Mathematical Modeling on the Growth and Removal of Non-metallic Inclusions in the Molten Steel in a Two-Strand Continuous Casting Tundish

In the current study, mathematical models were developed to predict the transient concentration and size distribution of inclusions in a two-strand continuous casting tundish. The collision and growth of inclusions were considered. The contribution of turbulent collision and Stokes collision was evaluated. The removal of inclusions from the top surface was modeled by considering the properties of inclusions and the molten steel, such as the wettability, density, size, and interfacial tension. The effect of composition of inclusions on the collision of inclusions was included through the Hamaker constant. Meanwhile, the effect of the turbulent fluctuation velocity on the removal of inclusions at the top surface was also studied. Inclusions in steel samples were detected using automatic SEM Scanning so that the amount, morphology, size, and composition of inclusions were achieved. In the simulation, the size distribution of inclusions at the end steel refining was used as the initial size distribution of inclusions at tundish inlet. The equilibrium time when the collision and coalescence of inclusions reached the steady state was equal to 3.9 times of the mean residence time. When Stokes collision, turbulent collision, and removal by floating were included, the removal fraction of inclusions was 16.4 pct. Finally, the removal of solid and liquid inclusions, such as Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and 12CaO·7Al₂O₃, at the interface between the molten steel and slag was studied. Compared with 12CaO·7Al₂O₃ inclusions, the silica and alumina inclusions were much easier to be removed from the molten steel and their removal fractions were 36.5 and 39.2 pct, respectively.