Mathematical model for the prediction of inclusion separation in continuous casting tundishes

The main functions of a continuous casting tundish are to distribute the liquid metal from the ladle stream to the molds and to provide a steel reservoir for ladle change. The tundish also offers a chance to separate non-metallic inclusions before they reach the mold, and the optimization of this aspect of performance has been made feasible by the development of a mathematical model of the tundish flow. In the present model, a computation of three-dimensional velocity and turbulence fields is performed as the first step. The concentration field of particles and the inclusion separation rate is then calculated by solving a transport equation for the particles. This takes into account buoyancy, convection by the main fluid flow and turbulent diffusion of the particles. The model has been validated by water model and is a useful tool in tundish development.