Introduction
Secondary cooling is an important process in continuous casting. Both efficiency and energy conservation have been improved with the development and introduction of more efficient continuous casting processes. There are two main types of continuous casting processes: traditional and efficient continuous casting. This paper will discuss the differences between traditional and efficient continuous casting with secondary cooling, and the use of secondary cooling in both processes.
Traditional Continuous Casting
In traditional continuous casting, molten metal, usually in the form of steel, is poured into the open-end of a long, refractory-lined mold or mold assembly. The mold is slowly withdrawn from the furnace, which contains the molten metal, as the metal solidifies. As the solidifying metal reaches the open-end of the mold, additional molten metal is usually added to the mold. As the mold is withdrawn from the furnace, it passes over a number of water-cooled copper rolls, which are used to cool the solidifying metal, creating a continuous casting plate.
Efficient Continuous Casting
In efficient continuous casting, molten metal is poured into the open-end of a long, refractory-lined mold or mold assembly. The mold is slowly withdrawn from the furnace, and the molten metal solidifies as it passes over a series of induction coils. These induction coils heat and cool the metal, creating a continuous casting plate. The induction coils are also used to cool secondary cooling systems which are then used to cool the plate more accurately and efficiently.
Secondary Cooling
Secondary cooling is used in both traditional and efficient continuous casting processes. In traditional continuous casting, secondary cooling systems are usually used to cool the molten metal faster, ensuring that the metal does not solidify before it reaches the open-end of the mold. This allows for a much slimmer and higher quality casting. In efficient continuous casting, secondary cooling systems are used to achieve precise cooling of the solidifying metal, resulting in a more refined and even structure of the casting.
Conclusion
Secondary cooling is a crucial process in continuous casting and has been improved with the development and introduction of more efficient continuous casting processes. Traditional and efficient continuous casting processes have been enhanced with the use of secondary cooling systems, resulting in improved efficiency and energy conservation.
