Initial situation:

• The initial solidification of the molten steel is important for determining the quality of the cast product
• Rim formation can have severe damaging impact on the surface of the solidifying strand
• Currently no regular use of thermal mould monitoring for tube moulds for long product casting

Working topics:

• Design of an fibre optic temperature sensor (FOTS)
• Realisation and installation of pilot FOTS system
• Industrial trials on the caster with pilot FOTS system and the developed analysing software
• Data elaboration and rules, tuning of the system, industrial transferability, suggestion for standards

Results:

• Develop and operate a better control of initial solidification at meniscus level
• Enhanced surface quality of as-cast products
• Identification of irregular casting conditions in terms of mould powder feeding, slag rim formation and irregularities in initial solidification
• Operate the system under industrial practice at a billet mould