2013 Volume 53 Issue 7 Pages 1187-1194
In this study, a new method for swirling flow generation in submerged entry nozzle (SEN) in continuous casting of steel process has been proposed. A rotating electromagnetic field is set up around the SEN to induce swirling flow in it by the Lorentz force. And this kind of electromagnetic swirling flow in the SEN is proposed to use in square billet continuous casting of steel process. The effects of coil current intensity and nozzle structure on the flow and temperature fields in the SEN and mold are numerically simulated and verified by an electromagnetic swirling model experiment of low melting point alloy. The overall results of the study show that the magnetic flux density and the swirling flow velocity in the SEN increase with the increase of coil current intensity. The largest swirling flow velocity in the SEN can reach about 3 m/s when coil current intensity 500 A, frequency 50 Hz. The electromagnetic swirling flow in the SEN can reduce the impinging depth of the flow and increase the upward flow. An impinging flow near the mold corner can be observed. The flow field changes mentioned above result in a uniform temperature field in the mold, increase the meniscus temperature, effectively increase the temperature at the mold corner. The divergent nozzle used in this new process also reduces the impinging depth, increases the upward flow and makes the meniscus temperature increase significantly.