GB1454052A - Continuous casting method and apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

1454052 Continuous casting NIPPON STEEL CORP 4 Jan 1974 [18 April 1973] 329/74 Heading B3F In the continuous casting of a metal slab 21, e.g. of steel, the molten core 23, within the shell 22 of the solidifying slab is agitated in a direction, perpendicular to the direction of casting by a travelling electromagnetic field produced by an inductor 31, whereby dendritic crystal growth and segregation effects are inhibited and a casting having a substantially equiaxed crystal structure is produced. The length of the agitation zone is less than the width of the casting. The inductor 31 is energized with alternating current at a frequency less than 20 Hz and is positioned at a point at least three metres from the surface of the the molten metal in the mould 14 which, as shown, is associated with an immersed nozzle 13 leading from a tundish 12. The arrangement is such that the metal in the agitation zone is caused to move first in direction A and then in direction B at a speed which is more than ten times greater than the speed of the metal flowing from the nozzle 13; moreover, the area near each short side of the shell 22 constitutes a dead zone, in which the metal is not acted upon by the electromagnetic force, so that the agitated metal does not hit the shell at a high speed. The inductor 31 is supplied with a coolant such as water and its housing is non- magnetic, as are the guide rolls 18, 19 adjacent the inductor. Further non-magnetic guide rolls (55, 57), Fig. 20 (not shown), are provided in association with the inductor, the rolls (55) closest to the agitation zone being of smaller diameter than the other rolls. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 1,305,414.