EP3600721B1 - Installation and method for the semi-continuous casting of slabs - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology

The present invention relates on the one hand to a plant for the semi-continuous continuous casting of billets with a single or multi-strand first casting plant for continuous casting of at least one first billet and a single or multi-strand second casting plant for continuous casting of at least one second billet.

On the other hand, the invention relates to a method for semi-continuous continuous casting of billets in a plant, comprising a single or multi-strand first casting plant for continuously casting at least one first billet and a single or multi-strand second casting plant for continuously casting at least one second billet.

State of the art

From the publication
AG Zajber "Discontinuous continuous casting as an alternative for special steels", stahl und eisen 136 (2016), No. 10, pages 62-65
a plant for the semi-continuous continuous casting of ingot strands is known. According to the Figure 4 Block strands that have not fully solidified can be moved out of the casting plant into a strand solidification position by means of weighing and removed from there after solidification.

The disadvantage of this is that the process of block strands that have not completely solidified can be carried out very carefully and carefully due to the liquid end of the block strand, and the tertiary cooling zone can be moved for final solidification must be trained. In order to ensure the safety of the operating team, the system must therefore have a relatively complex structure.

Out WO 2016/131437 A2 a method and a system for producing steel strands is known. The hot strand is guided vertically down from the mold by means of a cold strand into a support segment with strand support rollers and then brought into a downstream vertical strand guide area in which the hot strand is cooled. To bring the hot strand out of the strand guiding area, the hot strand is grasped with the aid of a transport trolley and extended to the side.

Out WO 2015/079071 A2 a semi-continuous continuous caster for steel strands is known. In this system, too, the steel strand is supported and guided by the mold in a secondary cooling system and then conveyed on to a tertiary cooling zone. The cooled strand is conveyed laterally out of the tertiary cooling zone. The cast strand can, for example, be placed on a pedestal, with the pedestal and the strand being able to be moved to a further tertiary cooling zone. The tertiary cooling zone can have two brackets that support the strand laterally. The strand can be swiveled out in relation to the vertical, with the strand resting on the bracket. The strand can be placed on a roller table via a swivel drive, via which it can be removed.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention is to increase the safety of systems for the semi-continuous continuous casting of ingot strands and, in particular, to simplify the solidification and the subsequent conveying out of the ingot strands. Nevertheless, the system should have a high productivity.

• eine Kokille mit einem Oszillierer zum Oszillieren der Kokille, wobei sich in der Kokille ein teilerstarrter Blockstrang ausbildet;
• ein erstes Segment zum Stützen und Führen des teilerstarrten Blockstrangs;
• eine schwenkbare Strangführung mit einem Strangführungsrahmen und zumindest einer Strangführungssektion, wobei die Strangführungssektion zumindest eine Strangführungseinrichtung, bevorzugt drei Strangführungsrollen, zum Stützen und Führen des Blockstrangs aufweist, und die schwenkbare Strangführung zum Ausfördern des Blockstrangs um eine Drehachse schwenkbar ist;
• Isolierklappen zur einstellbaren Wärmeisolation des Blockstrangs, wobei die Isolierklappen entweder auf der schwenkbaren Strangführung oder einem stationären Anlagentraggerüst angeordnet sind; und
• ein Kaltstrangauszugssystem zum Ausziehen eines Kaltstrangs und des nachfolgenden Blockstrangs aus der Kokille und zum Abstützen des Blockstrangs.

This object is achieved by a system for the semi-continuous continuous casting of billet strands with a single or multi-strand first casting plant for continuously casting at least one first billet and a single or multi-strand second casting plant for continuously casting at least one second billet according to claim 1, each strand of the The first and the second casting system in the casting direction comprises the following assemblies:

• a mold with an oscillator for oscillating the mold, a partially solidified block strand being formed in the mold;
• a first segment for supporting and guiding the partially solidified billet strand;
• a pivotable strand guide with a strand guide frame and at least one strand guide section, wherein the strand guide section has at least one strand guide device, preferably three strand guide rollers, for supporting and guiding the block strand, and the pivotable strand guide for conveying the block strand is pivotable about an axis of rotation;
• Insulating flaps for adjustable thermal insulation of the block strand, the insulating flaps being arranged either on the pivotable strand guide or on a stationary system support frame; and
• a cold strand pull-out system for pulling out a cold strand and the subsequent ingot from the mold and for supporting the ingot.

