EP0552125B1 - Twin roll type continuous casting machine with lateral refractory walls - Google Patents

Twin roll type continuous casting machine with lateral refractory walls Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0552125B1
EP0552125B1 EP93470003A EP93470003A EP0552125B1 EP 0552125 B1 EP0552125 B1 EP 0552125B1 EP 93470003 A EP93470003 A EP 93470003A EP 93470003 A EP93470003 A EP 93470003A EP 0552125 B1 EP0552125 B1 EP 0552125B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
refractory material
rolls
cylinders
casting
metal
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EP93470003A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0552125A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Michel Damasse
Jean-Marie Osswald
Jacques Spiquel
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Usinor En Thyssen Stahl AG
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Thyssen Stahl AG
USINOR Sacilor SA
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    • 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
    • B22D11/06—Continuous casting of metals, i.e. casting in indefinite lengths into moulds with travelling walls, e.g. with rolls, plates, belts, caterpillars
    • B22D11/0637—Accessories therefor
    • B22D11/0648—Casting surfaces
    • B22D11/066—Side dams

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a continuous casting device between cylinders having side walls made of refractory materials.
  • the liquid metal is poured into a pouring space defined by the portions of the walls of the cylinders situated above a plane passing through the parallel axes of these cylinders and by fixed end side walls called small faces bearing on the axial ends of the cylinders.
  • the small faces must be designed to meet two requirements which may prove to be contradictory.
  • the seal between the fixed metal parts and the movable cylinders is difficult to achieve, due to the complex shape of the contact surface between the metal parts and the cylinders.
  • liquid metal may infiltrate between the cylinders and the metal sealing parts, in the event that the cylinders separate from one another.
  • each of the small faces in the form of a plate comprising two lateral support parts each coming into leaktight contact with an axial end part of a cylinder. Between the two lateral support parts, the plate has a recess defined by the edges of the bearing surfaces having a certain depth in the axial direction of the cylinders.
  • a piece of insulating refractory material having a front surface intended to come into contact with the liquid metal , which is set back inside the recess. In this way, the liquid metal enters the interior of the recess and comes into contact with the front face of the insulating part.
  • the liquid metal which solidifies progressively on contact with the cooled cylindrical walls of the cylinders forms solidified skins which are entrained by the rotating cylinders and join at the neck of the casting space, that is to say ie at the level of the portion of the minimum width casting space situated at the plane passing through the axes of the cylinders.
  • the solidified skins extend inside the recess of the plate constituting the side wall of the casting space, up to the vicinity of the front face.
  • the solidified skins thus cover the junction zones between the cylinders and the fixed side wall and prevent the infiltration of liquid metal contained in the casting space.
  • the hollowed-out plate is generally produced in the form of a metal plate which must be cooled, so that the structure of the wall is relatively complex and that solidification of the liquid metal can occur in the vicinity of the side walls, despite the presence of the insulating part inside the recess. Satisfactory operation of the casting device requires moreover, the presence of skins solidified in contact with said plate, in the entry part of the recess.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to propose a device for the continuous casting of a metal product comprising two cylinders with counter-rotating parallel axes defining between them and with two fixed side walls bearing on the axial ends of the cylinders, a casting space d 'a molten metal each of the side walls comprising two lateral parts having substantially flat lateral bearing surfaces each in sealed contact with an outer edge of an axial end of one of the cylinders and a recess of a certain depth in the axial direction of the cylinders delimited by the lateral parts and an element of a first refractory material disposed at least partially inside the recess and having a front face directed towards the inside of the casting space, this device simple construction to avoid any leakage of liquid metal between the cylinders and the side walls and any solidification of liquid metal in contact with the side walls, while ensuring easy extraction of the metal product during casting.
  • said side parts are made of a second refractory material having properties of resistance to erosion and corrosion by the metal being cast and a compactness and hardness greater than the compactness and hardness of the first refractory material and the first refractory material is a thermal insulator undergoing erosion of the metal during casting.
  • the element constituted by the first refractory material comprises, in the non-eroded state at least, at the start of casting, a part projecting relative to the lateral bearing surfaces, penetrating into the casting space.
  • the second refractory material is a material having good mechanical resistance, resistance to corrosion by cast metal, and sliding with respect to the edges of the cylinders, such as alumina, graphite alumina, vitreous silica or nitrides: AlN, Si 3 N 4 , SiAlON.
  • the side parts made of this second refractory material can also be slightly eroded by the edges of the cylinders with which they are in contact, so as to maintain throughout the casting a good seal between cylinders and side walls.
  • the lateral parts project radially from the periphery of the cylinders so as to be in contact with the edges of the metal skins being solidified in contact with the cooled walls of the cylinders.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to avoid excessively rapid wear of the area of the side wall in contact with the cast metal, since it has been observed that this wear occurs mainly near the walls of the cylinders, where the metal is already at least partially solidified, while towards the center of this zone, where the cast metal remains liquid thanks to the thermal insulation properties of the first refractory material, wear is reduced.
  • the second refractory material also has good resistance characteristics to thermal shock, because it is in contact on the one hand with the metal cast at high temperature, and on the other hand with the edges of the cooled cylinders.
  • the first refractory material is a fibrous material constituted for example by alumina fibers impregnated with gel and zirconia.
  • the element constituted by the first refractory material can be glued inside the recess, the latter being produced in a plate constituting with the lateral parts a monobloc piece of second refractory material.
  • the second refractory material can also be a product which can be molded directly into the recess, for example an insulating refractory concrete, for example having a coefficient of thermal conductivity of 2 W / m ° K, for example a silico-aluminous concrete at around 40% silica and 40% alumina.
  • Figure 1 is a partial schematic view in side elevation and in section of a continuous casting device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a partial top view along 2 of FIG. 1.
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view through a horizontal plane along 3-3 of Figure 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view through a horizontal plane along 4-4 of FIG. 1.
  • Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 3 in the case of an alternative embodiment.
  • Figure 6 is a sectional view of a side wall in a second embodiment.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 we see the continuous casting device between cylinders generally designated by the reference 1 and which comprises two cylinders 2 and 3 having horizontal and parallel axes 4 and 5.
  • the cylinders 2 and 3 are rotatably mounted around their axes 4 and 5 and rotate in opposite directions during the casting.
  • the cylinders 2 and 3 are arranged with a certain spacing corresponding to the thickness of the product to be cast, which can for example be a metal sheet whose thickness is less than 10 mm and preferably between 3 and 6 mm.
  • the cylinders 2 and 3 define, between their lateral facing surfaces, a casting space whose width decreases from top to bottom, to reach a minimum corresponding to the spacing of the cylinders, at the level of the neck 7 of the pouring space, in the horizontal plane 6 containing the axes 4 and 5 of the cylinders 2 and 3.
  • the casting space located between cylinders 2 and 3 is delimited at its ends, in the axial direction of cylinders 2 and 3, by side walls 8 and 9 called also small faces, held in abutment on external peripheral parts 10 and 11 of the cylinders 2 and 3 constituted by ferrules made of a material which is a good conductor of heat such as copper.
  • the casting rolls 2 and 3 comprise a steel core covered by a copper ferrule which is internally cooled by the circulation of a cooling fluid.
  • liquid metal 12 is introduced into the casting space delimited by the lateral surfaces of the cylinders 2 and 3 in their part situated above the horizontal plane 6 and by the small faces 8 and 9.
  • Solidified skins are formed in contact with the external surface of the cooled ferrules 10 and 11 and are displaced by the cylinders 2 and 3 towards the neck 7 of the casting space.
  • the solidified skins gradually thicken during their movement and meet at the neck 7 to form the cast strip 12 'which is extracted below the cylinders 2 and 3.
