 1a and 1b which show, sectional view along Ia-Ia and Ib-Ib respectively, an example of a nozzle according to the invention, as well as the mold and the environment of the mold of the continuous slab casting machine as well equipped;
  • FIGS. 2a and 2b which show, seen in section along respectively IIa-IIa and IIb-IIb, an example of a nozzle according to the invention, as well as the ingot mold and the environment of the ingot mold of the machine for casting thin strips between two cylinders so equipped;
  • FIGS. 3a and 3b which show, seen in section along IIIa-IIIa and IIIb-IIIb respectively, another example of a nozzle according to the invention, as well as the ingot mold and the environment of the ingot mold of the thin strip casting machine between two cylinders thus equipped.

L'exemple de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1a et 1b concerne la coulée continue de brames d'acier classiques, d'une épaisseur de l'ordre de 20 cm et d'une largeur comprise entre 0,6 et 3 m environ. L'installation de coulée comprend un réservoir de métal liquide dit "répartiteur", non représenté. L'acier liquide s'écoule du répartiteur, avec un débit maítrisable par l'opérateur, à travers un orifice ménagé dans le fond du répartiteur. Cet orifice est prolongé par une busette de sortie tubulaire 1 en un matériau réfractaire tel que de l'alumine graphitée, dont l'espace intérieur 2 est cylindrique, et à laquelle est raccordée une busette 3 d'un type selon l'invention. Cette busette 3 est en un matériau réfractaire similaire au précédent, ou en un matériau différent dont la nature tient compte des contraintes de réalisation de la busette 3 ou des conditions physico-chimiques régnant dans la lingotière. Elle comporte deux parties, exécutées d'une seule pièce dans l'exemple représenté.The embodiment shown in Figures 1a and 1b relates to casting continuous of standard steel slabs, with a thickness of about 20 cm and a width between 0.6 and 3 m approximately. The casting installation includes a liquid metal tank called "distributor", not shown. Liquid steel flows from distributor, with a flow controllable by the operator, through an orifice provided in the bottom of the dispatcher. This orifice is extended by a tubular outlet nozzle 1 in a refractory material such as graphitized alumina, the interior space 2 of which is cylindrical, and to which is connected a nozzle 3 of a type according to the invention. This nozzle 3 is made of a refractory material similar to the previous one, or of a material different, the nature of which takes account of the constraints of producing the nozzle 3 or physicochemical conditions prevailing in the mold. It has two parts, executed in one piece in the example shown.

La première partie est une cheminée 4 de forme extérieure globalement cylindrique de diamètre "d", et dont l'espace intérieur cylindrique 5 prolonge celui de la busette de sortie 1, en lui étant égal ou de préférence légèrement supérieur en diamètre, afin qu'un léger désalignement éventuel des deux espaces 2 et 5 soit sans conséquence sur les écoulements du métal. Le raccordement entre la busette de sortie 1 et la cheminée 4 de la busette 3 doit être aussi étanche que possible pour éviter la création d'un courant d'aspiration de l'atmosphère ambiante à l'intérieur de la busette 3. Dans l'exemple représenté, ce raccordement est effectué par la fixation l'une à l'autre par des moyens non représentés d'une bague supérieure 6 et d'une bague inférieure 7 qui prennent appui sur des portées 8, 9 ménagées respectivement à l'extrémité inférieure de la busette de sortie 1 et à l'extrémité supérieure de la cheminée 4.The first part is a chimney 4 with an overall external shape cylindrical with diameter "d", and whose cylindrical interior space 5 extends that of the outlet nozzle 1, being equal to or preferably slightly larger in diameter, so that any slight misalignment of the two spaces 2 and 5 is of no consequence on metal flows. The connection between the outlet nozzle 1 and the chimney 4 of the nozzle 3 must be as tight as possible to avoid the creation of a suction current from the ambient atmosphere inside the nozzle 3. In the example shown, this connection is made by fixing to each other by means not shown of an upper ring 6 and a lower ring 7 which are supported on bearing surfaces 8, 9 respectively provided at the lower end of the outlet nozzle 1 and at the upper end of the chimney 4.

La deuxième partie de la busette 3, dite partie terminale, a pour fonctions de recevoir l'acier liquide sortant de la cheminée 4, et de le répartir dans l'espace de coulée défini par la lingotière 10. Cette lingotière 10, qui, telle que représentée sur les figures 1a, 1b, est adaptée à la coulée de brames d'acier de format classique, comporte comme habituellement deux grands côtés 11, 11' et deux petits côtés 12, 12', constitués par des parois en cuivre ou alliage de cuivre énergiquement refroidies intérieurement, et sur lesquelles s'amorce la solidification du métal liquide. Elle confère à l'espace de coulée 13 une section transversale rectangulaire constante sur toute sa hauteur. En-dessous de la cheminée 4, la busette 3 conserve une épaisseur "e" égale au diamètre extérieur "d" de la cheminée 4, ou peu différente de lui. Vue en section longitudinale verticale, la partie terminale de la busette 3 a une forme pentagonale: lorsque la busette 3 est en place, le fond 14 est sensiblement horizontal, les parois latérales 15, 15', 15'', 15''' sont sensiblement verticales, et ces dernières sont raccordées à l'extrémité inférieure de la cheminée 4 par des parois obliques 16, 16'.The second part of the nozzle 3, called the terminal part, has the functions of receive the liquid steel coming out of the chimney 4, and distribute it in the casting space defined by the ingot mold 10. This ingot mold 10, which, as shown in the figures 1a, 1b, is suitable for the casting of steel slabs of conventional format, has as usually two long sides 11, 11 'and two short sides 12, 12', formed by walls of copper or copper alloy energetically cooled internally, and on which begins the solidification of the liquid metal. It gives the casting space 13 a constant rectangular cross section over its entire height. Below of the chimney 4, the nozzle 3 retains a thickness "e" equal to the outside diameter "d" from the chimney 4, or little different from it. View in vertical longitudinal section, the end part of the nozzle 3 has a pentagonal shape: when the nozzle 3 is in square, the bottom 14 is substantially horizontal, the side walls 15, 15 ', 15' ', 15' '' are substantially vertical, and these are connected to the lower end of the chimney 4 by oblique walls 16, 16 '.