The plant according to the invention has at least one single or multi-strand first casting plant for semi-continuous continuous casting of at least one first block strand and one single or multi-strand second casting plant for semi-continuous continuous casting of at least one second block strand. In other words, the first casting system is an n-string system and the second casting system is an m-string system, with n ∈ 1,2,3 ... and m ∈ 1,2,3 .... So, for example The first casting plant can be a two-strand system and the second casting system can be a single-strand system.

If the first and second casting systems are single-strand systems, the molds of these casting systems are supplied with molten steel by a movable ladle or a movable tundish. However, if one of the casting systems has multiple strands, it is preferred that the casting systems are supplied with molten steel through a movable distribution channel. In this case, the casting speed of each casting system can be controlled or regulated separately, e.g. by means of a slide valve or a stopper. Accordingly, it is possible that a round block strand with a first diameter is cast on the first strand of the first casting plant, a round block strand with a second diameter is cast on the second strand of the first casting plant and a rectangular block strand is cast on the single strand of the second casting plant.

Each strand of the two casting plants has at least one mold with an oscillator, a first segment, a swiveling strand guide, insulating flaps and a cold strand pull-out system. In the mold, typically a cooled plate or pipe mold made of copper material, a partially solid block strand is formed from the molten steel. The adherence of the strand shell of the Block strand to the mold is prevented by an oscillator. The mold is followed in the casting direction by a first segment for supporting and guiding the partially solidified billet. The block strand, which has a thin strand shell, is supported and guided by strand guiding devices (for example strand guiding rollers) and preferably further cooled by spray nozzles of a secondary cooling system. Instead of or in addition to the spray nozzles, a free area can be provided between the first segment and the pivotable strand guide so that the block strand cools down further through radiation or convection. Due to the swiveling strand guide, the ingot strand can be supported and guided and conveyed out of the casting plant. For this purpose, the pivotable strand guide has a strand guide frame and one or preferably more strand guide sections, wherein a strand guide section has at least one strand guide device for supporting and guiding the partially or completely solidified block strand and the pivotable strand guide for conveying the block strand out of the casting plant can be pivoted about an axis of rotation. Particularly in the case of round or polygonal strands with rounded edges, it is possible to move the swiveling strand guide into the casting plant only to convey out the "self-supporting" block strand. During the continuous casting and thermal insulation, the block strand is supported on the cold strand or on the cold strand pull-out system. The cooling of the block strand can be controlled or regulated by means of insulating flaps, which are arranged either on the swiveling strand guide, e.g. the strand guide frame, or the stationary system support frame (mostly technological steel frame or STAKO for short). The cold strand pull-out system is used to pull the cold strand and the subsequent hot strand out of the mold and to support the ingot.

In the system according to the invention, the strand is supported by the cold strand or the cold strand extraction system until it has completely solidified and is only then conveyed out. This means that the system can be operated much more safely. Due to the flexible configuration of the n-strand first casting plant and the m-strand second casting plant, the production output can easily be increased if necessary, for example by increasing the number of strands in the first or second casting plant.

In a preferred embodiment, the pivotable strand guide has a horizontal axis of rotation for tilting and conveying the block strand essentially transversely to the casting direction. As a result, the block strand can be conveyed out, for example, by tilting the strand guide frontally or to the side by 90 °.

Alternatively, the pivotable strand guide can have a vertical axis of rotation for pivoting out and conveying out the block strand in the casting direction.

In particular in the case of large-format block strands with a cross-sectional dimension> 500 mm, it is advantageous if the pivotable strand guide only has loose sides so that the center of the block strand remains constant when the format is changed. This has the advantage, among other things, that billet strands of different sizes are always supported centrally on the cold strand.

Block strands that are very variable in size can be held particularly securely if one strand guide roller can be adjusted to the block strand by a linear movement and two further strand guide rollers by pivoting two guide levers.

