Initial situation: Process control in secondary metallurgy is based on static operating instructions and manual interventions, taking into account measurements […]

FOMTM – Fibre optical thermal monitoring at CC billet mould
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