Mould powder consumption of continuous casting operations

Mould powder consumption is an important parameter in continuous casting. Previous investigations, involving regression analysis or estimation of powder consumption, have identified the factors controlling powder consumption. However, those data were obtained for casting speeds less than 2 m min(-1), and some relate to speeds less than 1 m min(-1). Sumitomo Metal Industries has developed a medium thick high speed continuous casting operation for speeds between 2 and a maximum of 8 m min(-1). Some of the powder consumption data obtained using the new process could not be explained on the basis of the former investigations: these data are discussed in the present report. The conclusions drawn are: (i) gravity is the main driving force for inflow of liquid powder between mould wall and solidified shell; (ii) to increase the powder consumption per unit strand surface area for speeds of similar to8 m min(-1) is difficult; and (iii) a powder consumption of under 0.1 kg m(-2) is sufficient when casting at 8 m min(-1). (C) 2002 IoM Communications Ltd.