In addition, it is advantageous if a drive can pivot the insulating flaps about a vertical axis of rotation and, in the closed position, the insulating flaps enclose the string of blocks, preferably completely or essentially completely.

It is also advantageous if the movement of two radially opposite insulating flaps is synchronized by a synchronization means, for example a gear.

• Verschließen einer Kokille der ersten Gießanlage, sodass ein Kaltstrang die Kokille fluiddicht verschließt;
• Eingießen von Stahlschmelze aus einer Verteilerrinne oder einer Gießpfanne in die Kokille, wodurch sich in der Kokille ein teilerstarrter erster Blockstrang ausbildet;
• Ausziehen des ersten Blockstrangs aus der Kokille mittels eines Kaltstrangauszugsystems, wobei der erste Blockstrang zumindest in einem ersten Segment der ersten Gießanlage gestützt und geführt wird;
• Stoppen des Eingießens von Stahlschmelze in die Kokille, wodurch sich ein Blockstrangende ausbildet;
• Stoppen des Ausziehens frühestens nachdem das Blockstrangende ein oberes Ende einer um eine Drehachse schwenkbaren Strangführung der ersten Gießanlage erreicht hat;
• Wärmeisolieren bis zur vollständigen Durcherstarrung des ersten Blockstrangs durch Isolierklappen;
• Ausfördern des durcherstarrten ersten Blockstrangs aus der ersten Gießanlage durch die schwenkbare Strangführung;
• Verschließen einer Kokille der zweiten Gießanlage, sodass ein Kaltstrang die Kokille fluiddicht verschließt;
• Verfahren der Verteilerrinne oder der Gießpfanne zur zweiten Gießanlage;
• Eingießen von Stahlschmelze in die Kokille der zweiten Gießanlage, wodurch sich in der Kokille ein teilerstarrter zweiter Blockstrang ausbildet;
• Ausziehen des zweiten Blockstrangs aus der Kokille der zweiten Gießanlage mittels eines Kaltstrangauszugsystems, wobei der zweite Blockstrang zumindest in einem ersten Segment der zweiten Gießanlage gestützt und geführt wird;
• Stoppen des Eingießens von Stahlschmelze in die Kokille der zweiten Gießanlage, wodurch sich ein Blockstrangende ausbildet;
• Stoppen des Ausziehens frühestens nachdem das Blockstrangende ein oberes Ende einer um eine Drehachse schwenkbaren Strangführung der zweiten Gießanlage erreicht hat, wobei zumindest ein Schritt, bevorzugt zwei oder mehr als zwei Schritte, besonders bevorzugt alle Schritte, aus der Gruppe
• Verfahren der Verteilerrinne oder der Gießpfanne,
• Eingießen von Stahlschmelze in die Kokille der zweiten Gießanlage,
• Ausziehen des zweiten Blockstrangs,
• Stoppen des Eingießens, und
• Stoppen des Ausziehens,

während des Wärmeisolierens des ersten Blockstrangs in der ersten Gießanlage durchgeführt werden,

• Wärmeisolieren bis zur vollständigen Durcherstarrung des zweiten Blockstrangs durch Isolierklappen,
• Ausfördern des durcherstarrten zweiten Blockstrangs aus der zweiten Gießanlage durch die schwenkbare Strangführung.

The object according to the invention is also achieved by a method for the semi-continuous continuous casting of billets in a plant comprising a single or multi-strand first casting plant for continuously casting at least one first billet and a single or multi-strand second casting plant for continuously casting at least one second billet , comprising the steps:

• Closing a mold of the first casting installation so that a cold strand closes the mold in a fluid-tight manner;
• Pouring molten steel from a tundish or a pouring ladle into the mold, as a result of which a partially solidified first block strand is formed in the mold;
• Pulling the first billet out of the mold by means of a cold billet extraction system, the first billet being supported and guided at least in a first segment of the first casting plant;
• Stopping the pouring of molten steel into the mold, whereby an ingot end is formed;
• Stopping the pulling out at the earliest after the end of the block strand has reached an upper end of a strand guide of the first casting plant that is pivotable about an axis of rotation;
• Thermal insulation until the first block strand has completely solidified by insulating flaps;
• Conveying the solidified first block strand out of the first casting installation by the pivotable strand guide;
• Closing a mold of the second casting plant so that a cold strand closes the mold in a fluid-tight manner;
• Moving the tundish or the ladle to the second caster;
• Pouring molten steel into the mold of the second casting plant, as a result of which a partially solidified second block strand is formed in the mold;
• Extracting the second strand of blocks from the mold of the second casting installation by means of a cold strand extraction system, the second strand of blocks being supported and guided at least in a first segment of the second casting installation;
• Stopping the pouring of molten steel into the mold of the second caster, whereby an ingot end is formed;
• Stopping the pulling out at the earliest after the block strand end has reached an upper end of a strand guide pivotable about an axis of rotation of the second casting plant, at least one step, preferably two or more than two steps, particularly preferably all steps, from the group
• Moving the tundish or ladle,
• Pouring molten steel into the mold of the second casting plant,
• Pulling out the second block strand,
• Stop pouring, and
• Stopping undressing,

be carried out during the thermal insulation of the first block strand in the first casting plant,

• Thermal insulation until the second block strand is completely solidified by insulating flaps,
• The solidified second block strand is conveyed out of the second casting plant by the swiveling strand guide.

It is essential that molten steel is poured into the mold through a movable tundish or pouring ladle. Thus, for example, the movable tundish can sequentially supply the first and second casting systems with molten steel. This feature dramatically lowers costs because the cost of delivering the single mailing list is significantly lower.

• Verfahren der Verteilerrinne oder der Gießpfanne,
• Eingießen von Stahlschmelze in die Kokille der zweiten Gießanlage,
• Ausziehen des zweiten Blockstrangs,
• Stoppen des Eingießens und
• Stoppen des Ausziehens des zweiten Blockstrangs, während, d.h. zeitlich parallel, zum Wärmeisolieren des ersten Blockstrangs bis zur Durcherstarrung des Blockstrangs in der ersten Gießanlage durchgeführt werden. Dadurch kann trotz der relativ langen Zeit für das Wärmeisolieren der Blockstränge die Produktionsleistung hoch gehalten werden.

A second feature is also particularly essential, namely that at least one step, preferably two or more than two steps, particularly preferably all steps, from the group

• Moving the tundish or ladle,
• Pouring molten steel into the mold of the second casting plant,
• Pulling out the second block strand,
• Stop pouring and
• Stopping the pulling out of the second strand of blocks while, that is to say at the same time as the thermal insulation of the first strand of blocks, is carried out until the strand of blocks solidifies in the first casting plant. As a result, the production output can be kept high despite the relatively long time for the thermal insulation of the block strands.

Since with the method according to the invention only solidified block strands are always conveyed out, the system can be operated very safely.

It is advantageous if the conveyance takes place by tilting the pivotable strand guide about a horizontal axis of rotation and then the block strand is conveyed essentially transversely to the casting direction, or if the conveyance takes place by pivoting the pivotable strand guide around a vertical axis of rotation and then the block strand in Casting direction is conveyed out.

For the internal quality of the billet billets, it is advantageous if a billet billet is stirred electromagnetically in the mold and / or during the thermal insulation of the billet billet.

In order to keep the distance between the strand agitator and the block strand small, it is advantageous if the insulating flaps are opened, a strand agitator is moved into the area of the opened insulating flaps and the strand agitator then electromagnetically stirs the block strand.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if, after the electromagnetic stirring of the block strand, the strand stirrer is moved out of the area of the open insulating flaps and then afterwards the insulating flaps are closed again or at least partially closed again.

Both measures keep the distance between the stirrer and the block strand short, so that the efficiency of the electromagnetic stirring is high.

