CA3232437A1 - Leak-proof upper tundish nozzle - Google Patents
Leak-proof upper tundish nozzle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3232437A1 CA3232437A1 CA3232437A CA3232437A CA3232437A1 CA 3232437 A1 CA3232437 A1 CA 3232437A1 CA 3232437 A CA3232437 A CA 3232437A CA 3232437 A CA3232437 A CA 3232437A CA 3232437 A1 CA3232437 A1 CA 3232437A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- gas
- inner portion
- protective
- ceramic inner
- nickel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 75
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 229910000990 Ni alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000009713 electroplating Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011819 refractory material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium Chemical compound [Zr] QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007772 electroless plating Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004544 sputter deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052726 zirconium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007740 vapor deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 47
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 42
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 21
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000009749 continuous casting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 4
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000979 retarding effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
- B22D41/50—Pouring-nozzles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
- B22D41/50—Pouring-nozzles
- B22D41/52—Manufacturing or repairing thereof
- B22D41/54—Manufacturing or repairing thereof characterised by the materials used therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D11/00—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths
- B22D11/10—Supplying or treating molten metal
- B22D11/103—Distributing the molten metal, e.g. using runners, floats, distributors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
- B22D41/50—Pouring-nozzles
- B22D41/502—Connection arrangements; Sealing means therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
- B22D41/50—Pouring-nozzles
- B22D41/52—Manufacturing or repairing thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D41/00—Casting melt-holding vessels, e.g. ladles, tundishes, cups or the like
- B22D41/50—Pouring-nozzles
- B22D41/58—Pouring-nozzles with gas injecting means
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Continuous Casting (AREA)
- Casting Support Devices, Ladles, And Melt Control Thereby (AREA)
Abstract
A gas injected upper tundish nozzle comprising: a protective can; a ceramic inner portion disposed within said protective can, said ceramic inner portion having gas flow pathways therein; a gas injection port attached to said protective can allowing for the injection of gas through the protective can and into the gas flow pathways within the ceramic inner portion. A gas flow seal is formed between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The gas flow seal blocks gas leakage from the gap between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The gas flow seal is formed of nickel or an alloy of nickel.
Description
LEAK-PROOF UPPER TUNDISH NOZZLE
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the casting of steel slabs and more specifically to upper tundish nozzles used in such casting. Most specifically, the invention relates to argon injected upper tundish nozzle designs by which argon leakage therefrom is minimized/eliminated.
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved design for upper tundish nozzle.
The nozzle is designed to be used in continuous casting of steel into slabs.
Figure 1 depicts a cross section of such a continuous casting line. The line includes a ladle 1 which continuously brings fresh steel to the tundish 2. The tundish 2, controls the flow therefrom into the casting mold 3.
Figure 2 is a closer view of the tundish 2 and the casting mold 3 and specifically shows the position of the upper tundish nozzle 4, which is the focus of the present invention. The upper tundish nozzle 4 collects the molten steel from the tundish 2 and directs the steel through a gate valve and into the casting mold 3.
Figure 3 is a simplified cross section of an upper tundish nozzle 4. The upper tundish nozzle 4 is composed of a ceramic inner portion 6 and a protective can 5 which houses and protects the fragile ceramic inner portion 6.
The ceramic inner portion 6 of such nozzles are often formed from a porous, gas permeable refractory material which may be a ceramic oxide of aluminum, silicon, magnesium, chromium, or zirconium, or mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the ceramic inner portion 6 of the nozzle may be formed of a ceramic material having pierced/tunneled holes in the ceramic to provide set gas flow paths within the ceramic inner portion 6.
The porous, gas permeable refractory material and/or the pierced/tunneled holes provide flow paths for Argon gas which is injected into the upper tundish nozzle 4 during continuous casting to deter clogging of the upper tundish nozzle 4 with solid inclusions.
The argon flow also affects the flow pattern of steel in the upper tundish nozzle 4, the gate valve and subsequently in the casting mold 3.
