Submerged entry nozzle with installable parts

Abstract

A partial SEN capable of having flow diverter parts installed therein, and a method of using the SEN in a continuous casting system are disclosed. The partial SEN includes a hollow distribution zone at a bottom portion of the SEN which is designed to allow the installation of at least two different types of flow diverter parts, one type of flow diverter parts for a first type of caster mold, and a second type of flow diverter parts for a second type of caster mold. The design of the flow diverter parts and the resulting angles achieved when the flow diverter parts are installed in the partial SEN are matched to a caster mold such that the flow characteristics of molten steel exiting the SEN into the caster mold during continuous casting operation are of a desired and optimal nature to prevent various types of casting defects.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of preparing a continuous casting system for continuous casting of liquid metal to form a metal strand having a desired width, said method comprising:
 selecting one type of flow diverter parts from at least two different types of flow diverter parts, each type of flow diverter parts corresponding to a different type of caster mold having a different width dimension; 
 providing a partial submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for a continuous casting system comprising an inlet capable of receiving an incoming flow of molten steel from a tundish, a distribution zone, and a body having a bore, the SEN transitioning along the length of the body from a substantially circular geometry to a substantially rectangular geometry having opposing side walls and opposing front and back walls at said distribution zone; 
 installing said selected type of flow diverter parts into the distribution zone of the partial SEN to assemble the SEN to provide in the distribution zone of the assembled SEN passageways for secondary flows formed at least partially by said flow diverter parts, wherein said flow diverter parts comprise at least a flow divider, a first diffuser, and a second diffuser, wherein said flow divider is installed upstream of said first diffuser and said second diffuser, and said flow diverter is configured to divide said liquid metal into a first stream and a second stream of liquid metal in said distribution zone, and wherein said first diffuser and said second diffuser are installed downstream of said flow diverter, said first diffuser is configured to further divide said first stream near a first exit port, and said second diffuser is configured to further divide said second stream near a second exit port; and 
 installing said SEN between a tundish and a caster mold of a liquid metal continuous casting system such that said selected type of flow diverter parts provide desired flow characteristics for molten metal. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  having said installed flow diverter parts held in place within said hollow distribution zone by at Least one of a refractory cement and at least one dowel pin. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  having the distribution zone of the assembled SEN having at least first and second lateral passageways having secondary flows formed by said installed flow diverter parts. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  having said selected flow diverter parts comprise at least one flow divider. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  having said selected flow diverter parts comprise at least one flow divider and at least two flow diffusers positioned adjacent opposite sides of the flow diverter and located downstream of an upstream-most point of said at least one flow divider. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  having one said type of flow diverter parts being distinguished from any other said type of flow diverter parts at least by angles at which said liquid metal flows into a caster mold. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  having the distribution zone of the assembled SEN further comprising selected flow diverter parts adjacent passageway outlets dividing the molten steel secondary flows into four molten steel discharge flows delivering the molten steel to the mold with desired flow characteristics for molten metal. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  having said selected flow diverter parts including a flow divider comprising a vertical section with opposite sides thereof forming surface contours directing molten steel flow through said lateral passageways. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  having said selected flow diverter parts including a flow divider comprising a vertical section with substantially straight sides. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9  having said SEN having a tapered cross sectional shape from said substantially circular geometry to said distribution zone.