Fluid flow, Heat transfer and Interfacial Phenomena in Nozzle Refractories

B.G. Thomas, J. Bentsman, V. Natarajan

Continuous Casting Consortium

Dolomite nozzles differ from conventional nozzles in having higher resistance to alumina clogging but are more easily eroded.  Fundamental modeling studies are being performed to understand and characterize the behavior of these nozzles, to compare them with conventional nozzles, and to optimize their use in service.  Specific studies include an analysis of the flow of argon gas within the porous refractory walls to learn the gas distribution upon entering the molten steel.  Heat transfer through the refractory walls is being modeled for a variety of realistic conditions, to understand the role of steel skulling on clogging for different refractory properties.  Finally, the interfacial behaviors which govern the clogging attachment, the dissolution of the refractory, and the thermodynamic reactions are being studied.