  • the side walls 8 and 9 which, in the case of the invention are uncooled walls consisting mainly of non-metallic refractory materials.
  • the side wall 9 or small face as shown in FIG. 2 comprises a support 14 made of steel inside which the wall itself is fixed, by means of fixing means 15.
  • the support 14 which has not been shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 makes it possible to maintain and support the small face against the end parts of the ferrules 10 and 11 of the cylinders 2 and 3.
  • the side walls such as 8 are constituted by a plate 16 made of a non-metallic refractory material, the general shape of which having two edges in the form of a semicircle is visible in the figure. 1.
  • the plate 16 has a flat outer face against which is attached a safety plate of refractory steel 17 whose general shape is identical to the shape of the plate 16 of refractory material.
  • the plate 17 makes it possible to avoid an exit of liquid metal contained in the casting space 19 delimited by the ferrules 10 and 11 and by the small faces 8 and 9.
  • the arc-shaped edges of the plate 16 are chamfered and inclined inwards and the internal surface of the plate 16 is machined to form two lateral parts 16a, 16b having flat bearing surfaces 20 and 20 'of annular shape separated by a central recess 21.
  • the bearing surfaces 20 and 20 ′ are delimited inwards by two arcs of a circle constituting the edges of the cavity 21 and have the shape of ring portions overlapping on the annular end parts of the ferrules 10 and 11.
  • An element 22 made of a refractory material different from the material constituting the plate 16 is fixed inside the cavity 21 and constitutes, by its internal face, a front wall of the casting space 19.
  • the thickness of the element 22 is such that this element has a part projecting towards the inside of the casting space 19, with respect to the bearing surfaces 20 and 20 '.
  • the refractory material constituting the plate 16 has a high compactness and hardness, so that the flat faces 20 and 20 ′ coming into frictional contact with the ends of the copper ferrules 10 and 11 can be produced with a very good surface condition, which makes it possible to obtain a good seal against liquid metal, in the contact zone. In addition, the wear of the plate 16 by friction against the ferrules 10 and 11 is reduced due to the high hardness of the plate 16.
  • the plate 16 will be made of vitreous silica, this material having, in addition to its hardness, satisfactory mechanical and thermal resistance properties.
  • the refractory material constituting the element 22, the internal surface of which comes into contact with the liquid metal preferably consists of a fibrous material.
  • This fibrous refractory material has a compactness, a hardness and a thermal conductivity very much lower than that of the material constituting the plate 16.
  • the plate 16 has a hardness sufficient to resist erosion by the metal during casting, in the case of direct contact between this material and the surface of the plate 16.
  • the material constituting the element 22 has a relatively low hardness and can undergo erosion by the metal contained in the casting space 19 which is partially solidified and which is moved up and down by the cylinders 3 and 3, in the casting space 19.
  • the refractory material constituting the element 22 is also a very good insulator, so that the cooling and solidification of the liquid metal in contact with the side wall are limited.
  • this refractory material is produced in fibrous form and can be made of alumina fibers impregnated with zirconia gel.
  • alumina fibers impregnated with zirconia gel Such a product is marketed under the name of PROCELIT or PROCAL.
  • the element 22 is, at least during a start-up period of the casting, in projecting from the contact surfaces 20 and 20 ', inside the casting space 19, the liquid metal present in the casting space 19 cannot infiltrate between the side walls and the end parts cylinder ferrules.
  • the material of the element 22 is liable to be eroded by the cast metal moving in the space 19. This erosion generally results in the formation inside the element 22, in its central part, at the start of casting, of a cavity or channel directed vertically of a certain depth.
  • liquid metal is capable of solidifying inside this cavity, along the entire length of the upper part of the wall up to the neck 7.
  • This solidified but not hardened metal allows to protect the element 22 against subsequent wear and constitutes a sort of guide rail for the metal product during casting.
  • the metal solidified inside the element 22 is generally designated as autocreuset; the formation of such an autocreuset is known in the case of the use of side walls of a different type from that which has just been described but which also comprises a part made of soft refractory material.
  • the sealing of the contact between the surfaces 20 and 20 'of the plate 16 and the ferrules is sufficient to avoid any leakage of liquid metal.
  • the plate 16 is also made of a material resistant to erosion by the cast metal.
  • the liquid metal remains contained in the casting space by the safety wall 17 made of refractory steel.
  • the lateral parts 16a and 16b project radially from the peripheral surfaces of the ferrules 10, 11 towards the inside of the casting space.
  • the protruding parts 23a, 23b are in contact with the edge of the solidified skins of the cast metal during solidification.
  • the refractory material constituting these parts 23a, 23b is much more resistant to wear than the material constituting the element 22, this results in significantly less wear of the small face, since this wear tends to occur mainly near cylinders.
  • the material constituting the plate 16, the lateral parts 16a, 16b, and the protruding parts 23a, 23b is a refractory material having good characteristics of mechanical resistance, resistance to corrosion by cast metal, resistance to thermal shocks, and slip in contact with the ferrules, such as alumina, graphitized alumina, vitreous silica, nitrides (AlN, Si 3 N 4 , SiAlON), or a composition of two or more of these materials.
  • This material may be slightly erodible by the songs of the ferrules in order to keep a good sealing between the cylinders and the small faces throughout the casting.
  • the erosion rate which will depend on the nature and roughness of the surfaces in contact, the speed of rotation of the cylinders, the pressure applied to the small faces, and the temperature, can be of the order of 0.1 mm / minute, or approximately 0.1 mm per tonne of metal cast.
  • the casting device according to the invention has the advantage that the small faces ensure good contact with the end parts of the cylinders and a very good seal in the casting space.
  • the device also makes it possible to limit cooling by the small faces due to the use of an element made of insulating refractory material in contact with the liquid metal.
  • the thermal regime of the casting space is faster.
  • the small faces of the device according to the invention will also have an increased service life due to the use of two refractory materials having different properties and adapted to the contradictory requirements relating to the small faces of a continuous casting device between cylinders.
  • the small faces of the continuous casting device according to the invention have a reduced cost and can be mounted more easily and more quickly.
  • the refractory material constituting the plate coming into frictional contact with the ferrules of the cylinders can be constituted by any vitreous or ceramic material having sufficient hardness, resistance to wear, mechanical resistance and thermal resistance.
  • the refractory material constituting the element internal to the casting space can be constituted by a material different from a fibrous refractory material. It is possible, for example, to use a concrete of refractory material with a cellular structure.
  • This internal element added in the recess of the plate of refractory material can be fixed by other means than gluing.
  • the plate of refractory material may include bearing surfaces and a cavity having shapes different from those which have been described and shown.
  • each side wall 8, 9 comprises a housing 30, for example metal, in which is placed a bottom plate 31, inserts 32a, 32b, corresponding to the side portions 16a, 16b of the embodiment described above, placed against the bottom plate 31 and against the sides 30 'of the housing, and an element 33 of refractory insulating material placed against the bottom plate 31, between the inserts 32a, 32b.
  • the material constituting the element 33 is an insulating refractory concrete, cast or sprayed in place after positioning the inserts 32a, 32b, and which ensures the maintenance thereof by adhesion.
  • the inserts 32a, 32b are preferably made of a ceramic type material, for example nitrides (AlN, Si 3 N 4 , SiAlON, etc.).
  • the bottom plate 31 can be made either of silica or of a refractory concrete, of the same type as that used for the central element 33, or again of ceramic material of the same type as that used for the inserts 32a, 32b.
  • notches 34 are provided in the inserts 32a, 32b, into which the concrete of the element 33 penetrates when it is poured and then anchors there.
  • anchoring means 35 are provided, linked to the bottom of the housing 30, passing through the bottom plate 31, and having their end embedded in the concrete of the element 33.
  • the housing 30 serves in particular as a mold for positioning and maintaining the various refractory elements during the manufacture of the side wall.
  • the steel plate 17 gives the assembly additional mechanical resistance and serves as a means of transmitting the pressure force exerted on the side wall, in the direction of the cylinders, by elastic means 36.
  • the device according to the invention can be used not only for the continuous casting of thin metal strips but also for the casting of other metallic products.