Selon l'invention, ces parois obliques 16, 16' comportent chacune une ouverture 17, 17'. La fonction de ces ouvertures 17, 17' sera explicitée plus loin; mais elles n'ont, en principe, aucun rôle dans l'introduction du métal liquide dans l'espace de coulée 13. Cette introduction est normalement assurée par des séries d'orifices ménagés dans le fond 14 et les parois latérales 15, 15', 15'', 15''' de la busette 3, et situés de manière à se trouver toujours en-dessous du niveau 18 de la surface du métal liquide en lingotière dans des conditions de coulée normales. Une première série d'orifices 19, 19' est ménagée sur les parois latérales 15'', 15''' qui font face aux grands côtés 11, 11' de la lingotière 10. Ils produisent des courants qui doivent alimenter préférentiellement le ménisque, c'est à dire la zone de contact entre la surface du métal liquide et la lingotière 10, en y apportant la quantité de chaleur nécessaire à la prévention des solidifications parasites et à la fusion de la poudre de couverture habituellement déposée sur la surface. A cet effet, ces orifices 19, 19' sont répartis sur l'ensemble de la largeur des parois 15'', 15''', et peuvent être orientés horizontalement, ou être inclinés de manière à orienter le métal liquide qui les traverse en direction du ménisque. Une deuxième série d'orifices 20, 20' est ménagée sur les parois latérales 15, 15' qui font face aux petits côtés 12, 12' de la lingotière 10. Ils sont généralement au nombre de un par paroi 15, 15', du fait de la faible largeur de celle-ci. Ils ont la même fonction que les orifices 19, 19' de la première série. Leurs emplacements, leurs dimensions et leurs orientations doivent, de plus, être déterminés pour qu'ils n'envoient pas dans les angles de la lingotière 10 une quantité de métal chaud qui pourrait favoriser la refusion partielle de la peau de métal solide formée à leur niveau. Une telle fragilisation de la peau, si elle devait aller jusqu'à une rupture, pourrait provoquer de graves incidents de coulée (percées). Une troisième série d'orifices 21 est ménagée dans le fond 14, de manière à alimenter la partie inférieure de l'espace de coulée 13 en métal chaud. Dans l'exemple représenté, ces orifices 21 sont orientés verticalement, mais on peut imaginer de les orienter obliquement si cela apparaít utile. On peut également prévoir de les disposer sur plusieurs rangées, réparties de part et d'autre du plan médian longitudinal Ia-Ia de la busette.According to the invention, these oblique walls 16, 16 'each have a opening 17, 17 '. The function of these openings 17, 17 'will be explained below; But they have, in principle, no role in the introduction of liquid metal into the space of casting 13. This introduction is normally provided by series of openings in the bottom 14 and the side walls 15, 15 ', 15' ', 15' '' of the nozzle 3, and located so as to always be below level 18 of the surface of the liquid metal in ingot mold under normal casting conditions. A first series of holes 19, 19 ' is provided on the side walls 15 '', 15 '' 'which face the long sides 11, 11' of the ingot mold 10. They produce currents which must preferably feed the meniscus, i.e. the contact area between the surface of the liquid metal and the ingot mold 10, by providing the quantity of heat necessary for the prevention of stray solidifications and melting of the covering powder usually deposited on the surface. To this end, these orifices 19, 19 ′ are distributed over the whole of the width of the walls 15 '', 15 '' ', and can be oriented horizontally, or be inclined so as to orient the liquid metal which passes through them in the direction of the meniscus. A second series of orifices 20, 20 'is formed on the side walls 15, 15' which form facing the short sides 12, 12 ′ of the mold 10. They are generally one in number per wall 15, 15 ', due to the small width thereof. They have the same function as orifices 19, 19 'of the first series. Their locations, dimensions and orientations must, moreover, be determined so that they do not send in the angles from the mold 10 an amount of hot metal which could promote reflow partial of the solid metal skin formed at their level. Such weakening of the skin, if it should go as far as a rupture, could cause serious incidents of casting (breakthroughs). A third series of orifices 21 is formed in the bottom 14, of so as to supply the lower part of the casting space 13 with hot metal. In the example shown, these orifices 21 are oriented vertically, but one can imagine to orient them obliquely if that appears useful. We can also plan to have on several rows, distributed on either side of the longitudinal median plane Ia-Ia of the nozzle.

Dans l'exemple représenté, la busette 3 comporte également, de manière conseillée mais non obligatoire, un insert 22, disposé dans un logement 23 à l'intérieur de la cheminée 4, qui rétrécit localement l'espace intérieur 5 de la cheminée 4. Ce rétrécissement local a pour effet de faire perdre au métal une partie de son énergie, ce qui conduit à un meilleur remplissage de l'ensemble de l'espace intérieur de la busette 3 et de l'ensemble de ses orifices de sortie 19, 19', 20, 20', 21. Les écoulements du métal hors de la busette 3 s'effectuent ainsi avec une meilleure régularité, ce qui est favorable à la qualité du métal coulé. Cet insert 22 peut, comme représenté, prendre la forme d'un élément tubulaire de diamètre plus faible que celui de la cheminée 4, mais on peut lui conférer d'autres formes, par exemple celle d'un empilement de pastilles perforées. On peut aussi le disposer à l'extrémité amont ou aval de la cheminée 4. D'autre part, toujours dans le but d'assurer une meilleure régularité des écoulements, on a prévu de ménager sur le fond 14 de la busette 3 une cloison 24 située à l'aplomb de la cheminée 4, destinée à briser et à séparer en deux courants le jet de métal liquide s'écoulant dans la partie inférieure de la busette 3. Cette cloison 24 divise donc l'espace intérieur de la partie terminale de la busette 3 en deux compartiments, chacun étant surplombé par une ouverture 17, 17'.In the example shown, the nozzle 3 also includes, so recommended but not compulsory, an insert 22, placed in a housing 23 inside of the chimney 4, which locally shrinks the interior space 5 of the chimney 4. This local shrinkage causes the metal to lose part of its energy, which which leads to better filling of the entire interior space of the nozzle 3 and all of its outlet orifices 19, 19 ', 20, 20', 21. The flows of the metal outside of the nozzle 3 are thus carried out with better regularity, which is favorable the quality of the cast metal. This insert 22 can, as shown, take the form of a tubular element with a smaller diameter than that of the chimney 4, but it is possible give it other forms, for example that of a stack of perforated pellets. It can also be placed at the upstream or downstream end of the chimney 4. On the other hand, always in order to ensure a better regularity of flows, we have planned to provide a partition 24 on the bottom 14 of the nozzle 3 located directly above the chimney 4, intended to break up and separate the jet of liquid metal flowing into two streams the lower part of the nozzle 3. This partition 24 therefore divides the interior space of the terminal part of the nozzle 3 in two compartments, each overhung by an opening 17, 17 '.