As alluded to above, the inside surface of the ceramic inner portion 6 of the upper tundish nozzle 4 defines a bore for conducting a flow of liquid steel.
The outside surface of the ceramic inner portion 6 is enveloped in a protective can 5. The protective can 5 can be formed of metallic sheet material, such as steel, that may be spaced apart from the outside surface of the ceramic inner portion 6 in order to define one or more annular, gas conducting spaces. The argon gas is injected into the upper tundish nozzle 4 via a gas injection port 7. Figure 3 indicates the argon gas injection port 7, as well as the argon flow path 8 in an upper tundish nozzle 4 having a porous ceramic inner portion 6.
In operation of an upper tundish nozzle 4 having a porous ceramic inner portion 6, pressurized inert gas (such as argon) is permeated through the annular space between the outside surface of the ceramic inner portion 6 and the protective can 5 that may circumscribe it while molten metal flows through the bore of the upper tundish nozzle 4. The inert gas flows through the gas flow paths 8 in the porous ceramic inner portion 6. The argon eventually escapes the porous ceramic inner portion 6 as argon
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the casting of steel slabs and more specifically to upper tundish nozzles used in such casting. Most specifically, the invention relates to argon injected upper tundish nozzle designs by which argon leakage therefrom is minimized/eliminated.
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved design for upper tundish nozzle.
The nozzle is designed to be used in continuous casting of steel into slabs.
Figure 1 depicts a cross section of such a continuous casting line. The line includes a ladle 1 which continuously brings fresh steel to the tundish 2. The tundish 2, controls the flow therefrom into the casting mold 3.
Figure 2 is a closer view of the tundish 2 and the casting mold 3 and specifically shows the position of the upper tundish nozzle 4, which is the focus of the present invention. The upper tundish nozzle 4 collects the molten steel from the tundish 2 and directs the steel through a gate valve and into the casting mold 3.
Figure 3 is a simplified cross section of an upper tundish nozzle 4. The upper tundish nozzle 4 is composed of a ceramic inner portion 6 and a protective can 5 which houses and protects the fragile ceramic inner portion 6.
The ceramic inner portion 6 of such nozzles are often formed from a porous, gas permeable refractory material which may be a ceramic oxide of aluminum, silicon, magnesium, chromium, or zirconium, or mixtures thereof. Alternatively, the ceramic inner portion 6 of the nozzle may be formed of a ceramic material having pierced/tunneled holes in the ceramic to provide set gas flow paths within the ceramic inner portion 6.
The porous, gas permeable refractory material and/or the pierced/tunneled holes provide flow paths for Argon gas which is injected into the upper tundish nozzle 4 during continuous casting to deter clogging of the upper tundish nozzle 4 with solid inclusions.
The argon flow also affects the flow pattern of steel in the upper tundish nozzle 4, the gate valve and subsequently in the casting mold 3.
As alluded to above, the inside surface of the ceramic inner portion 6 of the upper tundish nozzle 4 defines a bore for conducting a flow of liquid steel.
The outside surface of the ceramic inner portion 6 is enveloped in a protective can 5. The protective can 5 can be formed of metallic sheet material, such as steel, that may be spaced apart from the outside surface of the ceramic inner portion 6 in order to define one or more annular, gas conducting spaces. The argon gas is injected into the upper tundish nozzle 4 via a gas injection port 7. Figure 3 indicates the argon gas injection port 7, as well as the argon flow path 8 in an upper tundish nozzle 4 having a porous ceramic inner portion 6.