Abstract

Each of the lateral walls (8) bearing on the axial ends of the sleeves (10, 11) of the rolls of the casting machine includes two lateral parts (16a, 16b) and an element (22) made from a first refractory material arranged in a cavity (21) provided between the lateral parts which have plane bearing surfaces (20, 20') on the end parts (10, 11) of the rolls. The lateral parts are made from a second refractory material which is resistant to corrosion and erosion by the cast metal. The element (22) is made from a fibrous refractory material consisting, for example, of alumina fibres impregnated with zirconia, or made from an insulating refractory concrete. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif de coulée continue entre cylindres comportant des parois latérales en matériaux réfractaires.The invention relates to a continuous casting device between cylinders having side walls made of refractory materials.

On connaît des dispositifs de coulée continue d'un produit métallique et notamment d'une bande métallique mince comportant deux cylindres contrarotatifs à axes horizontaux et parallèles disposés en vis-à-vis et avec un écartement correspondant à l'épaisseur du produit à couler.There are known devices for continuously casting a metal product and in particular a thin metal strip comprising two counter-rotating cylinders with horizontal and parallel axes disposed opposite and with a spacing corresponding to the thickness of the product to be cast.

Le métal liquide est déversé dans un espace de coulée défini par les portions des parois des cylindres situées au-dessus d'un plan passant par les axes parallèles de ces cylindres et par des parois latérales d'extrémité fixes appelées petites faces en appui sur les extrémités axiales des cylindres.The liquid metal is poured into a pouring space defined by the portions of the walls of the cylinders situated above a plane passing through the parallel axes of these cylinders and by fixed end side walls called small faces bearing on the axial ends of the cylinders.

Les petites faces doivent être conçues de manière à répondre à deux exigences qui peuvent s'avérer contradictoires.The small faces must be designed to meet two requirements which may prove to be contradictory.

Tout d'abord, il est bien sûr nécessaire d'assurer une étanchéité efficace entre les petites faces et les extrémités axiales des cylindres, pour éviter toute fuite de métal en fusion.First of all, it is of course necessary to ensure an effective seal between the small faces and the axial ends of the cylinders, to avoid any leakage of molten metal.

D'autre part, il est également nécessaire d'éviter ou de limiter la solidification du métal au contact des parois latérales.On the other hand, it is also necessary to avoid or limit the solidification of the metal in contact with the side walls.

Pour éviter la solidification du métal au contact des parois latérales, on a proposé de réaliser ces parois en un matériau thermiquement isolant, de manière à empêcher le refroidissement du métal en fusion au contact des parois latérales.To avoid solidification of the metal in contact with the side walls, it has been proposed to produce these walls in a thermally insulating material, so as to prevent the cooling of the molten metal in contact with the side walls.

Toutefois, il s'est avéré très difficile d'obtenir à la fois de bonnes caractéristiques d'isolation thermique et une résistance mécanique suffisante des parois. En particulier, la résistance à l'usure de telles parois isolantes s'avère généralement insuffisante pour assurer une longue durée de la coulée.However, it has proven to be very difficult to obtain both good thermal insulation characteristics and sufficient mechanical strength of the walls. In particular, the wear resistance of such insulating walls generally proves to be insufficient to ensure a long duration of the casting.

On a donc proposé, par exemple dans les demandes de brevet français 90-11000 publiée sous le numéro 2 666 256, correspondant à EP-A-0 477 045 qui est un document selon l'article 54(3) CBE, et 88-12074 publiée sous le numéro 2 636 259, d'utiliser des parois latérales comportant une partie en matériau thermiquement isolant insérée entre les cylindres et placée entre deux pièces métalliques incurvées épousant la courbure des cylindres, qui sont refroidies pendant la coulée. Ainsi, la solidification au contact de la paroi latérale fixe est limitée du fait que le matériau constituant sa partie centrale venant en contact avec le métal liquide est un isolant thermique. Cependant, l'étanchéité entre les pièces métalliques fixes et les cylindres mobiles est difficile à réaliser, du fait de la forme complexe de la surface de contact entre les pièces métalliques et les cylindres. En outre, il peut se produire des infiltrations de métal liquide entre les cylindres et les pièces métalliques d'étanchéité, dans le cas où les cylindres viendraient à s'écarter l'un de l'autre.It has therefore been proposed, for example in French patent applications 90-11000 published under the number 2 666 256, corresponding to EP-A-0 477 045 which is a document according to Article 54 (3) EPC, and 88- 12074 published under the number 2 636 259, to use side walls comprising a part made of thermally insulating material inserted between the cylinders and placed between two curved metal parts conforming to the curvature of the cylinders, which are cooled during casting. Thus, solidification in contact with the fixed side wall is limited because the material constituting its central part coming into contact with the liquid metal is a thermal insulator. However, the seal between the fixed metal parts and the movable cylinders is difficult to achieve, due to the complex shape of the contact surface between the metal parts and the cylinders. In addition, liquid metal may infiltrate between the cylinders and the metal sealing parts, in the event that the cylinders separate from one another.

Afin d'améliorer l'étanchéité du contact entre les petites faces et les extrémités des cylindres, tout en limitant le refroidissement et la solidification du métal au contact des petites faces, on a proposé de réaliser chacune des petites faces sous la forme d'une plaque comportant deux parties d'appui latérales venant en contact étanche chacune avec une partie d'extrémité axiale d'un cylindre. Entre les deux parties d'appui latérales, la plaque comporte un évidement délimité par les bords des surfaces d'appui ayant une certaine profondeur dans la direction axiale des cylindres.In order to improve the tightness of the contact between the small faces and the ends of the cylinders, while limiting the cooling and solidification of the metal in contact with the small faces, it has been proposed to produce each of the small faces in the form of a plate comprising two lateral support parts each coming into leaktight contact with an axial end part of a cylinder. Between the two lateral support parts, the plate has a recess defined by the edges of the bearing surfaces having a certain depth in the axial direction of the cylinders.

A l'intérieur de l'évidement qui se trouve placé en vis-à-vis de l'ouverture latérale de l'espace de coulée est disposée une pièce en matériau réfractaire isolante comportant une surface frontale destinée à venir en contact avec le métal liquide, qui se trouve en retrait à l'intérieur de l'évidement. De cette manière, le métal liquide pénètre à l'intérieur de l'évidement et vient en contact avec la face frontale de la pièce isolante.Inside the recess which is located opposite the lateral opening of the pouring space is disposed a piece of insulating refractory material having a front surface intended to come into contact with the liquid metal , which is set back inside the recess. In this way, the liquid metal enters the interior of the recess and comes into contact with the front face of the insulating part.

Lors de la coulée, le métal liquide qui se solidifie progressivement au contact des parois cylindriques refroidies des cylindres forme des peaux solidifiées qui sont entraînées par les cylindres en rotation et se rejoignent au niveau du col de l'espace de coulée, c'est-à-dire au niveau de la partie de l'espace de coulée de largeur minimale situé au niveau du plan passant par les axes des cylindres.During casting, the liquid metal which solidifies progressively on contact with the cooled cylindrical walls of the cylinders forms solidified skins which are entrained by the rotating cylinders and join at the neck of the casting space, that is to say ie at the level of the portion of the minimum width casting space situated at the plane passing through the axes of the cylinders.

Les peaux solidifiées se prolongent à l'intérieur de l'évidement de la plaque constituant la paroi latérale de l'espace de coulée, jusqu'au voisinage de la face frontale.The solidified skins extend inside the recess of the plate constituting the side wall of the casting space, up to the vicinity of the front face.