L'installation est complétée par un dispositif assurant la protection contre l'atmosphère ambiante de l'espace environnant la lingotière 10. L'usage d'un tel dispositif n'est pas indispensable sur une installation classique de coulée de brames, car l'acier liquide y est protégé de l'atmosphère par la busette entièrement fermée et par la poudre de couverture. Mais les ouvertures 17, 17' de la busette 3 selon l'invention provoquent une exposition de l'espace intérieur de la busette 3 à l'atmosphère ambiante, et il est donc particulièrement important de réaliser un inertage de cette atmosphère pour éviter une oxydation du métal. A cet effet, dans l'exemple représenté, le rebord 25 de la lingotière 10 comporte sur tout son pourtour une collerette 26 supportant une rigole 27 contenant un matériau d'étanchéité tel que du sable 28. Un capot 29 solidaire de la bague supérieure 6, donc du répartiteur, délimite l'espace surplombant la lingotière 10, et sa partie inférieure est constituée par un bord tombant vertical 30 plongeant dans le sable 28 de la rigole 27, qui se comporte ainsi comme un joint d'étanchéité permettant un certain débattement vertical du capot 29. Celui-ci peut donc accompagner les mouvements ascendants-descendants du répartiteur et de la busette 3, grâce auxquels on peut régler la profondeur d'immersion de la busette 3 dans l'acier liquide, sans que l'inertage de l'environnement de la lingotière 10 en soit affecté. Ce débattement vertical est aussi compatible avec les mouvements d'oscillations verticaux, qu'il est classique d'imposer à la lingotière. Une telle manière d'assurer cette étanchéité est connue en elle-même, et bien entendu n'est pas la seule possible. Parmi ses avantages, on peut citer le fait d'inclure sous le capot 29 la zone de raccordement entre la busette de sortie 1 du répartiteur et la cheminée 4 de la busette 3, et donc de minimiser les conséquences d'un éventuel défaut d'étanchéité de ce raccordement.The installation is completed by a device ensuring protection against the ambient atmosphere of the space surrounding the ingot mold 10. The use of such device is not essential on a conventional slab casting installation, because the liquid steel is protected from the atmosphere by the fully closed nozzle and by the cover powder. But the openings 17, 17 'of the nozzle 3 according to the invention cause the interior space of the nozzle 3 to be exposed to the ambient atmosphere, and it is therefore particularly important to carry out an inerting of this atmosphere to avoid oxidation of the metal. To this end, in the example shown, the flange 25 of the mold 10 has on its entire periphery a flange 26 supporting a channel 27 containing a sealing material such as sand 28. A cover 29 integral of the upper ring 6, therefore of the distributor, delimits the space overhanging the ingot mold 10, and its lower part is constituted by a vertical falling edge 30 dipping into the sand 28 of the channel 27, which thus behaves like a joint sealing allowing a certain vertical clearance of the cover 29. The latter can therefore support the upward-downward movements of the distributor and the nozzle 3, with which the depth of immersion of the nozzle 3 in the steel can be adjusted liquid, without the inerting of the environment of the mold 10 being affected. This vertical travel is also compatible with oscillating movements vertical, which is classic to impose on the mold. Such a way of ensuring this sealing is known in itself, and of course is not the only one possible. Among its advantages, we can cite the fact of including under the cover 29 the connection zone between the outlet nozzle 1 of the distributor and the chimney 4 of the nozzle 3, and therefore of minimize the consequences of a possible leak in this connection.

Selon l'invention, le capot 29 est percé de deux ouvertures 31, 31', dont les dimensions et les emplacements permettent d'y insérer deux brûleurs 32, 32' orientés en direction des ouvertures 17, 17' ménagées dans la busette 3. On donne ainsi la possibilité à ces brûleurs de réchauffer le métal liquide lorsqu'il se trouve à l'intérieur même de la busette 3, chaque brûleur 32, 32' étant en charge d'une moitié de la busette 3. L'utilisation d'un seul brûleur 32, 32' serait envisageable, mais il est clair que l'homogénéité du réchauffage est meilleure s'il y en a deux, en particulier si on utilise la cloison 24 qui sépare physiquement l'espace intérieur de la partie terminale de la busette 3 en deux compartiments. Chacun de ces brûleurs comporte une arrivée de gaz combustible 33, 33' et une arrivée de gaz comburant 34, 34'. Ce comburant peut être de l'oxygène ou, de préférence, de l'air, car un réglage défectueux du débit de comburant qui imposerait une consommation incomplète de celui-ci provoquerait une moindre oxydation, tant du métal que des réfractaires. L'utilisation de torches à plasma, par exemple, est également envisageable. Chacun de ces brûleurs 32, 32' est muni d'une collerette 35, 35' qui permet d'obturer de manière étanche l'ouverture 31, 31' du capot 29 qu'il traverse. La collerette 35, 35' est, à cet effet, fixée au capot 29 par des moyens non représentés. On a aussi la possibilité de n'utiliser les brûleurs 32, 32' que lors de la phase de préchauffage de la busette 3, pendant laquelle ils réalisent un préchauffage particulièrement efficace de l'intérieur de la busette 3. Lors de la coulée, on peut soit les laisser en place, éventuellement en s'en servant pour insuffler un gaz neutre sous le capot 29, au-dessus de l'espace de coulée, soit les ôter et les remplacer par des couvercles étanches isolant l'espace de coulée de l'air extérieur. En associant ces brûleurs 32, 32' à d'autres brûleurs chauffant par l'extérieur la partie terminale de la busette 3, on peut réaliser un excellent préchauffage de l'ensemble de la busette 3, y compris de son espace intérieur. Après ce préchauffage, on amène l'ensemble répartiteur-busette 3-capot 29 au-dessus de la lingotière 10, on règle l'altitude du répartiteur de manière à conférer à la busette 3 son enfoncement nominal dans la lingotière 10, et on démarre la coulée. Il est ainsi possible de donner une configuration complexe à cet espace intérieur en y disposant des éléments en réfractaire (tels que la cloison 24) de toutes formes destinés à améliorer le comportement hydrodynamique du métal liquide, sans que ces éléments ne provoquent de pertes thermiques excessives en début de coulée qui pourraient conduire à un figeage du métal à l'intérieur de la busette 3.According to the invention, the cover 29 is pierced with two openings 31, 31 ', the dimensions and locations allow to insert two burners 32, 32 'oriented in direction of the openings 17, 17 'formed in the nozzle 3. This gives the possibility for these burners to heat the liquid metal when it is inside same of the nozzle 3, each burner 32, 32 'being in charge of half of the nozzle 3. The use of a single burner 32, 32 ′ could be envisaged, but it is clear that the homogeneity of the reheating is better if there are two, in particular if we use the partition 24 which physically separates the interior space from the terminal part of the nozzle 3 in two compartments. Each of these burners has a gas inlet fuel 33, 33 'and a combustion gas inlet 34, 34'. This oxidizer can be oxygen or, preferably, air, because a defective adjustment of the flow rate oxidizer which would impose an incomplete consumption of it would cause a less oxidation, both of the metal and of the refractories. The use of plasma torches, for example, is also possible. Each of these burners 32, 32 'is provided with a flange 35, 35 'which enables the opening 31, 31' of the hood to be sealed 29 that it crosses. The collar 35, 35 'is, for this purpose, fixed to the cover 29 by means not shown. It is also possible to use the burners 32, 32 'only during the nozzle 3 preheating phase, during which they preheat particularly effective from the inside of the nozzle 3. During the casting, one can either leave them in place, possibly using them to inject neutral gas under the cover 29, above the casting space, either remove them and replace them with watertight covers isolating the flow space from outside air. By combining these burners 32, 32 'to other burners which heat the outside of the terminal from the outside nozzle 3, excellent preheating of the entire nozzle 3 can be achieved, understood from its interior space. After this preheating, we bring the whole distributor-nozzle 3-cover 29 above the mold 10, the altitude of the distributor so as to give the nozzle 3 its nominal insertion into the ingot mold 10, and the casting is started. It is thus possible to give a configuration complex to this interior space by having refractory elements in it (such as the partition 24) of all shapes intended to improve the hydrodynamic behavior of the liquid metal, without these elements causing excessive thermal losses in start of casting which could lead to a freezing of the metal inside the nozzle 3.

