Author Description

The aim of the project has been to develop improved means of defining, monitoring and assessing the effects of caster design, condition and operation on slab, bloom and rolled product quality in order to enable better control of the process and to provide the required data for quality prediction. The project has determined the effect of mould taper, wear, metal level, heat transfer and friction under steady state and dynamic conditions; relationships with product quality data have been established together with means of predicting and controlling caster condition. New and existing engineering and operational monitoring techniques (both on- and off-line technologies) for the mould and strand support areas have been delivered. Relationships between engineering and operational parameters, monitored under both steady state and dynamic conditions, and cast product quality have been defined. An understanding has been developed using mathematical modelling and plant trials of mould taper and how its incorrect choice and loss affects the quality and shape of the continuously cast semi; this has included the development of improved off- and on-line taper measurement. The effect and extent of mould wear on surface and subsurface quality has been defined. Improved methods for wear measurement have been developed. Improved means of predicting and controlling caster condition and cast product quality have been delivered. These have included the development and application of data-based methods for quality prediction of cast and rolled product. Potential areas of exploitation for the results from this project have been highlighted.