Les peaux solidifiées recouvrent ainsi les zones de jonction entre les cylindres et la paroi latérale fixe et empêchent les infiltrations de métal liquide contenu dans l'espace de coulée.The solidified skins thus cover the junction zones between the cylinders and the fixed side wall and prevent the infiltration of liquid metal contained in the casting space.

La plaque évidée est généralement réalisée sous la forme d'une plaque métallique qui doit être refroidie, de sorte que la structure de la paroi est relativement complexe et qu'il peut se produire une solidification du métal liquide au voisinage des parois latérales, malgré la présence de la pièce isolante à l'intérieur de l'évidement. Un fonctionnement satisfaisant du dispositif de coulée nécessite d'ailleurs la présence de peaux solidifiées au contact de ladite plaque, dans la partie d'entrée de l'évidement.The hollowed-out plate is generally produced in the form of a metal plate which must be cooled, so that the structure of the wall is relatively complex and that solidification of the liquid metal can occur in the vicinity of the side walls, despite the presence of the insulating part inside the recess. Satisfactory operation of the casting device requires moreover, the presence of skins solidified in contact with said plate, in the entry part of the recess.

Les conditions d'extraction du produit métallique coulé et donc le fonctionnement de l'installation sont donc susceptibles d'être perturbés.The conditions for extracting the cast metal product and therefore the operation of the installation are therefore liable to be disturbed.

Le but de l'invention est donc de proposer un dispositif de coulée continue d'un produit métallique comportant deux cylindres à axes parallèles contrarotatifs définissant entre eux et avec deux parois latérales fixes en appui sur les extrémités axiales des cylindres, un espace de coulée d'un métal en fusion chacune des parois latérales comportant deux parties latérales présentant des surfaces d'appui latérales sensiblement planes en contact étanche chacune avec un bord externe d'une extrémité axiale de l'un des cylindres et un évidement d'une certaine profondeur dans la direction axiale des cylindres délimité par les parties latérales et un élément en un premier matériau réfractaire disposé au moins partiellement à l'intérieur de l'évidement et présentant une face frontale dirigée vers l'intérieur de l'espace de coulée, ce dispositif de réalisation simple permettant d'éviter toute fuite de métal liquide entre les cylindres et les parois latérales et toute solidification de métal liquide au contact des parois latérales, tout en assurant une extraction facilitée du produit métallique en cours de coulée.The object of the invention is therefore to propose a device for the continuous casting of a metal product comprising two cylinders with counter-rotating parallel axes defining between them and with two fixed side walls bearing on the axial ends of the cylinders, a casting space d 'a molten metal each of the side walls comprising two lateral parts having substantially flat lateral bearing surfaces each in sealed contact with an outer edge of an axial end of one of the cylinders and a recess of a certain depth in the axial direction of the cylinders delimited by the lateral parts and an element of a first refractory material disposed at least partially inside the recess and having a front face directed towards the inside of the casting space, this device simple construction to avoid any leakage of liquid metal between the cylinders and the side walls and any solidification of liquid metal in contact with the side walls, while ensuring easy extraction of the metal product during casting.

Dans ce but, lesdites parties latérales sont réalisées en un second matériau réfractaire présentant des propriétés de résistance à l'érosion et à la corrosion par le métal en cours de coulée et une compacité et une dureté supérieures à la compacité et à la dureté du premier matériau réfractaire et le premier matériau réfractaire est un isolant thermique subissant l'érosion du métal en cours de coulée.For this purpose, said side parts are made of a second refractory material having properties of resistance to erosion and corrosion by the metal being cast and a compactness and hardness greater than the compactness and hardness of the first refractory material and the first refractory material is a thermal insulator undergoing erosion of the metal during casting.

De préférence, l'élément constitué par le premier matériau réfractaire comporte, à l'état non érodé au moins, en début de coulée, une partie en saillie par rapport aux surfaces d'appui latérales, pénétrant dans l'espace de coulée.Preferably, the element constituted by the first refractory material comprises, in the non-eroded state at least, at the start of casting, a part projecting relative to the lateral bearing surfaces, penetrating into the casting space.

Le second matériau réfractaire est un matériau présentant de bonnes caractéristiques de résistance mécanique, de résistance à la corrosion par le métal coulé, et de glissement par rapport aux bords des cylindres, tel que de l'alumine, de l'alumine graphitée, de la silice vitreuse ou des nitrures : AlN, Si3N4, SiAlON.The second refractory material is a material having good mechanical resistance, resistance to corrosion by cast metal, and sliding with respect to the edges of the cylinders, such as alumina, graphite alumina, vitreous silica or nitrides: AlN, Si 3 N 4 , SiAlON.

Les parties latérales réalisées en ce second matériau réfractaire peuvent également être légèrement érodables par les bords des cylindres avec lesquels elles sont en contact, de manière à conserver tout au long de la coulée une bonne étanchéité entre cylindres et parois latérales.The side parts made of this second refractory material can also be slightly eroded by the edges of the cylinders with which they are in contact, so as to maintain throughout the casting a good seal between cylinders and side walls.

Préférentiellement, les parties latérales débordent radialement de la périphérie des cylindres de manière à être en contact avec les rives des peaux de métal en cours de solidification au contact des parois refroidies des cylindres. Cette disposition permet d'éviter une usure trop rapide de la zone de la paroi latérale en contact avec le métal coulé, car il a été constaté que cette usure se produit principalement à proximité des parois des cylindres, là où le métal est déjà au moins partiellement solidifié, alors que vers le centre de cette zone, où le métal coulé reste liquide grâce aux propriétés d'isolation thermique du premier matériau réfractaire, l'usure est moindre. Dans cette variante, le second matériau réfractaire a également de bonnes caractéristiques de résistance aux chocs thermiques, car il est en contact d'une part avec le métal coulé à haute température, et d'autre part avec les bords des cylindres refroidis.Preferably, the lateral parts project radially from the periphery of the cylinders so as to be in contact with the edges of the metal skins being solidified in contact with the cooled walls of the cylinders. This arrangement makes it possible to avoid excessively rapid wear of the area of the side wall in contact with the cast metal, since it has been observed that this wear occurs mainly near the walls of the cylinders, where the metal is already at least partially solidified, while towards the center of this zone, where the cast metal remains liquid thanks to the thermal insulation properties of the first refractory material, wear is reduced. In this variant, the second refractory material also has good resistance characteristics to thermal shock, because it is in contact on the one hand with the metal cast at high temperature, and on the other hand with the edges of the cooled cylinders.

De manière préférentielle également, le premier matériau réfractaire est un matériau fibreux constitué par exemple par des fibres d'alumine imprégnées de gel et de zircone.Also preferably, the first refractory material is a fibrous material constituted for example by alumina fibers impregnated with gel and zirconia.

L'élément constitué par le premier matériau réfractaire peut être collé à l'intérieur de l'évidement, celui-ci étant réalisé dans une plaque constituant avec les parties latérales une pièce monobloc en second matériau réfractaire.The element constituted by the first refractory material can be glued inside the recess, the latter being produced in a plate constituting with the lateral parts a monobloc piece of second refractory material.

Le second matériau réfractaire peut aussi être un produit moulable directement dans l'évidement, par exemple un béton réfractaire isolant, ayant par exemple un coefficient de conductibilité thermique de 2 W/m°K, par exemple un béton silico-alumineux à environ 40 % de silice et 40 % d'alumine.The second refractory material can also be a product which can be molded directly into the recess, for example an insulating refractory concrete, for example having a coefficient of thermal conductivity of 2 W / m ° K, for example a silico-aluminous concrete at around 40% silica and 40% alumina.

Afin de bien faire comprendre l'invention, on va maintenant décrire, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en se référant aux figures jointes en annexe, un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de coulée continue suivant l'invention comportant des petites faces en matériau réfractaire.In order to make the invention clear, we will now describe, by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the appended figures, an embodiment of a continuous casting device according to the invention comprising small faces. made of refractory material.