In operation of an upper tundish nozzle 4 having a porous ceramic inner portion 6, pressurized inert gas (such as argon) is permeated through the annular space between the outside surface of the ceramic inner portion 6 and the protective can 5 that may circumscribe it while molten metal flows through the bore of the upper tundish nozzle 4. The inert gas flows through the gas flow paths 8 in the porous ceramic inner portion 6. The argon eventually escapes the porous ceramic inner portion 6 as argon
2
3 PCT/IB2021/058717 bubbles 9. These bubbles may advantageously form a fluid film over the surface of the bore within the upper tundish nozzle 4 that prevents that molten metal from making direct contact with the inner surface forming the bore. By insulating the bore surface from the molten metal, the fluid film of gas prevents the small amounts of alumina that are present in such steel from sticking to and accumulating onto the surface of the nozzle bore. The prevention of such alumina deposits is important, as such deposits will ultimately obstruct the flow of molten steel until it congeals around the walls of the bore, thereby clogging the upper tundish nozzle 4. Such a clogged nozzle 4 necessitates the shutting down of the casting process and the replacement of the nozzle 4.
While such upper tundish nozzles 4 have generally shown themselves to be effective in retarding the accumulation of bore-obstructing alumina deposits, the inventors have observed a number of shortcomings associated with such nozzles.
One specific issue relates to leakage of argon gas, i.e., the loss of argon from the system in areas that are not the inner bore surface of the upper tundish nozzle 4. Such leaks can jeopardize the function of the gas in penetrating to the interior bore of the upper tundish nozzle 6. If the gas leaks are serious enough it could interfere with forming a protective fluid film over the surface of the nozzle bore. The pressure of the inert gas must be maintained at a level high enough to overcome the considerable backpressure that the molten steel applies to the surface of the bore. Ideally, the gas pressure should be just enough to form the desired film. If it is too high, the gas can stir the steel excessively, thus creating additional defects. Thus, the control of the gas pressure and flow is critical and must be maintained within a narrow range. Any significant leak can jeopardize the desired delicate pressure balance. Further such argon loss is an added expense to production and therefore should be minimized if possible.
Clearly, there is a need for an improved upper tundish nozzle 4 design that minimizes or eliminates the leakage mechanisms inherent in the prior art designs.
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a leak-proof gas injected upper tundish nozzle.
The nozzle includes a protective can and a ceramic inner portion disposed within the protective can. The ceramic inner portion preferably has gas flow pathways therein.
The nozzle further includes a gas injection port attached to the protective can which allows for the injection of gas through the protective can and into gas flow pathways within the ceramic inner portion.
The nozzle also includes at least one gas flow seal formed between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The gas flow seal blocks gas leakage from the gap between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The gas flow seal may be formed from nickel or an alloy of nickel.
The gas flow seal may be formed by depositing nickel or nickel alloy into any gaps between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion by a method selected from the group consisting of electroplating, electroless plating, nickel/alloy foil strips, sputtering, plasma vapor deposition, and metal printing.
In one embodiment, the gas flow seal may be formed by electroplating nickel or nickel alloy into any gaps between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The nickel or nickel alloy may be electroplated across the gap on the exterior of the
While such upper tundish nozzles 4 have generally shown themselves to be effective in retarding the accumulation of bore-obstructing alumina deposits, the inventors have observed a number of shortcomings associated with such nozzles.
One specific issue relates to leakage of argon gas, i.e., the loss of argon from the system in areas that are not the inner bore surface of the upper tundish nozzle 4. Such leaks can jeopardize the function of the gas in penetrating to the interior bore of the upper tundish nozzle 6. If the gas leaks are serious enough it could interfere with forming a protective fluid film over the surface of the nozzle bore. The pressure of the inert gas must be maintained at a level high enough to overcome the considerable backpressure that the molten steel applies to the surface of the bore. Ideally, the gas pressure should be just enough to form the desired film. If it is too high, the gas can stir the steel excessively, thus creating additional defects. Thus, the control of the gas pressure and flow is critical and must be maintained within a narrow range. Any significant leak can jeopardize the desired delicate pressure balance. Further such argon loss is an added expense to production and therefore should be minimized if possible.
Clearly, there is a need for an improved upper tundish nozzle 4 design that minimizes or eliminates the leakage mechanisms inherent in the prior art designs.
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a leak-proof gas injected upper tundish nozzle.
The nozzle includes a protective can and a ceramic inner portion disposed within the protective can. The ceramic inner portion preferably has gas flow pathways therein.
