PIV and MFC measurements in a continuous caster mould. New tools to penetrate the caster black box

When argon gas is injected into the easter moulds, the similarity between w ater models and actual casting conditions comes into question. This is why LTV decided to investigate new technologies. The paper presents these techn ologies and discusses the programme results. PIV is a powerful laser-based technology that was used on the LTV 0.4 and full-scale water models to dete rmine water velocities. MFC sensors are magnetic sensors that were installe d on the LTV Cleveland-East 2-strand slab easter to measure actual liquid s teel velocities. In addition, nails boards, X-ray and SEM analyses were ext ensively used to determine molten slag layer thickness profiles during cast ing, gas bubbles/pinholes location and steel defect composition, respective ly.