La figure 1 est une vue schématique partielle en élévation latérale et en coupe d'un dispositif de coulée continue suivant l'invention.Figure 1 is a partial schematic view in side elevation and in section of a continuous casting device according to the invention.

La figure 2 est une vue de dessus partielle suivant 2 de la figure 1.FIG. 2 is a partial top view along 2 of FIG. 1.

La figure 3 est une vue en coupe par un plan horizontal suivant 3-3 de la figure 1.Figure 3 is a sectional view through a horizontal plane along 3-3 of Figure 1.

La figure 4 est une vue en coupe par un plan horizontal suivant 4-4 de la figure 1.FIG. 4 is a sectional view through a horizontal plane along 4-4 of FIG. 1.

La figure 5 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 3 dans le cas d'une variante de réalisation.Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 3 in the case of an alternative embodiment.

La figure 6 est une vue en coupe d'une paroi latérale dans un deuxième mode de réalisation.Figure 6 is a sectional view of a side wall in a second embodiment.

Sur les figures 1 et 2, on voit le dispositif de coulée continue entre cylindres désigné de manière générale par le repère 1 et qui comporte deux cylindres 2 et 3 ayant des axes horizontaux et parallèles 4 et 5.In FIGS. 1 and 2, we see the continuous casting device between cylinders generally designated by the reference 1 and which comprises two cylinders 2 and 3 having horizontal and parallel axes 4 and 5.

Les cylindres 2 et 3 sont montés rotatifs autour de leurs axes 4 et 5 et tournent en sens inverse pendant la coulée.The cylinders 2 and 3 are rotatably mounted around their axes 4 and 5 and rotate in opposite directions during the casting.

Les cylindres 2 et 3 sont disposés avec un certain écartement correspondant à l'épaisseur du produit à couler qui peut être par exemple une tôle métallique dont l'épaisseur est inférieure à 10 mm et de préférence comprise entre 3 et 6 mm.The cylinders 2 and 3 are arranged with a certain spacing corresponding to the thickness of the product to be cast, which can for example be a metal sheet whose thickness is less than 10 mm and preferably between 3 and 6 mm.

Les cylindres 2 et 3 définissent entre leurs surfaces latérales en vis-à-vis, un espace de coulée dont la largeur diminue de haut en bas, pour atteindre un minimum correspondant à l'écartement des cylindres, au niveau du col 7 de l'espace de coulée, dans le plan horizontal 6 renfermant les axes 4 et 5 des cylindres 2 et 3.The cylinders 2 and 3 define, between their lateral facing surfaces, a casting space whose width decreases from top to bottom, to reach a minimum corresponding to the spacing of the cylinders, at the level of the neck 7 of the pouring space, in the horizontal plane 6 containing the axes 4 and 5 of the cylinders 2 and 3.

L'espace de coulée situé entre les cylindres 2 et 3 est délimité à ses extrémités, dans la direction axiale des cylindres 2 et 3, par des parois latérales 8 et 9 appelées aussi petites faces, maintenues en appui sur des parties périphériques externes 10 et 11 des cylindres 2 et 3 constituées par des viroles en un matériau bon conducteur de la chaleur tel que le cuivre.The casting space located between cylinders 2 and 3 is delimited at its ends, in the axial direction of cylinders 2 and 3, by side walls 8 and 9 called also small faces, held in abutment on external peripheral parts 10 and 11 of the cylinders 2 and 3 constituted by ferrules made of a material which is a good conductor of heat such as copper.

Les cylindres de coulée 2 et 3 comportent une âme en acier recouverte par une virole en cuivre qui est refroidie intérieurement par une circulation d'un fluide de refroidissement.The casting rolls 2 and 3 comprise a steel core covered by a copper ferrule which is internally cooled by the circulation of a cooling fluid.

Pendant la coulée, du métal liquide 12 est introduit dans l'espace de coulée délimité par les surfaces latérales des cylindres 2 et 3 dans leur partie située au-dessus du plan horizontal 6 et par les petites faces 8 et 9. Des peaux solidifiées se forment au contact de la surface externe des viroles refroidies 10 et 11 et sont déplacées par les cylindres 2 et 3 en direction du col 7 de l'espace de coulée. Les peaux solidifiées s'épaississent progressivement pendant leur déplacement et se rejoignent au niveau du col 7 pour constituer la bande coulée 12' qui est extraite en dessous des cylindres 2 et 3.During casting, liquid metal 12 is introduced into the casting space delimited by the lateral surfaces of the cylinders 2 and 3 in their part situated above the horizontal plane 6 and by the small faces 8 and 9. Solidified skins are formed in contact with the external surface of the cooled ferrules 10 and 11 and are displaced by the cylinders 2 and 3 towards the neck 7 of the casting space. The solidified skins gradually thicken during their movement and meet at the neck 7 to form the cast strip 12 'which is extracted below the cylinders 2 and 3.

On va maintenant décrire, en se référant à l'ensemble des figures, les parois latérales 8 et 9 qui, dans le cas de l'invention sont des parois non refroidies constituées en majeure partie par des matériaux réfractaires non métalliques.We will now describe, with reference to all of the figures, the side walls 8 and 9 which, in the case of the invention are uncooled walls consisting mainly of non-metallic refractory materials.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation, la paroi latérale 9 ou petite face telle que représentée sur la figure 2 comporte un support 14 en acier à l'intérieur duquel est fixée la paroi proprement dite, par l'intermédiaire de moyens de fixation 15.In a first embodiment, the side wall 9 or small face as shown in FIG. 2 comprises a support 14 made of steel inside which the wall itself is fixed, by means of fixing means 15.

Le support 14 qui n'a pas été représenté sur les figures 3 et 4 permet d'assurer le maintien et la mise en appui de la petite face contre les parties d'extrémité des viroles 10 et 11 des cylindres 2 et 3.The support 14 which has not been shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 makes it possible to maintain and support the small face against the end parts of the ferrules 10 and 11 of the cylinders 2 and 3.

Comme il est visible sur les figures 3 et 4, les parois latérales telles que 8 sont constituées par une plaque 16 en un matériau réfractaire non métallique dont la forme générale comportant deux bords en forme d'arc-de-cercle est visible sur la figure 1.As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side walls such as 8 are constituted by a plate 16 made of a non-metallic refractory material, the general shape of which having two edges in the form of a semicircle is visible in the figure. 1.

La plaque 16 comporte une face externe plate contre laquelle est rapportée une plaque de sécurité en acier réfractaire 17 dont la forme générale est identique à la forme de la plaque 16 en matériau réfractaire. Dans le cas où la plaque 16 viendrait à être percée accidentellement pendant la coulée, la plaque 17 permet d'éviter une sortie de métal liquide contenu dans l'espace de coulée 19 délimité par les viroles 10 et 11 et par les petites faces 8 et 9.The plate 16 has a flat outer face against which is attached a safety plate of refractory steel 17 whose general shape is identical to the shape of the plate 16 of refractory material. In the event that the plate 16 is accidentally pierced during casting, the plate 17 makes it possible to avoid an exit of liquid metal contained in the casting space 19 delimited by the ferrules 10 and 11 and by the small faces 8 and 9.

Les bords en forme d'arc-de-cercle de la plaque 16 sont chanfreinés et inclinés vers l'intérieur et la surface intérieure de la plaque 16 est usinée pour constituer deux parties latérales 16a, 16b ayant des surfaces d'appui planes 20 et 20' de forme annulaire séparées par un évidement central 21.The arc-shaped edges of the plate 16 are chamfered and inclined inwards and the internal surface of the plate 16 is machined to form two lateral parts 16a, 16b having flat bearing surfaces 20 and 20 'of annular shape separated by a central recess 21.