In order to keep the end of a block strand liquid longer, it is advantageous if the block strand end is at least partially heated by a so-called "hot topping" treatment during the thermal insulation of the block strand. A powder (e.g. an exothermic powder) is applied to the block strand end and has the effect that inclusions and impurities accumulate at the block strand end and the rest of the block strand has a higher purity. The end of the block strand is thermally insulated by the powder and, optionally, by a cap enveloping the strand head. After the block strand has solidified, the cap can be removed again and, if necessary, reused. If necessary, the end of the block strand can also be removed, e.g. outside the system.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig 1 einen Aufriss und einen Seitenriss einer Anlage zum semi-kontinuierlichen Stranggießen von Blocksträngen mit einer einsträngigen ersten Gießanlage zum Stranggießen mindestens eines ersten Blockstrangs und einer einsträngigen zweiten Gießanlage zum Stranggießen mindestens eines zweiten Blockstrangs
• Fig 2 den Schnitt A-A aus Fig 1 mit einer Strangführung und Isolierklappen zur frontalen Ausförderung durch Kippen
• Fig 3 einen Grundriss einer Strangführung für zwei Blockstränge mit Isolierklappen zur seitlichen Ausförderung durch Kippen
• Fig 4 einen Grundriss einer Strangführung für zwei Blockstränge mit Isolierklappen zur frontalen Ausförderung durch Kippen
• Fig 5 einen Aufriss und einen Seitenriss einer einsträngigen Anlage zur Ausförderung durch Ausschwenken der Strangführung und zwei Schnittdarstellungen der Strangführung
• Fig 6 einen Grundriss einer Strangführung für einen Blockstrang mit Isolierklappen und eine Schnittdarstellung
• Fig 7 und 8 Verfahrensschritte bei der Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens
• Fig 9 eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Anlage mit einer seitlich kippbaren Strangführung

Further advantages and features of the present invention emerge from the description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments. The following schematically represented figures show:

• Fig 1 an elevation and a side elevation of a plant for semi-continuous continuous casting of billet strands with a single-strand first casting plant for continuously casting at least one first billet strand and a single-strand second casting plant for continuously casting at least one second billet strand
• Fig 2 the section AA Fig 1 with a strand guide and insulating flaps for frontal discharge by tilting
• Fig 3 a floor plan of a strand guide for two block strands with insulating flaps for lateral conveyance by tilting
• Fig 4 a floor plan of a strand guide for two block strands with insulating flaps for frontal discharge by tilting
• Fig 5 an elevation and a side elevation of a single-strand system for conveying out by pivoting the strand guide and two sectional views of the strand guide
• Fig 6 a floor plan of a strand guide for a block strand with insulating flaps and a sectional view
• Fig 7 and 8th Method steps in carrying out the method according to the invention
• Fig 9 a side view of a system according to the invention with a laterally tiltable strand guide

Description of the embodiments

The Fig 1 shows the simplest form of a system according to the invention for the semi-continuous continuous casting of billets B1, B2 with a single-strand first casting plant GA1 for continuously casting at least one first billet B1 and a single-strand second casting plant GA2 for continuously casting at least one second billet B2. The molds 3 of both casting systems are supplied with molten steel via a casting ladle 1 and a movable tundish 2. The strands of both casting plants GA1, GA2 are essentially constructed identically. A partially solidified block strand B1, B2 with a thin strand shell is formed in the mold 3. The adherence of the strand shell of the respective block strand B1, B2 to the copper plates of the mold 3 is prevented by an oscillator 4. The Partially solidified block strand B1, B2 is pulled out by the cold strand pull-out system with the cold strand cross member 20, the drive 21 and the sprocket 22. Of course, the block strand could also be pulled out by a hydraulic cylinder carrying the cold strand 19. Below the mold 3 is a first segment 5 with strand guide rollers 9 (see Fig 2 ) arranged to support and guide the respective block strand B1, B2.

The Fig 2 shows the section AA of the strand guide 6 which can be frontally tilted forwards (the tilting direction is shown by an arrow). The block strand B2 is supported in a strand guide section 8 by three strand guide rollers 9. The middle strand guide roller 9 is employed by a hydraulic cylinder 13; the two outer strand guide rollers 9 are each adjusted by a hydraulic cylinder 13 via guide levers 12. Instead of hydraulic cylinders 13, spindle drives or the like could also be used. The adjustable thermal insulation of the block strand B2 in a strand guide section 8 is carried out by two insulating flaps 11, which can be opened and closed by a drive. The insulating flaps 11 are not pivoted when the block strand B2 is conveyed out and remain on the system support frame 10.