En cas de bouchage partiel ou total des orifices 19, 20, 20', 21 qui rendrait insuffisant le débit de métal pouvant s'écouler hors de la busette 3, et si le dispositif de protection contre l'atmosphère ambiante autorise un débattement vertical suffisant de la busette 3, celle-ci peut éventuellement être enfoncée plus profondément dans la lingotière de manière à ce que les ouvertures 17, 17' deviennent au moins partiellement immergées et contribuent également à l'alimentation de la lingotière en métal liquide. On peut ainsi poursuivre la coulée, même dans des conditions détériorées par rapport aux conditions normales.In the event of partial or total blockage of the openings 19, 20, 20 ', 21 which would make insufficient metal flow which can flow out of the nozzle 3, and if the protection against the ambient atmosphere allows sufficient vertical travel of the nozzle 3, this can optionally be pushed deeper into the ingot mold so that the openings 17, 17 'become at least partially submerged and also contribute to the feeding of the liquid metal ingot mold. We can thus continue the casting, even in deteriorated conditions compared under normal conditions.

Cette disposition s'applique également à la coulée de brames minces, dont l'épaisseur en sortie de lingotière est, par exemple, de 5 à 7 cm. Sur les installations pour la coulée de tels produits, les lingotières ont soit des faces planes parallèles 2 à 2, soit des faces convergentes vers la sortie de la lingotière, soit des faces mixtes planes/concaves. Dans tous ces cas, la busette 3 est dessinée en accord avec le contour horizontal de l'espace de coulée 13.This also applies to the casting of thin slabs, of which the thickness at the outlet of the mold is, for example, from 5 to 7 cm. On the installations for the casting of such products, the molds have either flat parallel faces 2 to 2, either converging faces towards the outlet of the ingot mold, or mixed faces flat / concave. In all these cases, the nozzle 3 is drawn in accordance with the outline horizontal of the pouring space 13.

Les figures 2a, 2b représentent un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, appliquée à la coulée de bandes minces, d'épaisseur de l'ordre de quelques mm, lorsqu'elle est réalisée entre deux cylindres énergiquement refroidis. Les organes communs dans leurs fonctions et dans leur configuration entre cet exemple et celui représenté sur les figures 1a, 1b y sont repérés par les mêmes références. L'espace de coulée 13 de la lingotière est, comme connu, constitué par deux cylindres 36, 36' rapprochés, à axes horizontaux, mis en rotation en sens inverses autour de leurs axes. Ils sont énergiquement refroidis intérieurement pour que la solidification du produit coulé s'amorce sur leurs surfaces externes en formant des peaux solidifiées qui se rejoignent au col 37, c'est à dire à l'endroit où les cylindres sont les plus proches l'un de l'autre, pour former la bande coulée. Le métal liquide tel que l'acier est confiné latéralement dans cet espace de coulée par des faces latérales 38, 38' en réfractaire appliquées contre les chants 40, 40' des cylindres 36, 36'.Figures 2a, 2b show another example of implementation of the invention, applied to the casting of thin strips, with a thickness of the order of a few mm, when carried out between two energetically cooled cylinders. Organs common in their functions and in their configuration between this example and that shown in Figures 1a, 1b are identified there by the same references. The space of casting 13 of the mold is, as known, constituted by two cylinders 36, 36 ' close together, with horizontal axes, rotated in opposite directions around their axes. They are energetically cooled internally so that the solidification of the product flow begins on their external surfaces forming solidified skins which join at neck 37, i.e. where the cylinders are closest one of the other, to form the cast strip. Liquid metal such as steel is confined laterally in this casting space by refractory side faces 38, 38 ' applied against the edges 40, 40 'of the cylinders 36, 36'.

La busette 39 selon l'invention représentée sur les figures 2a, 2b diffère de celle représentée sur les figures 1a, 1b sur les points suivants, qui la rendent adaptée à un usage sur une coulée entre cylindres:

  • sa partie terminale, au lieu d'avoir une épaisseur "e" sensiblement constante, se rétrécit progressivement du haut en bas, de manière à épouser la forme de l'espace de coulée 13;
  • les différents orifices ménagés dans cette partie terminale pour l'introduction du métal liquide dans l'espace de coulée 13 sont répartis de manière quelque peu différente, étant entendu que, là encore, cette répartition n'est qu'un exemple non limitatif.
The nozzle 39 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b differs from that shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b in the following points, which make it suitable for use on casting between rolls:
  • its terminal part, instead of having a substantially constant thickness "e", gradually narrows from top to bottom, so as to match the shape of the casting space 13;
  • the various orifices provided in this end portion for the introduction of the liquid metal into the casting space 13 are distributed somewhat differently, it being understood that, here again, this distribution is only a non-limiting example.

