Modeling Research Technique of Nonmetallic Inclusions Distribution in Liquid Steel during Its Flow through the Tundish Water Model

This study shows research results of behaviors of nonmetallic inclusions (NMIs) in a tundish represented by water model. The object under investigation is a two-strand trough-type continuous casting tundish operating in one of the Polish steel plants. Hollow glass microspheres with diameters ranging from 10 to 140 μm are used for testing, which represents the NMIs. The distribution process of microspheres is investigated; the qualitative analysis (visualization) and quantitative analysis (using a laser particle counter) of microsphere distribution (movement) are performed. Based on the obtained results, it is found that the analyzed tundish is not of optimal design, in terms of removing small NMIs, as they are conducted in a stream of liquid flowing at the bottom of the tundish, moving directly into nozzles of the tundish. Their movement is caused by the shaped liquid-flow phenomena in the tundish working space. The test results help to validate a numerical model, which can be used in further studies to redesign the working space of the tundish. The positive result of verification facilitates to obtain a tool for implementing flow optimization in terms of receiving high metallurgical purity of slabs.