Les surfaces d'appui 20 et 20' sont délimitées vers l'intérieur par deux arcs-de-cercle constituant les bords de la cavité 21 et présentent la forme de portions d'anneau venant en recouvrement sur les parties d'extrémité annulaires des viroles 10 et 11.The bearing surfaces 20 and 20 ′ are delimited inwards by two arcs of a circle constituting the edges of the cavity 21 and have the shape of ring portions overlapping on the annular end parts of the ferrules 10 and 11.

Un élément 22 en un matériau réfractaire différent du matériau constituant la plaque 16 est fixé à l'intérieur de la cavité 21 et constitue, par sa face interne, une paroi frontale de l'espace de coulée 19.An element 22 made of a refractory material different from the material constituting the plate 16 is fixed inside the cavity 21 and constitutes, by its internal face, a front wall of the casting space 19.

L'épaisseur de l'élément 22 est telle que cet élément comporte une partie en saillie vers l'intérieur de l'espace de coulée 19, par rapport aux surfaces d'appui 20 et 20'.The thickness of the element 22 is such that this element has a part projecting towards the inside of the casting space 19, with respect to the bearing surfaces 20 and 20 '.

Lorsque la paroi latérale est rapportée contre les parties d'extrémité des viroles 10 et 11, comme représenté sur les figures 3 et 4, l'élément 22 pénètre sur une certaine longueur dans la direction axiale des cylindres, à l'intérieur de l'espace de coulée 19.When the side wall is fitted against the end portions of the ferrules 10 and 11, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the element 22 penetrates over a certain length in the axial direction of the cylinders, inside the pouring space 19.

Le matériau réfractaire constituant la plaque 16 présente une compacité et une dureté élevées, de sorte que les faces planes 20 et 20' venant en contact frottant avec les extrémités des viroles 10 et 11 en cuivre peuvent être réalisées avec un très bon état de surface, ce qui permet d'obtenir une bonne étanchéité au métal liquide, dans la zone de contact. En outre, l'usure de la plaque 16 par frottement contre les viroles 10 et 11 est réduite du fait de la dureté importante de la plaque 16.The refractory material constituting the plate 16 has a high compactness and hardness, so that the flat faces 20 and 20 ′ coming into frictional contact with the ends of the copper ferrules 10 and 11 can be produced with a very good surface condition, which makes it possible to obtain a good seal against liquid metal, in the contact zone. In addition, the wear of the plate 16 by friction against the ferrules 10 and 11 is reduced due to the high hardness of the plate 16.

De préférence, la plaque 16 sera réalisée en silice vitreuse, ce matériau présentant en plus de sa dureté, des propriétés de résistance mécanique et thermiques satisfaisantes.Preferably, the plate 16 will be made of vitreous silica, this material having, in addition to its hardness, satisfactory mechanical and thermal resistance properties.

Le matériau réfractaire constituant l'élément 22 dont la surface interne vient en contact avec le métal liquide est constitué de préférence par un matériau fibreux.The refractory material constituting the element 22, the internal surface of which comes into contact with the liquid metal preferably consists of a fibrous material.

Ce matériau réfractaire fibreux présente une compacité, une dureté et une conductibilité thermique très nettement inférieures à celles du matériau constituant la plaque 16.This fibrous refractory material has a compactness, a hardness and a thermal conductivity very much lower than that of the material constituting the plate 16.

La plaque 16 a une dureté suffisante pour résister à l'érosion par le métal en cours de coulée, dans le cas d'un contact direct entre ce matériau et la surface de la plaque 16.The plate 16 has a hardness sufficient to resist erosion by the metal during casting, in the case of direct contact between this material and the surface of the plate 16.

En revanche, le matériau constituant l'élément 22 présente une dureté relativement faible et peut subir une érosion par le métal contenu dans l'espace de coulée 19 qui est partiellement solidifié et qui est déplacé de haut en bas par les cylindres 3 et 3, dans l'espace de coulée 19.On the other hand, the material constituting the element 22 has a relatively low hardness and can undergo erosion by the metal contained in the casting space 19 which is partially solidified and which is moved up and down by the cylinders 3 and 3, in the casting space 19.

Le matériau réfractaire constituant l'élément 22 est de plus un très bon isolant, de sorte qu'on limite le refroidissement et la solidification du métal liquide au contact de la paroi latérale.The refractory material constituting the element 22 is also a very good insulator, so that the cooling and solidification of the liquid metal in contact with the side wall are limited.

De préférence, ce matériau réfractaire est réalisé sous forme fibreuse et peut être constitué de fibres d'alumine imprégnées de gel de zircone. Un tel produit est commercialisé sous le nom de PROCELIT ou PROCAL.Preferably, this refractory material is produced in fibrous form and can be made of alumina fibers impregnated with zirconia gel. Such a product is marketed under the name of PROCELIT or PROCAL.

Du fait que l'élément 22 se trouve, au moins pendant une période de démarrage de la coulée, en saillie par rapport aux surfaces de contact 20 et 20', à l'intérieur de l'espace de coulée 19, le métal liquide présent dans l'espace de coulée 19 ne peut s'infiltrer entre les parois latérales et les parties d'extrémité des viroles des cylindres.Because the element 22 is, at least during a start-up period of the casting, in projecting from the contact surfaces 20 and 20 ', inside the casting space 19, the liquid metal present in the casting space 19 cannot infiltrate between the side walls and the end parts cylinder ferrules.

Cependant, comme il a été indiqué plus haut, le matériau de l'élément 22 est susceptible d'être érodé par le métal coulé se déplaçant dans l'espace 19. Cette érosion se traduit généralement par la formation à l'intérieur de l'élément 22, dans sa partie centrale, en début de coulée, d'une cavité ou canal dirigé verticalement d'une certaine profondeur.However, as indicated above, the material of the element 22 is liable to be eroded by the cast metal moving in the space 19. This erosion generally results in the formation inside the element 22, in its central part, at the start of casting, of a cavity or channel directed vertically of a certain depth.

Malgré les propriétés isolantes de l'élément 22, du métal liquide est susceptible de se solidifier à l'intérieur de cette cavité, suivant toute la longueur de la partie supérieure de la paroi jusqu'au col 7. Ce métal solidifié mais non durci permet de protéger l'élément 22 contre une usure ultérieure et constitue une sorte de glissière de guidage du produit métallique en cours de coulée. Le métal solidifié à l'intérieur de l'élément 22 est généralement désigné comme autocreuset ; la formation d'un tel autocreuset est connue dans le cas d'utilisation de parois latérales d'un type différent de celui qui vient d'être décrit mais qui comprend aussi une partie en matériau réfractaire tendre.Despite the insulating properties of element 22, liquid metal is capable of solidifying inside this cavity, along the entire length of the upper part of the wall up to the neck 7. This solidified but not hardened metal allows to protect the element 22 against subsequent wear and constitutes a sort of guide rail for the metal product during casting. The metal solidified inside the element 22 is generally designated as autocreuset; the formation of such an autocreuset is known in the case of the use of side walls of a different type from that which has just been described but which also comprises a part made of soft refractory material.

Dans le cas où l'usure du matériau réfractaire constituant l'élément 22 se poursuivrait jusqu'à la zone de contact entre la paroi latérale et les viroles des cylindres constituées par les surfaces d'appui 20 et 20', l'étanchéité du contact entre les surfaces 20 et 20' de la plaque 16 et les viroles est suffisante pour éviter toute fuite de métal liquide. La plaque 16 est également réalisée en un matériau résistant à l'érosion par le métal coulé.In the event that the wear of the refractory material constituting the element 22 continues until the contact zone between the side wall and the ferrules of the cylinders formed by the bearing surfaces 20 and 20 ′, the sealing of the contact between the surfaces 20 and 20 'of the plate 16 and the ferrules is sufficient to avoid any leakage of liquid metal. The plate 16 is also made of a material resistant to erosion by the cast metal.