Une première série d'orifices 41, 41' est ménagée sur les parois latérales 15'', 15''' de la busette 39 qui font face aux cylindres 36, 36'. Ils sont répartis sur une largeur aussi grande que possible. En particulier si, comme représenté, ils sont orientés vers le haut, ils alimentent préférentiellement la zone de premier contact entre le métal liquide et le cylindre dont ils sont proches et y apportent la quantité de chaleur nécessaire à l'empêchement des solidifications parasites. Une deuxième série d'orifices 42, 42' est ménagée sur les parois latérales 15, 15' de la busette 39 qui font face aux faces latérales 38, 38' confinant l'espace de coulée 13. Ils peuvent, eux aussi, orienter les écoulements du métal liquide vers le haut. De préférence, ils alimentent aussi de façon privilégiée en métal chaud les coins de l'espace de coulée 13 formés par les arètes de rencontre des cylindres 36, 36' et des faces latérales 38, 38', car ces zones ont tendance à se refroidir davantage que le restant de l'espace de coulée 13. Ce refroidissement peut produire plusieurs effets négatifs, tels que des infiltrations solides entre cylindre et face latérale. D'autres orifices 43, 43', 44, 44', 45, 45', 46, 46' sont percés à travers les parois latérales 15, 15' et/ou le fond 14 de la busette 39, et orientent le métal liquide qui en sort vers le bas de l'espace de coulée 13, plutôt en direction des faces latérales 38, 38' pour les orifices 43, 43', 44, 44', 45, 45', plutôt en direction du col 37 pour les orifices 46, 46'. Il va de soi que la configuration qui vient d'être décrite n'est qu'un exemple non limitatif, le nombre, la répartition et l'orientation des orifices de la busette 39 pouvant être différents en fonction des configurations précises de la busette 39 et de l'espace de coulée 13.A first series of orifices 41, 41 'is formed on the side walls 15' ', 15 '' 'of the nozzle 39 which face the cylinders 36, 36'. They are spread over a width as large as possible. In particular if, as shown, they are oriented towards the high, they preferentially supply the area of first contact between the liquid metal and the cylinder with which they are close and provide the quantity of heat necessary for prevention of parasitic solidifications. A second series of orifices 42, 42 'is formed on the side walls 15, 15 ′ of the nozzle 39 which face the side faces 38, 38 ′ confining the pouring space 13. They too can direct the flows liquid metal up. Preferably, they also supply in a privileged manner hot metal the corners of the casting space 13 formed by the meeting edges of cylinders 36, 36 'and side faces 38, 38', because these areas tend to cool more than the rest of the casting space 13. This cooling can produce several negative effects, such as solid infiltration between cylinder and side face. Other holes 43, 43 ', 44, 44', 45, 45 ', 46, 46' are drilled through the walls side 15, 15 'and / or the bottom 14 of the nozzle 39, and orient the liquid metal which comes down from the casting space 13, rather towards the side faces 38, 38 ' for the holes 43, 43 ', 44, 44', 45, 45 ', more in the direction of the neck 37 for the holes 46, 46 '. It goes without saying that the configuration which has just been described is only an example not limiting, the number, the distribution and the orientation of the orifices of the nozzle 39 can be different depending on the precise configurations of the nozzle 39 and the space of casting 13.

Comme dans l'exemple précédent, il est prévu un capot 29 solidaire de la bague supérieure 6 et percé de deux ouvertures 31, 31' permettant le passage de deux brûleurs 32, 32'. Ce capot 29 coiffe l'espace de coulée, l'isole de l'atmosphère ambiante, et assure le réchauffage de l'espace intérieur de la busette 39 avant et éventuellement pendant la coulée. Ici, la rigole 27 remplie de sable 28 qui reçoit le bord tombant 30 du capot 29 prend appui sur les faces latérales 38, 38' par l'intermédiaire de supports verticaux 47, 47'. Et sous cette rigole 27, à l'aplomb des cylindres 36, 36', sont fixés des sabots 48, 48' dont les surfaces inférieures épousent la forme de la surface extérieure des cylindres 36, 36' en en étant distantes de quelques mm au maximum. De préférence, un gaz neutre est insufflé à travers ces sabots 48, 48' à l'intérieur des espaces 49, 49' les séparant des cylindres 36, 36', afin de constituer une barrière gazeuse à la pénétration d'air dans l'espace environnant la lingotière.As in the previous example, a cover 29 is provided which is integral with the upper ring 6 and pierced with two openings 31, 31 'allowing the passage of two burners 32, 32 '. This cover 29 covers the pouring space, isolates it from the ambient atmosphere, and ensures the heating of the interior space of the nozzle 39 before and possibly during casting. Here, the channel 27 filled with sand 28 which receives the falling edge 30 of the cover 29 is supported on the lateral faces 38, 38 ′ by means of supports vertical 47, 47 '. And under this channel 27, plumb with the cylinders 36, 36 ', are fixed shoes 48, 48 'whose lower surfaces conform to the shape of the surface outside of the cylinders 36, 36 ′ being at least a few mm apart. Of preferably, a neutral gas is blown through these shoes 48, 48 'inside the spaces 49, 49 'separating them from cylinders 36, 36', in order to constitute a barrier gas to the penetration of air into the space surrounding the mold.

Un autre exemple de busette 50 selon l'invention est représentée sur les figures 3a et 3b. Elle est, comme la busette 39 précédente, adaptée notamment à la coulée de bandes minces entre deux cylindres. Elle est intégrée à un dispositif d'inertage de l'espace de coulée 13 semblable à celui précédemment décrit et représenté sur les figures 2a, 2b. Cette busette 50 est formée de deux parties distinctes.Another example of nozzle 50 according to the invention is shown in the figures 3a and 3b. It is, like the previous nozzle 39, adapted in particular to the casting of thin strips between two cylinders. It is integrated into an inerting device for the casting space 13 similar to that previously described and shown in the Figures 2a, 2b. This nozzle 50 is formed of two separate parts.

La première partie 51 est constituée comme une busette du type de la busette 3 représentée sur les figures 1a, 1b, avec quelques modifications:

  • la cheminée 4 peut être raccourcie, de façon à ce que le fond 14 ne soit immergé qu'à une relativement faible profondeur dans le métal liquide en cours de coulée; en conséquence, les orifices 19, 19', 20, 20' ménagés sur les parois latérales 15, 15', 15'', 15''' sont situés juste au-dessus du fond 14, de manière à demeurer immergés lorsque la surface du métal liquide est à son niveau habituel pendant la coulée;
  • au lieu d'être constante, l'épaisseur de cette première partie 51 diminue légèrement dans sa portion terminale, de manière à accompagner le rétrécissement progressif de l'espace de coulée 13.
The first part 51 is constituted as a nozzle of the type of the nozzle 3 shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, with some modifications:
  • the chimney 4 can be shortened, so that the bottom 14 is only immersed at a relatively shallow depth in the liquid metal during casting; consequently, the openings 19, 19 ', 20, 20' formed on the side walls 15, 15 ', 15'',15''' are located just above the bottom 14, so as to remain submerged when the surface liquid metal is at its usual level during casting;
  • instead of being constant, the thickness of this first part 51 decreases slightly in its terminal portion, so as to accompany the progressive narrowing of the casting space 13.

