Behavior of Non-metallic Inclusions in a Continuous Casting Tundish with Channel Type Induction Heating

Abstract

A generalized three dimensional mathematical model, which adopted the Euler-Lagrange approach, has been developed for the motion of inclusions in a continuous casting tundish with channel type induction heating. The inclusion trajectories were obtained by numerical solution of the motion equation including gravity, buoyancy, drag, lift, added mass, Brownian, electromagnetic pressure and thermophoretic forces. Besides, the collision and coalescence of inclusions and adhesion to the lining solid surfaces were also taken into account. The Brownian, Stokes and turbulent collision were clarified, separately. Then the effect of induction heating power on the inclusion behavior was demonstrated. A reasonable agreement between the experimental observation and numerical results was obtained. The results indicate that the electromagnetic pressure force significantly promotes the removal of inclusions, especially for the bigger inclusion. Although the thermophoretic force goes against the removal of inclusions, its influence is negligibly small. The removal ratio of inclusions in the tundish with induction heating increases from 67.45% to 96.43%, while the power varies from 800 kW to 1200 kW. The collision and coalescence should be included when model the inclusion motion, because it can promote the removal of inclusion. The turbulent and Brownian collision becomes more active with the increasing power, while the Stokes collision is just opposite.