En outre, dans le cas d'une percée accidentelle de la plaque 16, le métal liquide reste contenu dans l'espace de coulée par la paroi de sécurité 17 en acier réfractaire.In addition, in the event of an accidental breakthrough of the plate 16, the liquid metal remains contained in the casting space by the safety wall 17 made of refractory steel.

Dans la variante représentée à la figure 5, les parties latérales 16a et 16b débordent radialement des surfaces périphériques des viroles 10, 11 vers l'intérieur de l'espace de coulée. Dans ce cas les parties débordantes 23a, 23b sont en contact avec le bord des peaux solidifiées du métal coulé en cours de solidification. Comme le matériau réfractaire constituant ces parties 23a, 23b est beaucoup plus résistant à l'usure que le matériau constituant l'élément 22, il en résulte une usure nettement moindre de la petite face, car cette usure a tendance à se produire principalement à proximité des cylindres. En conséquence, l'usure globale de la petite face par le métal coulé est fortement limitée, et l'élément 22, en contact seulement avec du métal encore liquide, sera moins soumis à l'érosion et on pourra limiter son épaisseur au plan des surfaces d'appui 20, 20', donc sans saillie de cet élément dans l'espace de coulée entre les cylindres.In the variant shown in FIG. 5, the lateral parts 16a and 16b project radially from the peripheral surfaces of the ferrules 10, 11 towards the inside of the casting space. In this case, the protruding parts 23a, 23b are in contact with the edge of the solidified skins of the cast metal during solidification. As the refractory material constituting these parts 23a, 23b is much more resistant to wear than the material constituting the element 22, this results in significantly less wear of the small face, since this wear tends to occur mainly near cylinders. Consequently, the overall wear of the small face by the cast metal is greatly limited, and the element 22, in contact only with still liquid metal, will be less subject to erosion and its thickness may be limited in terms of bearing surfaces 20, 20 ', therefore without projection of this element in the casting space between the cylinders.

Le matériau constituant la plaque 16, les parties latérales 16a, 16b, et les parties débordantes 23a, 23b est un matériau réfractaire ayant des bonnes caractéristiques de résistance mécanique, de résistance à la corrosion par le métal coulé, de résistance aux chocs thermiques, et de glissement au contact des viroles, tel que de l'alumine, de l'alumine graphitée, de la silice vitreuse, des nitrures (AlN, Si3N4, SiAlON), ou une composition de deux ou plusieurs de ces matériaux.The material constituting the plate 16, the lateral parts 16a, 16b, and the protruding parts 23a, 23b is a refractory material having good characteristics of mechanical resistance, resistance to corrosion by cast metal, resistance to thermal shocks, and slip in contact with the ferrules, such as alumina, graphitized alumina, vitreous silica, nitrides (AlN, Si 3 N 4 , SiAlON), or a composition of two or more of these materials.

Ce matériau pourra être légèrement érodable par les chants des viroles dans le but de garder une bonne étanchéité entre les cylindres et les petites faces tout au long de la coulée. La vitesse d'érosion, qui sera fonction de la nature et de la rugosité des surfaces en contact, de la vitesse de rotation des cylindres, de la pression appliquée sur les petites faces, et de la température, peut être de l'ordre de 0,1 mm/minute, soit environ 0,1 mm par tonne de métal coulé.This material may be slightly erodible by the songs of the ferrules in order to keep a good sealing between the cylinders and the small faces throughout the casting. The erosion rate, which will depend on the nature and roughness of the surfaces in contact, the speed of rotation of the cylinders, the pressure applied to the small faces, and the temperature, can be of the order of 0.1 mm / minute, or approximately 0.1 mm per tonne of metal cast.

Le dispositif de coulée suivant l'invention présente l'avantage que les petites faces assurent un bon contact avec les parties d'extrémité des cylindres et une très bonne étanchéité de l'espace de coulée.The casting device according to the invention has the advantage that the small faces ensure good contact with the end parts of the cylinders and a very good seal in the casting space.

En outre, l'extraction du produit métallique coulé est facilitée. Le dispositif permet également de limiter le refroidissement par les petites faces du fait de l'utilisation d'un élément en matériau réfractaire isolant en contact avec le métal liquide.In addition, the extraction of the cast metal product is facilitated. The device also makes it possible to limit cooling by the small faces due to the use of an element made of insulating refractory material in contact with the liquid metal.

Du fait que les petites faces sont en matériau non métallique et peu conducteur, la mise en régime thermique de l'espace de coulée est plus rapide.Because the small faces are made of non-metallic and not very conductive material, the thermal regime of the casting space is faster.

Dans le cas d'un déplacement limité des cylindres l'un par rapport à l'autre, l'étanchéité de l'espace de coulée reste assurée.In the case of a limited displacement of the cylinders relative to each other, the sealing of the casting space remains ensured.

Les petites faces du dispositif suivant l'invention auront d'autre part une durée de vie accrue du fait de l'utilisation de deux matériaux réfractaires ayant des propriétés différentes et adaptées aux exigences contradictoires relatives aux petites faces d'un dispositif de coulée continue entre cylindres.The small faces of the device according to the invention will also have an increased service life due to the use of two refractory materials having different properties and adapted to the contradictory requirements relating to the small faces of a continuous casting device between cylinders.

En outre, les petites faces du dispositif de coulée continue suivant l'invention ont un coût réduit et peuvent être montées de manière plus facile et plus rapide.In addition, the small faces of the continuous casting device according to the invention have a reduced cost and can be mounted more easily and more quickly.

L'invention ne se limite pas au mode de réalisation qui a été décrit.The invention is not limited to the embodiment which has been described.

C'est ainsi que le matériau réfractaire constituant la plaque venant en contact frottant avec les viroles des cylindres peut être constitué par toute matière vitreuse ou céramique présentant une dureté, une résistance à l'usure, une résistance mécanique et une résistance thermique suffisantes.Thus the refractory material constituting the plate coming into frictional contact with the ferrules of the cylinders can be constituted by any vitreous or ceramic material having sufficient hardness, resistance to wear, mechanical resistance and thermal resistance.

Le matériau réfractaire constituant l'élément interne à l'espace de coulée peut être constitué par un matériau différent d'un matériau réfractaire fibreux. On peut utiliser par exemple un béton en matériau réfractaire à structure cellulaire.The refractory material constituting the element internal to the casting space can be constituted by a material different from a fibrous refractory material. It is possible, for example, to use a concrete of refractory material with a cellular structure.

Cet élément interne rapporté dans l'évidement de la plaque en matériau réfractaire peut être fixé par un autre moyen que le collage.This internal element added in the recess of the plate of refractory material can be fixed by other means than gluing.

La plaque en matériau réfractaire peut comporter des surfaces d'appui et une cavité ayant des formes différentes de celles qui ont été décrites et représentées.The plate of refractory material may include bearing surfaces and a cavity having shapes different from those which have been described and shown.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation représenté à la figure 6, chaque paroi latérale 8, 9 comprend un boîtier 30, par exemple métallique, dans lequel est placé une plaque de fond 31, des inserts 32a, 32b, correspondant aux parties latérales 16a, 16b du mode de réalisation décrit précédemment, placés contre la plaque de fond 31 et contre les côtés 30' du boîtier, et un élément 33 en matériau réfractaire isolant placé contre la plaque de fond 31, entre les inserts 32a, 32b. Le matériau constitutif de l'élément 33 est un béton réfractaire isolant, coulé ou projeté en place après positionnement des inserts 32a, 32b, et qui assure le maintien de ceux-ci par adhérence.According to another embodiment shown in Figure 6, each side wall 8, 9 comprises a housing 30, for example metal, in which is placed a bottom plate 31, inserts 32a, 32b, corresponding to the side portions 16a, 16b of the embodiment described above, placed against the bottom plate 31 and against the sides 30 'of the housing, and an element 33 of refractory insulating material placed against the bottom plate 31, between the inserts 32a, 32b. The material constituting the element 33 is an insulating refractory concrete, cast or sprayed in place after positioning the inserts 32a, 32b, and which ensures the maintenance thereof by adhesion.

