Optimisation of Refractory Components of Sliding Gate Mechanism for Continuous Casting

Abstract

New design techniques have been developed to optimize refractory components of sliding gate mechanism for continuous casting of steel. The overall objective is to increase CC productivity as well as steel quality by using optimized refractory from ladle to tundish. These techniques allow the prediction of steel and refractory chemical interactions and, thus, steel chemistry evolution as well as build up and corrosion occurrence. The recent developments resulted in optimized refractories for sliding gate plates that meet the various continuous casting conditions. Furthermore, fracture mechanical measurements were established as a useful tool in the selection and development of slide gate refractories. The mechanical FEA evaluations take into account specific mechanical behavior of refractory components as well as high temperature evolution of their properties.