Molt flow control in a multistrand tundish using a turbulence inhibitor

Water modeling and mathematical simulation techniques were used to study th e melt flow under the influence of turbulence inhibitors in a multistrand b loom easter tundish. Three different cases were studied: a bare tundish (BT ), a tundish with two pairs of baffles and a waved impact pad (BWIP), and a tundish equipped with turbulence inhibitor and a pair of dams (TI&D). Chem ical mixing of tracer turbulence diffusion was also simulated and compared with actual experimental results. The TI&D arrangement showed an improvemen t of the fluid flow characteristics, yielding better tracer distribution am ong the outlets, lower values of back mixing flow, and higher values of plu g flow. A mass transfer model coupled with k-epsilon turbulence model predi cted acceptably well the experimental chemical mixing of the tracer in the water model. The water modeling and the numerical simulation indicated that the TI&D arrangement retains the tracer inside the vessel for longer times , increasing the minimum residence time. These results encourage the use of turbulence-inhibiting devices in bloom and billet casters, which pursue ex cellence in product quality.