In Fig 1 the pivotable strand guide 6 with the strand guide frame 7 and several strand guide sections 8 is also shown. The pivotable strand guide 6 has a horizontal axis of rotation DA and can be tilted by 90 ° by the hydraulic cylinder 13. The block strand is then conveyed out transversely to the casting direction (see Fig 1 , Side elevation).

The process sequence according to the invention is shown in Fig 7 and 8th shown on the basis of a single-strand first casting plant GA1 and a single-strand second casting plant GA2. In step a shown on the far left, the molds were 3 of the two Casting systems GA1, GA2 already sealed by a cold strand 19, for example in the casting direction by "top feeding" or counter to the casting direction by "bottom feeding", and the tundish 2 or the casting ladle 1 is located above the first casting system GA1. After the pouring of molten steel into the mold 3 of the first casting installation GA1 has started (step b), for example by lifting a plug in the tundish 2, a mold level forms in the mold. As a result of the solidification of the steel melt on the mold 3, a completely solidified block strand start and a partially solidified first block strand B1 are formed. The first block strand B1 is then pulled out of the mold 3 by a cold strand extraction system 20, 21, 22 and then supported and guided in a first segment 5 by strand guide rollers 9 and further cooled by spray nozzles 24 (step c). In step d, the block strand B1 has reached its target length or its target weight and the pouring of molten steel was stopped. The block strand B1 is still pulled out of the mold 3, at least until the upper end of the block strand B1 (also called the block strand end) has reached an upper end of the pivotable strand guide 6 (step e). The partially solidified block strand B1 is then cooled in a controlled or regulated manner by insulating flaps 11 until it has completely solidified and is then conveyed out by means of the pivotable strand guide 6. The block strand B1 is supported on the cold strand 19. The conveyance of the solidified first block strand B1 from the first casting plant GA1 - step f - is in the Fig 7 and 8th not explicitly shown, here, for example, the Fig 1 with the position of the pivotable strand guide 6 and the strand guide frame 7 shown in dashed lines, as well as on the Fig 2, 3 (direction of arrow) and Fig 5 referenced. It should be pointed out here, however, that the first block strand B1 is not necessarily conveyed out of the first casting installation GA1 before the casting operation of the second casting installation GA2 is started. In the second casting plant GA2 takes place in Fig 7 no casting operation has yet taken place.

In Fig 8 the casting ladle 1 or the tundish 2 was moved to the second casting installation GA2 in the direction of the arrow and is located above the mold 3 of the second casting installation GA2 (step g). It is immaterial here when the mold 3 was actually sealed. It is only essential that the mold is closed as soon as molten steel is poured in. In step h, analogous to step b, molten steel is poured into the mold 3 of the second casting plant, then the second strand B2 is pulled out of the mold 3 of the second casting plant GA2, supported and guided in the first segment 5 and, if necessary, further cooled, the pouring of molten steel stopped (step i), the pulling out of the second block strand B2 stopped (step k) and then the second block strand B2 is thermally insulated by insulating flaps 11 until complete solidification. The second block strand is conveyed out again by means of the pivotable strand guide 6.

In the method according to the invention, it does not matter whether the first casting installation GA1 as in FIG Fig 7 and 8th is single-stranded or, for example, two-stranded. In the case of a two-strand first casting plant GA1, two molds would be supplied with melt through a longer distributor channel 2, so that, for example, two first ingot strands B1 are formed in parallel.

The Fig 3 shows the pivotable strand guide 6 of a two-strand casting plant with insulating flaps 11. The first and the second block strand B1, B2 can each be pivoted out to the side, the arrows indicating the pivoting direction. As a result of the specified arrangement of the strand guides 6 for the two block strands B1 and B2, the system can be built very compact and, in particular, a short strand spacing 14 can be maintained.

The Fig 4 shows one to Fig 3 alternative arrangement of the strand guides 6, the strand spacing 14 between the first and second block strand B1, B2 is much larger than in Fig 3 . In this case, the cold strand traverses 20 of the first and second casting systems GA1, GA2 are arranged collinearly, so that a larger strand spacing 14 results. The block strands B1, B2 can each be swiveled forward; the insulating flaps 11 are each connected to the pivotable strand guide 6 of the first and second casting plants GA1, GA2.