Les inserts 32a, 32b sont préférentiellement réalisés en un matériau de type céramique, par exemple des nitrures (AlN, Si3N4, SiAlON, etc...). La plaque de fond 31 peut être constituée soit de silice, soit d'un béton réfractaire, de même type que celui utilisé pour l'élément central 33, soit encore de matériau céramique de même type que celui utilisé pour les inserts 32a, 32b.The inserts 32a, 32b are preferably made of a ceramic type material, for example nitrides (AlN, Si 3 N 4 , SiAlON, etc.). The bottom plate 31 can be made either of silica or of a refractory concrete, of the same type as that used for the central element 33, or again of ceramic material of the same type as that used for the inserts 32a, 32b.

Pour améliorer la cohésion des différents matériaux, des encoches 34 sont prévues dans les inserts 32a, 32b, dans lesquelles le béton de l'élément 33 pénètre lorsqu'il est coulé et s'y ancre ensuite. De plus des moyens d'ancrage 35 sont prévus, liés au fond du boîtier 30, traversant la plaque de fond 31, et ayant leur extrémité noyée dans le béton de l'élément 33.To improve the cohesion of the different materials, notches 34 are provided in the inserts 32a, 32b, into which the concrete of the element 33 penetrates when it is poured and then anchors there. In addition, anchoring means 35 are provided, linked to the bottom of the housing 30, passing through the bottom plate 31, and having their end embedded in the concrete of the element 33.

Le boîtier 30 sert notamment de moule pour le positionnement et le maintien des différents éléments réfractaires lors de la fabrication de la paroi latérale. La plaque en acier 17 confère à l'ensemble une résistance mécanique supplémentaire et sert de moyen de transmission de l'effort de pression exercé sur la paroi latérale, en direction des cylindres, par des moyens élastiques 36.The housing 30 serves in particular as a mold for positioning and maintaining the various refractory elements during the manufacture of the side wall. The steel plate 17 gives the assembly additional mechanical resistance and serves as a means of transmitting the pressure force exerted on the side wall, in the direction of the cylinders, by elastic means 36.

Le dispositif suivant l'invention peut être utilisé non seulement pour la coulée continue de bandes métalliques minces mais encore pour la coulée d'autres produits métalliques.The device according to the invention can be used not only for the continuous casting of thin metal strips but also for the casting of other metallic products.

Claims (12)

  1. Device for the continuous casting of a metal product, comprising two counter-rotating rolls (2, 3) with parallel axes defining between them, together with two stationary side walls (8, 9) bearing on the axial ends of the rolls (2, 3), a casting space (19) for a molten metal, each of the side walls (8, 9) comprising two lateral parts (16a, 16b, 32a, 32b) having substantially plane lateral bearing surfaces (20, 20') each in sealed contact with an outer edge (10, 11) of an axial end of one of the rolls (2, 3) and a recess (21) which has a certain depth in the axial direction of the rolls (2, 3) and is bounded by the lateral parts, and an element (22, 33) made of a first refractory material at least partly placed inside the recess (21) and having a front face turned towards the inside of the casting space (19), characterized in that the said lateral parts (16a, 16b, 32a, 32b) are made of a second refractory material which is resistant to erosion and to corrosion by the metal being cast and has a density and a hardness which are greater than the density and the hardness of the first material and in that the first material is a thermal insulator.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the element made of the first refractory material, comprises, at least in the uneroded state, at the start of casting, a part projecting beyond the bearing surfaces (20, 20') which penetrates into the casting space (19) between the lateral surfaces of the rolls (2, 3).
  3. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second refractory material consists either of vitreous silica, alumina, graphitized alumina or silicon or aluminium nitrides, or a combination of these materials.
  4. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first material is a fibrous refractory material or an insulating refractory concrete.
  5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first refractory material comprises zirconia-impregnated alumina fibres.
  6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the element (22) made of a first refractory material is bonded to the inside of the recess (21).
  7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each of the side walls (8, 9) comprises an outer part consisting of a plate (17) made of refractory steel, attached on the side opposite the casting space, and means for exerting, via this plate, a force pressing the side walls against the rolls.
  8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lateral parts (16a, 16b, 32a, 32b) extend radially beyond the periphery of the rolls.
  9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each side wall comprises a casing (30) in which a bottom plate (31) is placed, the lateral parts are formed by inserts (32a, 32b) placed against the bottom plate (31) and against the sides (30') of the casing (30), and the element (33) made of thermally insulating material is placed against the bottom plate (31) between the inserts (32a, 32b).
  10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the material of the element (33) is a concrete cast in place after positioning the inserts.
  11. Device according to either of Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that it comprises means (34, 35) for anchoring the element (33).
  12. Device according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the inserts are made of aluminium nitride or silicone nitride.
EP93470003A 1992-01-17 1993-01-12 Twin roll type continuous casting machine with lateral refractory walls Expired - Lifetime EP0552125B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9200504 1992-01-17
FR9200504A FR2686278A1 (en) 1992-01-17 1992-01-17 CONTINUOUS CASTING DEVICE BETWEEN CYLINDERS COMPRISING SIDE WALLS OF REFRACTORY MATERIALS.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0552125A1 EP0552125A1 (en) 1993-07-21
EP0552125B1 true EP0552125B1 (en) 1997-05-14

Family

ID=9425751

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP93470003A Expired - Lifetime EP0552125B1 (en) 1992-01-17 1993-01-12 Twin roll type continuous casting machine with lateral refractory walls

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0552125B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE152939T1 (en)
DE (2) DE69310555T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0552125T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2102631T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2686278A1 (en)
GR (1) GR3023925T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2765504B1 (en) * 1997-07-04 1999-08-20 Usinor SIDE SIDE FOR SEALING THE CASTING SPACE OF A CONTINUOUS CASTING INSTALLATION BETWEEN METAL THIN STRIP CYLINDERS

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS60162557A (en) * 1984-02-03 1985-08-24 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Continuous casting device for thin plate
JPS6133736A (en) * 1984-07-25 1986-02-17 Nippon Steel Corp Backup device of short side gate in twin roll type casting and rolling mill
JPS61129260A (en) * 1984-11-27 1986-06-17 Kawasaki Steel Corp Synchronous type continuous casting machine
FR2636259B1 (en) * 1988-09-14 1994-03-11 Irsid SIDE WALL FOR A CONTINUOUS CASTING INSTALLATION BETWEEN MOBILE WALLS AND INSTALLATION COMPRISING THIS WALL
JPH03114631A (en) * 1989-09-28 1991-05-15 Kawasaki Steel Corp Method for assembling short side plate used to mold for continuously casting cast strip
FR2655577B1 (en) * 1989-12-07 1992-01-24 Siderurgie Fse Inst Rech CONTINUOUS CASTING INSTALLATION OF THIN METAL PRODUCTS BETWEEN TWO CYLINDERS.
FR2656550A1 (en) * 1989-12-29 1991-07-05 Siderurgie Fse Inst Rech DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUS CASTING OF LIQUID METAL INTO THIN STRIPS BETWEEN TWO CYLINDERS.
FR2666256B1 (en) * 1990-09-03 1992-10-16 Usinor Sacilor CONTINUOUS CASTING INSTALLATION BETWEEN CYLINDERS.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2686278B1 (en) 1994-04-22
ES2102631T3 (en) 1997-08-01
FR2686278A1 (en) 1993-07-23
GR3023925T3 (en) 1997-09-30
DE69310555T2 (en) 1997-11-13
DK0552125T3 (en) 1997-12-15
ATE152939T1 (en) 1997-05-15
DE4300944A1 (en) 1993-07-22
DE69310555D1 (en) 1997-06-19
EP0552125A1 (en) 1993-07-21

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