The nozzle further includes a gas injection port attached to the protective can which allows for the injection of gas through the protective can and into gas flow pathways within the ceramic inner portion.
The nozzle also includes at least one gas flow seal formed between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The gas flow seal blocks gas leakage from the gap between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The gas flow seal may be formed from nickel or an alloy of nickel.
The gas flow seal may be formed by depositing nickel or nickel alloy into any gaps between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion by a method selected from the group consisting of electroplating, electroless plating, nickel/alloy foil strips, sputtering, plasma vapor deposition, and metal printing.
In one embodiment, the gas flow seal may be formed by electroplating nickel or nickel alloy into any gaps between the protective can and the ceramic inner portion. The nickel or nickel alloy may be electroplated across the gap on the exterior of the
4 protective can and the exterior of ceramic inner portion. The nickel or nickel alloy may be electroplated across the gap on the exterior of the protective can and the exterior of the ceramic inner portion after the protective can and ceramic inner portion have been formed into a unitary piece.
The nickel or nickel alloy may be deposited onto one or both of the interior surface of the protective can and the exterior surface of the ceramic inner portion.
Preferably, the nickel or nickel alloy may be deposited onto one or both of the interior surface of the protective can and the exterior surface of the ceramic inner portion before the protective can and ceramic inner portion have been formed into a unitary piece.
The protective can may be formed of a metal material, preferably steel. The ceramic inner portion may be formed from a porous ceramic material and the gas flow pathways may comprise the pores within the porous ceramic material. The ceramic inner portion may be is formed from a gas permeable refractory material consisting of a ceramic oxide of one or more of aluminum, silicon, magnesium, chromium, or zirconium, or mixtures thereof.
The ceramic inner portion may not be porous or gas permeable and the gas flow pathways may be formed directly into the body of the ceramic inner portion.
The gas flow pathways may include a gas distribution manifold and gas distribution channels.
The gas distribution channels may have gas outlets to release the gas into the steel flowing within the upper tundish nozzle.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 depicts a cross section of a continuous casting line in which the upper tundish nozzle of the present is preferably used;
Figure 2 is a closer view of the tundish and the casting mold and specifically shows the position of the upper tundish nozzle;
Figure 3 is a simplified cross section of an upper tundish nozzle;
Figure 4 depicts a typical cross-sectional view of an upper tundish nozzle and specifically indicates gaps through which gas may leak;
Figure 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of an upper tundish nozzle including the inventive gap seal solution.
Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention is an improved argon injected upper tundish nozzle 4 which minimizes/eliminates unwanted leakage of inert gas (such as argon) therefrom.
Figure 4 depicts a typical cross-sectional view of an upper tundish nozzle 4.
The figure indicates the main components such as the protective can 5, the ceramic inner portion 6, the argon injection port 7 and the argon gas flow path 8 within the ceramic inner portion 6. In this type of upper tundish nozzle 4, the ceramic inner portion 6 may or may not be porous, but the argon flow path 8 (including a gas distribution manifold and gas distribution channels which include gas outlets to release the gas into the bore of the nozzle) is molded into the ceramic inner portion 6 during production.
As described above, the ceramic inner portion 6 may alternatively be formed of a porous ceramic without pre-made gas flow paths 8.
Figure 4 also depicts the problems addressed by the present invention. That is, there can be significant leakage of argon gas from the gap between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6. The leakage paths 10 can be at the top and bottom gaps. In production the inner ceramic portion 6 is press formed into the protective can 5 thereby forming a unitary piece. Due to the difference in thermal expansion between the metal protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6, it is very difficult, if not impossible to for a gas tight seal between them. While these gaps may seem small and insignificant, it should be noted that for a typical upper tundish nozzle 4, a gap of 0.04318 mm between the protective can Sand the ceramic inner portion 6 has the same flow area as a 3.175 mm pipe. This can result in significant loss of argon volume and pressure.