In Fig 6 the strand guide 6 is shown with further details. The circular block strand B1 shown in the left view with two different diameters is supported on the circumference by three strand guide rollers 9, one strand guide roller 9 being held by a linearly movable hydraulic cylinder 13 and two further strand guide rollers 9 each by a pivotable guide lever 12. The insulating flaps 11 are pivoted in and out by a drive 23.

The Fig 5 shows the conveyance of a block strand B1 from the first casting plant GA1 by means of a pivotable strand guide 6. Specifically, the strand guide frame 7 of the pivotable strand guide 6 has a vertical axis of rotation DA, so that the block strand B1 with the strand guide rollers 9 holding it can be pivoted out. After swinging out, the block strand B1 can either be taken directly from the pivotable strand guide 6 by a crane, the strand guide rollers 9 released and the block strand B1 transported away, or the block strand B1 is lowered by a further manipulator 18 and then conveyed out.

In Fig 9 a side elevation of a system according to the invention is shown. In contrast to Fig 1 the cold strand 19 and the cold strand traverse 20 are driven via two drives 21 and associated spindles. The distribution channel 2 with two plugs can supply a two-strand first casting plant GA1 and a single-strand second casting plant GA2. The pivotable strand guide 6 with the strand guide frame 7 is pivoted via a hydraulic cylinder 13 (see arrow for the pivoting direction); In addition, the strand guide frame 7 can be moved linearly in the swiveled-out state, so that the block strand B1 can easily be removed.

List of reference symbols

1

Ladle

2

Distribution channel

3

Mold

4th

Oscillator

5

first segment

6th

Strand guide

7th

Strand guide frame

8th

Strand guide section

9

Strand guide roller

10

Plant support frame

11

Insulating flaps

12th

Guide lever

13th

Hydraulic cylinder

14th

Strand spacing

18th

manipulator

19th

Cold strand

20th

Cold strand traverse

21

drive

22nd

Sprocket

23

drive

24

Spray nozzles

B1

first block strand

B2

second block strand

THERE

Axis of rotation

GA1

first casting plant

GA2

second casting plant

Claims (15)

1. Installation for the semi-continuous casting of slabs (B1, B2) having a single- or multi-strand first caster (GA1) for the continuous casting of at least one first slab (B1) and a single- or multi-strand second caster (GA2) for the continuous casting of at least one second slab (B2), wherein each strand of the first and second casters (GA1, GA2) comprises the following subassemblies:

   - a mould (3) with an oscillator (4) for oscillating the mould (3), wherein a partially solidified slab (B1, B2) forms in the mould (3);

   - a first segment (5) for supporting and guiding the partially solidified slab (B1, B2);

   - a pivotable strand guide (6) having a strand guiding frame (7) and at least one strand guiding section (8), wherein the strand guiding section (8) has at least one strand guiding device, preferably three strand guiding rollers (9), for supporting and guiding the slab (B1, B2) and the pivotable strand guide (6) is pivotable about a pivot axis (DA) for discharging the slab (B1, B2);

   - insulating flaps (11) for the adjustable thermal insulation of the slab (B1, B2), wherein the insulating flaps are arranged either on the pivotable strand guide (6) or a stationary installation carrying frame (10);

   - a dummy bar withdrawal system (20, 21, 22) for withdrawing a dummy bar (19) from the mould (3) and for supporting the slab (B1, B2).
2. Installation according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pivotable strand guide (6) has a horizontal pivot axis (DA) for tilting and discharging the slab (B1, B2) substantially transversely to the casting direction.
3. Installation according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pivotable strand guide (6) has a vertical pivot axis (DA) for pivoting out and discharging the slab (B1, B2) in the casting direction.
4. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivotable strand guide (6) has only loose sides, so that the centre point of the slab (B1, B2) remains constant when there is a change of format.
5. Installation according to Claim 4, characterized in that a strand guiding roller (9) can be placed against the slab (B1, B2) by linear movement and two further strand guiding rollers (9) can be placed against the slab (B1, B2) by pivoting two guide levers (12).
6. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive can pivot the insulating flaps (11) about a vertical pivot axis and, in the closed position, the insulating flaps (11) enclose the slab (B1, B2).
7. Installation according to Claim 6, characterized in that the movement of two radially opposite insulating flaps (11) is synchronized by a synchronizing means, for example a gearwheel.
8. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a free area is arranged between the end of the first segment (5) and the pivotable strand guide (6) in the casting direction.
9. Method for the semi-continuous casting of slabs (B1, B2) in an installation, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a single- or multi-strand first caster (GA1) for the continuous casting of at least one first slab (B1) and a single- or multi-strand second caster (GA2) for the continuous casting of at least one second slab (B2), comprising the steps of:

   - closing a mould (3) of the first caster (GA1), so that a dummy bar (19) leaves the mould (3) in a fluidically sealed manner;

   - pouring molten steel into the mould (3) from a distributing launder (2) or a pouring ladle (1), whereby a partially solidified first slab (B1) forms in the mould (3);

   - withdrawing the first slab (B1) from the mould (3) by means of a dummy bar withdrawal system (20, 21, 22) wherein the first slab (B1) is supported and guided at least in a first segment (5) of the first caster (GA1);

   - stopping the pouring of molten steel into the mould (3), whereby an end of the slab forms;

   - stopping the withdrawal at the earliest after the end of the slab has reached an upper end of a strand guide (6) of the first caster (GA1) that is pivotable about a pivot axis (DA);

   - thermally insulating by insulating flaps (11) until the first slab (B1) has completely solidified through;

   - discharging the solidified-through first slab (B1) from the first caster (GA1) by the pivotable strand guide (6);

   - closing a mould (3) of the second caster (GA2), so that a dummy bar (19) leaves the mould (3) in a fluidically sealed manner;

   - moving the distributing launder (2) or the pouring ladle (1) to the second caster (GA2);

   - pouring molten steel into the mould (3) of the second caster (GA2), whereby a partially solidified second slab (B2) forms in the mould (3);

   - withdrawing the second slab (B2) from the mould (3) of the second caster (GA2) by means of a dummy bar withdrawal system (20, 21, 22), wherein the second strand (B2) is supported and guided at least in a first segment (5) of the second caster (GA2);

   - stopping the pouring of molten steel into the mould (3) of the second caster (GA2), whereby an end of the slab forms;

   - stopping the withdrawal at the earliest after the end of the slab has reached an upper end of a strand guide (6) of the second caster (GA2) that is pivotable about a pivot axis (DA), wherein at least one step, preferably two or more than two steps, particularly preferably all of the steps, from the group comprising

   - moving the distributing launder (2) or the pouring ladle (1),

   - pouring molten steel into the mould (3) of the second caster (GA2),

   - withdrawing the second slab (B2),

   - stopping the pouring in and

   - stopping the withdrawal,

   are carried out while thermally insulating the first slab (B1) in the first caster (GA1),

   - thermally insulating by insulating flaps (11) until the second slab (B2) has completely solidified through;

   - discharging the solidified-through second slab (B2) from the first caster (GA2) by the pivotable strand guide (6).
10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the discharging is performed by tilting the pivotable strand guide (6) about a horizontal pivot axis (DA), and the slab (B1, B2) is subsequently discharged substantially transversely to the casting direction.
11. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the discharging is performed by pivoting out the pivotable strand guide (6) about a vertical pivot axis (DA), and the slab (B1, B2) is subsequently discharged in the casting direction.
12. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the slab (B1, B2) is electromagnetically stirred in the mould (3) and/or
    in that the slab (B1, B2) is electromagnetically stirred during the thermal insulation.
13. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the insulating flaps (11) are opened, a strand stirrer is introduced into the area of the opened insulating flaps, and subsequently the strand stirrer electromagnetically stirs the slab (B1, B2).
14. Method according to Claim 13, characterized in that, after the electromagnetic stirring of the slab (B1, B2), the strand stirrer is removed from the area of the opened insulating flaps (11), and subsequently the insulating flaps (11) are at least partially closed.
15. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the end of the slab of at least one slab (B1, B2) is at least partially heated during the thermal insulation of the slab (B1, B2) by a "hot topping" treatment.

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