La deuxième partie de la busette 50 est constituée par un panier 52 enveloppant à distance la portion inférieure de la première partie 51. Il prend appui sur des portées 53, 53' ménagées sur les sabots 48, 48'. Dans sa partie inférieure, il présente également un rétrécissement, de manière à lui faire épouser la forme de l'espace de coulée 13 et à maintenir une distance à peu près uniforme entre chacune de ses parois externes et le cylindre 36, 36' auquel elle fait face. Ainsi, le métal liquide sortant de la première partie 51 de la busette 50, au lieu de s'écouler directement dans l'espace de coulée 13, passe d'abord à l'intérieur du panier 52. Il en sort par une série d'orifices ménagés dans le fond 54 et les parois latérales 55, 55', 56, 56' du panier 52. Les orifices 57, 57', 58, 58' l'orientent vers les faces latérales 38, 38', les orifices 59, 59' l'orientent vers les cylindres 36, 36', et les orifices 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 l'orientent vers le bas de l'espace de coulée 13. On peut prévoir, à cet effet, que deux orifices du fond 54 qui sont voisins donnent au métal liquide des directions convergentes, afin que les courants se brisent mutuellement. Il en résulte un écoulement diffus du métal qui évite ainsi des impacts locaux sur la peau solidifiée qui conduiraient à son réchauffement, voire à sa refusion. On peut aussi, bien entendu, prévoir ce type de disposition pour les fonds 14 des busettes 3 et 39 qui ont été précédemment décrites et représentées sur les figures 1a, 1b et 2a, 2b. La surface du métal liquide est au même niveau 18 (aux pertes de charge près) dans le volume interne de la première partie 51 de la busette 50, dans le panier 52 et dans l'espace de coulée 13.The second part of the nozzle 50 is constituted by a basket 52 remotely enveloping the lower portion of the first part 51. It rests on spans 53, 53 'formed on the hooves 48, 48'. In its lower part, it also has a narrowing, so as to make it conform to the shape of the casting space 13 and to maintain a roughly uniform distance between each of its outer walls and the cylinder 36, 36 'to which it faces. So the liquid metal leaving the first part 51 of the nozzle 50, instead of flowing directly into the pouring space 13, first passes inside the basket 52. It leaves therefrom by a series orifices formed in the bottom 54 and the side walls 55, 55 ', 56, 56' of the basket 52. The orifices 57, 57 ', 58, 58' orient it towards the lateral faces 38, 38 ', the orifices 59, 59' orient it towards the cylinders 36, 36 ', and the orifices 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 orient it towards the bottom of the casting space 13. It is possible, for this purpose, to have two orifices in the bottom 54 which are neighbors give converging directions to the liquid metal, so that the currents break each other. This results in a diffuse flow of the metal which avoids thus local impacts on the solidified skin which would lead to its heating, even to his reflow. We can also, of course, provide this type of arrangement for bottoms 14 of the nozzles 3 and 39 which have been previously described and represented on the Figures 1a, 1b and 2a, 2b. The surface of the liquid metal is at the same level 18 (at losses near charge) in the internal volume of the first part 51 of the nozzle 50, in the basket 52 and in the casting space 13.

L'utilisation d'un tel panier 52 présente plusieurs avantages. Il constitue un absorbeur d'énergie supplémentaire, conférant donc une meilleure stabilité aux écoulements du métal liquide dans l'espace de coulée 13 et atténuant les fluctuations du niveau 18 de sa surface, toutes choses allant dans le sens d'une amélioration de la qualité des produits coulés. D'autre part, il permet de retenir une grande partie des inclusions non-métalliques et impuretés diverses présentes dans le métal liquide s'écoulant hors du répartiteur: on peut ainsi couler des produits d'une meilleure propreté. Mais en contrepartie, un tel panier 52, s'il était utilisé sur une busette de type habituel, détériorerait le préchauffage de la busette puisqu'il rendrait inaccessible par l'extérieur, après assemblage, le fond 14 de la première partie 51de la busette qu'il entoure. Or, du fait de l'augmentation de la masse totale de réfractaire qu'entraínerait l'utilisation d'un panier 52, la bonne exécution d'un tel préchauffage serait d'une importance encore accrue. L'association d'un panier 52 avec une busette 50 selon l'invention permet de résoudre ce problème. En effet, la présence des ouvertures 17, 17' donne accès au fond 14 de la première partie 51, même après l'assemblage de la busette 50. Cette première partie 51 peut donc être chauffée par les brûleurs 32, 32', aussi bien avant la coulée que, si on le désire, pendant celle-ci. En variante, on peut envisager de faire reposer le panier 52 sur d'autres organes de la machine que les sabots 48, 48', voire sur la première partie 51 de la busette. On peut, en particulier, retenir cette solution lorsque la busette 50 doit être utilisée sur une installation de coulée continue de brames classique.The use of such a basket 52 has several advantages. It constitutes a additional energy absorber, thus giving better stability to liquid metal flows into the casting space 13 and attenuates the fluctuations of the level 18 of its surface, all things going in the direction of improving the quality of cast products. On the other hand, it allows to retain a large part of the non-metallic inclusions and various impurities present in the liquid metal flowing out of the distributor: this allows products to flow better cleanliness. But in return, such a basket 52, if it was used on a type nozzle usual, would deteriorate the preheating of the nozzle since it would make it inaccessible by outside, after assembly, the bottom 14 of the first part 51 of the nozzle which it surrounded. However, due to the increase in the total mass of refractory that would cause the use of a basket 52, the correct execution of such preheating would be of even greater importance. The association of a basket 52 with a nozzle 50 according to the invention solves this problem. Indeed, the presence of the openings 17, 17 ' gives access to the bottom 14 of the first part 51, even after assembly of the nozzle 50. This first part 51 can therefore be heated by the burners 32, 32 ', as well before casting as, if desired, during casting. Alternatively, one can consider rest the basket 52 on other parts of the machine than the shoes 48, 48 ′, or even on the first part 51 of the nozzle. We can, in particular, retain this solution when nozzle 50 is to be used on a continuous casting installation of classic slabs.