Figure 5 depicts the inventive solution devised by the present inventors. The inventors have found that a seal 11, 11' between the protect can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6 can plug the leaks of argon. Specifically, the seal 11, 11' is formed of nickel or a nickel alloy. The temperature at the interface between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6 is lower than the melting point of the nickel/alloy seal 11, 11'. It is believed that this seal 11,11' remains ductile at the elevated temperatures within the gap and stretches without cracking during expansion of the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion. This helps to prevent the gaps from leaking.
The inventors pressure tested an as received commercial upper tundish nozzle 4 to determine if there were leaks in the gaps between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6 thereof. The nozzle pressurized and a soapy water solution was applied to the gaps. Bubbles formed, indicating significant leakage of the gas.
The inventors electroplated nickel onto the upper tundish nozzle 4 in areas that completely overlapped the gap between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6. After the electroplating of the seal 11, 11', the nozzle was again pressure tested and it was seen that the leaks had been plugged. This was of course at room temperature and not at steel casting temperatures.
Next the can with the electroplated nickel seals 11, 11' was subjected to thermal testing by pouring liquid steel into the nozzle using a 100 lb open air furnace. The pour went from a ladle through the upper tundish nozzle 4 into an ingot mold under the nozzle. After the steel solidified, the nozzle was examined, and it was found that the electroplated nickel seal 11,11' was completely intact and even survived a direct metal splash.
The present inventor envisions two different types of nickel seals. The first type of nickel seal 11 is described above. It is applied externally to cover the gaps between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6. This type of seal 11 is generally applied after the upper tundish nozzle 4 is formed.
Alternatively, the nickel material may be applied to one or both of the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6 before the upper tundish nozzle 4 is formed. The nickel is deposited strategically on the protective can 5 and/or ceramic inner portion 6 to form the nickel seal 11' there between.
While the inventors have used electroplating to deposit the nickel seals 11,11'.
Other viable techniques include electroless plating, nickel foil strips, sputtering, plasma deposition, metal printing and the like. What is important is not how the nickel got into position but rather forming the nickel seal 11,11' between the protective can
The nickel or nickel alloy may be deposited onto one or both of the interior surface of the protective can and the exterior surface of the ceramic inner portion.
Preferably, the nickel or nickel alloy may be deposited onto one or both of the interior surface of the protective can and the exterior surface of the ceramic inner portion before the protective can and ceramic inner portion have been formed into a unitary piece.
The protective can may be formed of a metal material, preferably steel. The ceramic inner portion may be formed from a porous ceramic material and the gas flow pathways may comprise the pores within the porous ceramic material. The ceramic inner portion may be is formed from a gas permeable refractory material consisting of a ceramic oxide of one or more of aluminum, silicon, magnesium, chromium, or zirconium, or mixtures thereof.
The ceramic inner portion may not be porous or gas permeable and the gas flow pathways may be formed directly into the body of the ceramic inner portion.
The gas flow pathways may include a gas distribution manifold and gas distribution channels.
The gas distribution channels may have gas outlets to release the gas into the steel flowing within the upper tundish nozzle.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 depicts a cross section of a continuous casting line in which the upper tundish nozzle of the present is preferably used;
Figure 2 is a closer view of the tundish and the casting mold and specifically shows the position of the upper tundish nozzle;
Figure 3 is a simplified cross section of an upper tundish nozzle;
Figure 4 depicts a typical cross-sectional view of an upper tundish nozzle and specifically indicates gaps through which gas may leak;
Figure 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of an upper tundish nozzle including the inventive gap seal solution.
Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention is an improved argon injected upper tundish nozzle 4 which minimizes/eliminates unwanted leakage of inert gas (such as argon) therefrom.
Figure 4 depicts a typical cross-sectional view of an upper tundish nozzle 4.
The figure indicates the main components such as the protective can 5, the ceramic inner portion 6, the argon injection port 7 and the argon gas flow path 8 within the ceramic inner portion 6. In this type of upper tundish nozzle 4, the ceramic inner portion 6 may or may not be porous, but the argon flow path 8 (including a gas distribution manifold and gas distribution channels which include gas outlets to release the gas into the bore of the nozzle) is molded into the ceramic inner portion 6 during production.
