Molten Steel Breakout Prediction Based on Thermal Friction Measurement

By measuring the pressure and piston stroke of hydraulic servo cylinders in the oscillation system of a caster mould, friction between mould and shell can be determined. The condition of solidified shell can be monitored by thermocouples fixed to the mould. Breakouts, whether caused by shell cracking, shell sticking or entrained impurities, can therefore be predicted and effectively avoided through monitoring the change characteristics of friction and thermocouples temperature during the process.