Un autre avantage des busettes 3, 39, 50 selon l'invention est que la présence des ouvertures 17, 17' y rend possible l'introduction d'éléments d'addition, sous forme de matières solides ou de gaz. Cette introduction, comme on le montre sur la figure la, peut être réalisée grâce à des conduits 66, 66' traversant le capot 29, et dont l'extrémité inférieure surplombe les ouvertures 17, 17'. A travers ces conduits 66, 66' (qui, hors des périodes d'addition de matières, doivent être obturés ou éventuellement être utilisés pour l'insufflation de gaz d'inertage), on peut introduire des matériaux solides sous forme de poudre, de granulés, de fil ou de fil fourré, ou des lances de petit diamètre permettant de faire barboter du gaz dans le métal liquide. Ces mêmes conduits 66, 66' (ou d'autres similaires disposés à côté d'eux) peuvent également servir à introduire des instruments de mesure à l'intérieur de la busette 3, tels que des moyens de mesure de la température du métal liquide ou de sa teneur en oxygène dissous, ou une sonde de prélèvement d'échantillons gazeux permettant de vérifier le bon inertage de l'atmosphère dans la busette 3. On peut également introduire par ces conduits 66, 66' des moyens de prélèvement d'échantillons de métal liquide, tels que des tubes de verre sous vide. Les autres types de busettes décrits et représentés peuvent également être équipés de tels conduits 66, 66', ou de dispositifs fonctionnellement équivalents. Pour garantir une bonne répartition de ces additions à l'intérieur de la busette 3, 39, 50, il est préférable d'employer deux conduits 66, 66' plutôt qu'un seul, en particulier dans le cas où on utilise une cloison 24. On se donne ainsi la possibilité de réaliser des micro-additions d'éléments d'alliage à un stade tardif de l'élaboration en assurant une homogénéité de ces additions meilleure que si elles étaient effectuées dans la lingotière. De plus, la possibilité de réchauffer le métal pendant la coulée, grâce aux brûleurs 32, 32', au lieu même où sont effectuées ces additions permet de compenser efficacement leur éventuel effet endothermique sur le métal liquide. Comme il est connu, ces micro-additions peuvent avoir pour fonctions notamment d'ajuster finement la composition du métal, d'améliorer ses conditions de solidification, de modifier la composition et la morphologie des inclusions non-métalliques.Another advantage of the nozzles 3, 39, 50 according to the invention is that the presence openings 17, 17 'makes it possible to introduce addition elements therein, in the form solid matter or gas. This introduction, as shown in Figure la, can be achieved through conduits 66, 66 'passing through the cover 29, and the end of which lower overhangs the openings 17, 17 '. Through these conduits 66, 66 '(which, outside periods of addition of materials, must be closed or possibly used for the blowing of inerting gas), solid materials can be introduced under powder, granules, wire or cored wire, or small diameter lances allowing gas to be bubbled through the liquid metal. These same conduits 66, 66 ' (or others like them arranged next to them) can also be used to introduce measuring instruments inside the nozzle 3, such as means for measuring the temperature of the liquid metal or its dissolved oxygen content, or a probe taking gas samples to check the correct inerting of the atmosphere in the nozzle 3. It is also possible to introduce through these conduits 66, 66 ' means for taking samples of liquid metal, such as glass tubes under vacuum. The other types of nozzles described and represented can also be equipped with such conduits 66, 66 ', or functionally equivalent devices. For guarantee a good distribution of these additions inside the nozzle 3, 39, 50, it is better to use two conduits 66, 66 'rather than one, especially in the case where a partition 24 is used. This gives us the possibility of making micro-additions alloying elements at a late stage of development by ensuring homogeneity of these additions better than if they were carried out in the mold. In addition, the possibility of heating the metal during casting, thanks to the burners 32, 32 ', at the very place where these additions are made, allows effective compensation their possible endothermic effect on the liquid metal. As is known, these micro-additions may have the functions in particular of finely adjusting the composition of the metal, improve its solidification conditions, modify the composition and morphology of non-metallic inclusions.

Un autre avantage des busettes 3, 39, 50 selon l'invention est que les ouvertures 17, 17' rendent aisée leur fabrication en une seule pièce par compaction isostatique à chaud du matériau réfractaire qui les constitue, y compris lorsqu'on désire leur conférer une forme intérieure complexe. Cette compaction est habituellement réalisée autour d'un noyau en une ou plusieurs pièces, qui doit pouvoir être ensuite retiré sans endommager la busette. Les ouvertures 17, 17' des busettes selon l'invention permettent précisément de retirer successivement les différentes pièces composant le noyau. Mais la réalisation de l'ensemble de la busette selon l'invention en une seule pièce n'est pas obligatoire, et on peut prévoir de réaliser la busette en plusieurs parties que l'on assemble l'une à l'autre avant la mise en place de la busette sur le répartiteur, ou au moment de cette mise en place.Another advantage of the nozzles 3, 39, 50 according to the invention is that the openings 17, 17 'make their manufacture in one piece by compaction easy hot isostatic of the refractory material which constitutes them, including when it is desired give them a complex interior shape. This compaction is usually made around a core in one or more pieces, which must be able to be then removed without damaging the nozzle. The openings 17, 17 'of the nozzles according to the invention allow precisely to successively remove the different parts of the core. But the realization of the entire nozzle according to the invention in a single piece is not mandatory, and we can plan to make the nozzle in several parts that we assemble to each other before the fitting of the nozzle on the distributor, or at the time of this installation.

Bien entendu, sans sortir de l'esprit de l'invention, il est possible d'apporter des variantes aux configurations des busettes et de leurs environnements qui ont été décrits et représentés. En particulier, on peut utiliser d'autres moyens pour assurer l'étanchéité de la busette et de l'espace de coulée vis-à-vis de l'air extérieur. D'autre part, dans certains cas, la présence d'un seul dispositif de réchauffage (et donc d'une seule ouverture 17, 17') peut être jugée suffisante, si l'orientation et la puissance du dispositif et la configuration intérieure de la busette autorisent quand même un réchauffage convenable de l'ensemble du métal liquide transitant par la busette. On peut aussi accroítre les possibilités de piégeage des inclusions en insérant des filtres à inclusions, tels que des éléments poreux en réfractaire, dans au moins certains des orifices de sortie. Enfin, on peut aussi envisager de se passer du capot 29 et de ses éléments annexes, et de fixer les brûleurs 32, 32' directement sur la partie terminale de la busette 3, 39, 50, par leurs collerettes 35, 35', en s'assurant que les liaisons collerette 35, 35'-busette 3, 39, 50 sont correctement étanchéifiées lorsque la busette 3, 39, 50 est en service. Il faut alors que la partie terminale de la busette 3, 39, 50 soit équipée de moyens permettant la fixation des brûleurs 32, 32'. Comme précédemment, on peut envisager que les brûleurs 32, 32' ne soient actifs que pendant la phase de préchauffage de la busette 3, 39, 50 (auquel cas, pendant la coulée, ils peuvent être remplacés par des couvercles obstruant les ouvertures 17, 17'), ou qu'ils fonctionnent également pendant la coulée elle-même. Si on désire pouvoir effectuer des micro-additions à l'intérieur même de la busette, il faut alors que les conduits 66, 66' traversent la paroi de la busette 3, 39, 50 elle-même.Of course, without departing from the spirit of the invention, it is possible to provide variants to the configurations of the nozzles and their environments which have been described and represented. In particular, other means can be used to ensure sealing of the nozzle and of the pouring space with respect to the outside air. On the other hand, in in some cases, the presence of a single heater (and therefore of a single opening 17, 17 ') may be considered sufficient, if the orientation and power of the device and the internal configuration of the nozzle still allow heating suitable for all of the liquid metal passing through the nozzle. Can also increase the possibilities of trapping inclusions by inserting inclusion filters, such as porous refractory elements, in at least some of the orifices of exit. Finally, we can also consider doing without the cover 29 and its elements appendices, and fix the burners 32, 32 'directly on the terminal part of the nozzle 3, 39, 50, by their flanges 35, 35 ', ensuring that the flange connections 35, 35'-nozzle 3, 39, 50 are properly sealed when the nozzle 3, 39, 50 is in service. The terminal part of the nozzle 3, 39, 50 must then be equipped with means for fixing the burners 32, 32 '. As before, we can consider that the burners 32, 32 'are only active during the preheating phase of nozzle 3, 39, 50 (in which case, during casting, they can be replaced by covers obstructing the openings 17, 17 '), or that they also function during the casting itself. If you want to be able to perform micro-additions at the very interior of the nozzle, it is then necessary that the conduits 66, 66 'pass through the wall of the nozzle 3, 39, 50 itself.