As described above, the ceramic inner portion 6 may alternatively be formed of a porous ceramic without pre-made gas flow paths 8.
Figure 4 also depicts the problems addressed by the present invention. That is, there can be significant leakage of argon gas from the gap between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6. The leakage paths 10 can be at the top and bottom gaps. In production the inner ceramic portion 6 is press formed into the protective can 5 thereby forming a unitary piece. Due to the difference in thermal expansion between the metal protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6, it is very difficult, if not impossible to for a gas tight seal between them. While these gaps may seem small and insignificant, it should be noted that for a typical upper tundish nozzle 4, a gap of 0.04318 mm between the protective can Sand the ceramic inner portion 6 has the same flow area as a 3.175 mm pipe. This can result in significant loss of argon volume and pressure.
Figure 5 depicts the inventive solution devised by the present inventors. The inventors have found that a seal 11, 11' between the protect can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6 can plug the leaks of argon. Specifically, the seal 11, 11' is formed of nickel or a nickel alloy. The temperature at the interface between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6 is lower than the melting point of the nickel/alloy seal 11, 11'. It is believed that this seal 11,11' remains ductile at the elevated temperatures within the gap and stretches without cracking during expansion of the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion. This helps to prevent the gaps from leaking.
The inventors pressure tested an as received commercial upper tundish nozzle 4 to determine if there were leaks in the gaps between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6 thereof. The nozzle pressurized and a soapy water solution was applied to the gaps. Bubbles formed, indicating significant leakage of the gas.
The inventors electroplated nickel onto the upper tundish nozzle 4 in areas that completely overlapped the gap between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6. After the electroplating of the seal 11, 11', the nozzle was again pressure tested and it was seen that the leaks had been plugged. This was of course at room temperature and not at steel casting temperatures.
Next the can with the electroplated nickel seals 11, 11' was subjected to thermal testing by pouring liquid steel into the nozzle using a 100 lb open air furnace. The pour went from a ladle through the upper tundish nozzle 4 into an ingot mold under the nozzle. After the steel solidified, the nozzle was examined, and it was found that the electroplated nickel seal 11,11' was completely intact and even survived a direct metal splash.
The present inventor envisions two different types of nickel seals. The first type of nickel seal 11 is described above. It is applied externally to cover the gaps between the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6. This type of seal 11 is generally applied after the upper tundish nozzle 4 is formed.
Alternatively, the nickel material may be applied to one or both of the protective can 5 and the ceramic inner portion 6 before the upper tundish nozzle 4 is formed. The nickel is deposited strategically on the protective can 5 and/or ceramic inner portion 6 to form the nickel seal 11' there between.
While the inventors have used electroplating to deposit the nickel seals 11,11'.
Other viable techniques include electroless plating, nickel foil strips, sputtering, plasma deposition, metal printing and the like. What is important is not how the nickel got into position but rather forming the nickel seal 11,11' between the protective can
5 and the ceramic inner portion.
Claims (14)
1. A gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4), said nozzle comprising:
a protective can (5);
a ceramic inner portion (6) disposed within said protective can (5), said ceramic inner portion (6) having gas flow pathways therein;
a gas injection port (7) attached to said protective can (5); said gas injection port (7) allowing for the injection of gas through said protective can (5) and into said gas flow pathways (8) within said ceramic inner portion (6);
a gas flow seal (11,11') formed between said protective can (5) and said ceramic inner portion (6), said gas flow seal (11,11') blocking gas leakage from the gap between said protective can (5) and said ceramic inner portion (6); said gas flow seal (11,11') being formed of nickel or an alloy of nickel.
a protective can (5);
a ceramic inner portion (6) disposed within said protective can (5), said ceramic inner portion (6) having gas flow pathways therein;
a gas injection port (7) attached to said protective can (5); said gas injection port (7) allowing for the injection of gas through said protective can (5) and into said gas flow pathways (8) within said ceramic inner portion (6);
a gas flow seal (11,11') formed between said protective can (5) and said ceramic inner portion (6), said gas flow seal (11,11') blocking gas leakage from the gap between said protective can (5) and said ceramic inner portion (6); said gas flow seal (11,11') being formed of nickel or an alloy of nickel.
2. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 1, wherein said gas flow seal (11, 11') is formed by depositing nickel or nickel alloy into any gaps between said protective can (5) and said ceramic inner portion (6) by a method selected from the group consisting of electroplating, electroless plating, nickel/alloy foil strips, sputtering, plasma vapor deposition, and metal printing.
3. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 2, wherein said gas flow seal (11, 11') is formed by electroplating nickel or nickel alloy into any gaps between said protective can (5) and said ceramic inner portion (6).
4. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 3, wherein said nickel or nickel alloy is electroplated across said gap on the exterior of said protective can (5) and said ceramic inner portion (6).
5. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 4, wherein said nickel or nickel alloy is electroplated across said gap on the exterior of said protective can (5) and said ceramic inner portion (6) after said protective can (5) and ceramic inner portion (6) have been formed into a unitary piece.
6. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 2, wherein said nickel or nickel alloy is deposited onto one or both of the interior surface of said protective can (5) and the exterior surface of said ceramic inner portion (6).
7. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 6, wherein said nickel or nickel alloy is deposited onto one or both of the interior surface of said protective can (5) and the exterior surface of said ceramic inner portion (6) before said protective can (5) and ceramic inner portion (6) have been formed into a unitary piece.
8. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 1, wherein said protective can (5) is formed of a metal material.
9. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 8, wherein said protective can (5) is formed of a steel material.
10. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 1, wherein said ceramic inner portion (6) is formed from a porous ceramic material and said gas flow pathways comprise the pores within said porous ceramic material.
11. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 10, wherein said ceramic inner portion (6) is formed from a gas permeable refractory material consisting of a ceramic oxide of one or more of aluminum, silicon, magnesium, chromium, or zirconium, or mixtures thereof.
12. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 1, wherein said ceramic inner portion (6) is not porous or gas permeable and said gas flow pathways are formed directly into the body of said ceramic inner portion.
13. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 12, wherein said gas flow pathways include a gas distribution manifold and gas distribution channels.
14. The gas injected upper tundish nozzle (4) of claim 13, wherein said gas distribution channels having gas outlets to release said gas into the steel flowing within said upper tundish nozzle.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2021/058717 WO2023047153A1 (en) | 2021-09-24 | 2021-09-24 | Leak-proof upper tundish nozzle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3232437A1 true CA3232437A1 (en) | 2023-03-30 |
Family
ID=78032469
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3232437A Pending CA3232437A1 (en) | 2021-09-24 | 2021-09-24 | Leak-proof upper tundish nozzle |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| KR (1) | KR20240060805A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN117940234A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3232437A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023047153A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3168852D1 (en) * | 1981-03-11 | 1985-03-28 | Junichi Ato | Porous nozzle for molten metal vessel |
| US4836508A (en) * | 1988-05-03 | 1989-06-06 | Vesuvius Crucible Company | Ladle shroud with co-pressed gas permeable ring |
| CA2064392A1 (en) * | 1991-04-12 | 1992-10-13 | James D. Engel | Gas permeable well nozzle |
| DE102010050936A1 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-05-16 | Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V. | Floor spout nozzle for placement in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel |
-
2021
- 2021-09-24 WO PCT/IB2021/058717 patent/WO2023047153A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-09-24 CA CA3232437A patent/CA3232437A1/en active Pending
- 2021-09-24 KR KR1020247011341A patent/KR20240060805A/en unknown
- 2021-09-24 CN CN202180102327.8A patent/CN117940234A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR20240060805A (en) | 2024-05-08 |
| CN117940234A (en) | 2024-04-26 |
| WO2023047153A1 (en) | 2023-03-30 |
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| EEER | Examination request |
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Effective date: 20240311 |