Hydrodynamic Study of a Submerged Entry Nozzle with Flow Modifiers

The fluid flow modifier technology for continuous casting process was evaluated through numerical simulations and physical experiments in this work. In the casting of steel into the mold, the process presents liquid surface instabilities which extend along the primary cooling stage. By the use of trapezoid elements installed on the external walls of the submerged nozzle, it was observed that it is possible to obtain symmetry conditions at the top of the mold and prevent high level fluctuations. The flow modifiers have equidistant holes in the submerged surface to reduce the velocity of the liquid surface by energy and mass transfer between the generated quadrants. A flow modifier drilled with a 25 pct of the submerged surface provides stability in the mold and structural stability of the proposal is guaranteed.