Claims (14)

  1. Nozzle (3, 39, 50) for introduction of a liquid metal into a mould (10) for the continuous casting of metal products, of the type including a chimney (4) whose upper end is intended to be connected by fixing means (6, 7) to the output nozzle (1) of a vessel containing the said liquid metal and whose lower end is connected to a terminal part of the nozzle (3, 39, 50) provided with outlets (19, 20, 20', 21, 41, 42, 42', 43, 43', 44, 44', 45, 45', 46, 46') which are intended to distribute the said liquid metal in the casting space (13) defined by the said mould (10), characterized in that the said terminal part includes, in its upper region, at least one opening (17, 17') intended to allow reheating of the inside of the said terminal part by heating means, such as a burner (32, 32').
  2. Nozzle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said openings (17, 17') are two in number and that it includes, in the internal space of its so-called terminal part, a partition (24) lying vertically in line with the said chimney (4) and separating the said internal space into two compartments, each of which lies vertically in line with one of the said openings (17, 17').
  3. Nozzle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the said terminal part is surrounded by a basket (52) provided with outlets (57, 57', 58, 58', 59, 59', 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) for passage of the liquid metal into the casting space (13).
  4. Nozzle according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it includes means for fixing the said heating means (32, 32') to the said terminal part of the nozzle (3, 39, 50).
  5. Nozzle according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it includes means (66, 66') for the introduction of addition elements, of measurement instruments or of means for taking a sample of liquid metal from inside the said terminal part of the nozzle (3, 39, 50).
  6. Nozzle according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it includes an insert (22) locally restricting the passage of the liquid metal in the chimney (4) or at one of its ends.
  7. Plant for the continuous casting of metal products, of the type including a bottomless mould (10) having intensively internally cooled walls (11, 11', 12, 12', 36, 36') defining a casting space (13), and a nozzle (3, 39, 50) made of refractory material which is connected via its upper end to a vessel containing a liquid metal, and the lower end of which feeds the said liquid metal into the said casting space (13), characterized in that the said nozzle (3, 39, 50) is of the type according to Claim 1.
  8. Continuous casting plant according to Claim 7, characterized in that it includes a cap (29) sitting over the said casting space (13), the said cap (29) being provided with at least one opening (31, 31') making it possible to insert therein heating means, such as a burner (32, 32'), and means for directing them towards one of the said openings (17, 17') in the said nozzle (3, 39, 50).
  9. Continuous casting plant according to Claim 8, characterized in that it includes means (66, 66') for introducing addition elements, measuring instruments or means for taking a sample of liquid metal from inside the said terminal part of the said nozzle (3, 39, 50) and in that the said means (66, 66') pass through the said cap (29).
  10. Continuous casting plant according to one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the said cap (29) is fastened to the said means (6, 8) for fastening the said chimney (4) to the said output nozzle (1) of the vessel containing the liquid metal.
  11. Continuous casting plant according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it includes a basket (52) provided with outlets (57, 57', 58, 58', 59, 59', 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) for the liquid metal, this basket surrounding the terminal part of the nozzle (3, 39, 50).
  12. Continuous casting plant according to one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it is adapted to the continuous casting of slab.
  13. Continuous casting plant according to one of Claims 6 to 11, characterized in that it is adapted to the continuous casting of strip directly from liquid metal.
  14. Continuous casting plant according to Claim 13, characterized in that it consists of a twin-roll casting plant.
EP96402272A 1995-11-23 1996-10-25 Pouring nozzle for introducing liquid metal in a continuous casting mould for casting metallic products and continuous casting machine equipped with such a pouring nozzle Expired - Lifetime EP0775543B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9513903A FR2741555B1 (en) 1995-11-23 1995-11-23 NOZZLE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A LIQUID METAL INTO A CONTINUOUS CASTING LINGOT OF METAL PRODUCTS, AND CONTINUOUS CASTING INSTALLATION OF METAL PRODUCTS EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A NOZZLE
FR9513903 1995-11-23

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EP0775543A1 EP0775543A1 (en) 1997-05-28
EP0775543B1 true EP0775543B1 (en) 1999-06-16

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US (1) US5794682A (en)
EP (1) EP0775543B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH09174209A (en)
KR (1) KR970025783A (en)
CN (1) CN1068806C (en)
AT (1) ATE181264T1 (en)
AU (1) AU702930B2 (en)
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CA (1) CA2190340A1 (en)
CZ (1) CZ286250B6 (en)
DE (1) DE69602906T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0775543T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2133188T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2741555B1 (en)
GR (1) GR3030845T3 (en)
PL (1) PL182099B1 (en)
RO (1) RO118058B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2168391C2 (en)
SK (1) SK281997B6 (en)
TR (1) TR199600925A2 (en)
TW (1) TW320577B (en)
UA (1) UA41999C2 (en)
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KR970025783A (en) 1997-06-24
UA41999C2 (en) 2001-10-15
TW320577B (en) 1997-11-21
DE69602906D1 (en) 1999-07-22
ATE181264T1 (en) 1999-07-15
FR2741555A1 (en) 1997-05-30
RU2168391C2 (en) 2001-06-10
JPH09174209A (en) 1997-07-08
RO118058B1 (en) 2003-01-30
CN1157196A (en) 1997-08-20
DE69602906T2 (en) 2000-01-13
ES2133188T3 (en) 1999-09-01
CA2190340A1 (en) 1997-05-24
GR3030845T3 (en) 1999-11-30
EP0775543A1 (en) 1997-05-28
CN1068806C (en) 2001-07-25
AU702930B2 (en) 1999-03-11
SK146496A3 (en) 1998-02-04
FR2741555B1 (en) 1997-12-26
MX9605784A (en) 1997-10-31
TR199600925A2 (en) 1997-06-21
DK0775543T3 (en) 2000-01-17
PL182099B1 (en) 2001-11-30
PL317147A1 (en) 1997-05-26
SK281997B6 (en) 2001-10-08
ZA969706B (en) 1997-06-12
CZ344396A3 (en) 1997-06-11
US5794682A (en) 1998-08-18
CZ286250B6 (en) 2000-02-16
AU7045396A (en) 1997-05-29
BR9605674A (en) 1998-08-18

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