Abstract: A process and system for casting a billet of liquid metal. The liquid metal is cast into a casting die and drawn from the casting die as a billet having a solidified investment and a liquid core. The liquid metal level in the casting die is regulated to a predetermined reference value. Disturbance variables, which act on the liquid metal level in the casting die and which cause a deviation between the actual value and the reference value of the liquid metal level, are estimated, and the influence of the disturbance variables on the actual value of the liquid metal level is compensated or reduced using the estimated disturbance variables.

Abstract: A continuous-casting operation controlling method and apparatus in which: the molten-bath level of molten steel in a mold is detected in a period of from the time point just after the start of injection of the molten steel to the time point when the molten-bath level reaches a molten-bath level for the steady-state operation; and the quantity of discharge of the molten steel is controlled appropriately on the basis of the detected molten-bath level to thereby make it possible to start drawing-out of casting automatically. The molten-bath level is measured continuously by an electrode type molten-bath level meter, so that the molten-bath level ascending rate is obtained on the basis of the change of the molten-bath level. The flow rate of the molten steel discharged from a tundish is adjusted on the basis of the deviation of the molten-bath level ascending rate from a reference rate.

Abstract: A method and a device for casting a strand from molten metal is presented. The molten metal is poured into a mold and then pulled out of the mold as a strand having a liquid core characterized by a solidified shell and a tapering liquid pool. The pouring level associated with the rate at which the liquid metal is poured into the mold is regulated by determining the pouring level and influencing the inflow of liquid metal into the mold by means of a controller whose control parameters are adapted on-line, by means of fuzzy techniques, to any change in the parameters of the controlled system corresponding to the pouring apparatus and the mold.

Abstract: In order to control a molten metal level within a mold of a system comprising a liquid core reduction device, while controlling a fluctuation of the molten metal level caused by a change of operational conditions, such as the withdrawal rate, reduction speed, etc., with improvement of the yield rate of product slabs, a method comprises the steps of: (i) estimating a disturbance to the molten metal level, which is caused by a change in operating conditions of a continuous casting machine before changing the operating conditions; (ii) determining an amount of correction of the control signal to eliminate the disturbance, and determining a delay time of the operation of the pouring means in responses to the control signal after correction; and (iii) applying a control signal containing the amount of correction in advance by a period of the delay time prior to the occurrence of a change in operating conditions.

Abstract: A method related to a start-up phase for continuous casting of a molten metal. The molten metal flows into a continuous casting mold through at least one lateral opening of a submerged nozzle and through at least one bottom opening of the submerged nozzle. The at least one lateral opening may be directed toward a respective at least one wall of the continuous casting mold and the at least one bottom opening may be directed in a casting direction. During a start-up phase of the continuous casting process, a higher ratio of flow rates of molten metal through the at least one lateral opening to the molten metal flowing through the at least one bottom opening may be maintained than the ratio of the flow rates during a subsequent normal operation phase of the submerged nozzle.

Abstract: A rapid analysis device for analyzing nonmetallic inclusions in steel by a cold crucible method is combined with a mathematical model, and the quality of cast steel is predicted online by simulating the behavior. of the nonmetallic inclusions by calculation. Further, continuous casting process variables are controlled to minimize the amount of nonmetallic inclusions in the cast steel.

Abstract: To control the admission of molten metal to a series of mold cavities through a series of valve openings in the downspouts of a trough thereabove, an elongated rack is arranged parallel to the trough, a set of balance beams is pivotally mounted on the rack, a set of valve closure devices is suspended from corresponding first end portions of the beams for throttling the openings, and a set of float sensors is suspended from points on the opposing second end portions of the beams for contact with the surfaces of the molten metal in the cavities.

Abstract: In a device for controlling a flow of metal from a casting vessel into a casting mould, the inflow of metal is to be controlled by means of a stopper, which may be lifted and lowered according to a preset program and/or by means of a bath-level measuring device. In order to prevent any manual operation of a control lever for the stopper, a lifting rod for the stopper is disposed in a module box together with a vertical guide and a computer-controlled electromechanical drive for the lifting rod. The module box is exchangeably fastened to the casting vessel by clamping elements. Before casting begins, a drive motor for the stopper (13) is to be connected by means of electric plug-and-socket connections to a control cabinet. From the start of casting, the stopper movement is controllable exclusively by means of the electric drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the condition of the flow of liquid metal in or from a teeming vessel includes a sensor for detecting vibration caused by a flow of liquid metal in or from the teeming vessel and for outputting a sensor signal corresponding to an amount of vibration detected by the sensor. A signal processor receives the sensor signal and compares the sensor signal to a reference signal and outputs a comparison signal. A logic unit receives the comparison signal and outputs a status signal indicative of the condition of the flow of the liquid metal in or from the teeming vessel.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for regulating the level of the meniscus (13) of the liquid metal in a mold (5) of a machine for the continuous casting of metals, according to which method the electrical signals supplied by at least one pair of sensors (17, 18) overhanging said meniscus are picked up, said signals being a function of the respective distances (h.sub.1, h.sub.2) between said sensors and said meniscus, these two signals are combined so as to obtain a single signal representing an imaginary level of said meniscus and said signal is sent to means (15, 24) for controlling a device (14) for regulating the flow rate of metal penetrating the mold, so that said control means actuate said device so as to bring said imaginary level of said meniscus back to a predetermined set value (h), wherein each signal coming from said sensors is conditioned, eliminating therefrom the oscillations having both a frequency greater than a threshold (F) and an amplitude less than a threshold (D).

Abstract: A method of operation of a twin roll casting apparatus to produce thin gauge sheet metal at high-production rates. The method includes simultaneously adjusting various operating parameters, such as the roll speed, tip position, roll gap, molten metal input temperature and exit strip tension. In an iterative fashion, the strip gauge is reduced in steps while increasing the speed of the rolls and pulling the tip back out of the roll bite. In conjunction with the aforementioned adjustments, the temperature of the molten metal input to the feed tip is gradually reduced to ensure proper solidification at higher speeds. A set of pinch rolls closes on the exit strip at a certain gauge thickness to apply a drag to the strip in order to ensure proper coil wind-up tension.

Abstract: The machine has a cooled and moving substrate, for example an endless horizontal belt, a feeding device, for example a tundish, and a distributor arranged transversely to the substrate for distributing liquid metal over the substrate. The distributor can have an outlet for permitting a stream of liquid metal to exit the distributor, into a gaseous medium which can be enclosed by a hood or cover, at a substantial angle from the horizontal and vertical axes of the distributor, and the pressure of the liquid metal at the outlet can also be varied.

Abstract: A level control system controls the level of molten metal in continuous or semi-continuous casting equipment, for example casting equipment for production of roll ingots or billets of aluminum. The casting equipment includes a casting mold with an upper open filling hole for receipt of molten metal from a supply gutter or the like having an outlet above the filling hole. The level of the metal is controlled by a PLC unit as a function of a signal from a radar sensor which detects the level of the metal as the metal supply is controlled by a closing arrangement regulated by an actuator as a function of signals from the PLC unit.

Abstract: A method of operation of a twin roll casting apparatus to produce thin gauge sheet metal at high-production rates. The method includes simultaneously adjusting various operating parameters, such as the roll speed, tip position, roll gap, molten metal input temperature and exit strip tension. In an iterative fashion, the strip gauge is reduced in steps while increasing the speed of the rolls and pulling the tip back out of the roll bite. In conjunction with the aforementioned adjustments, the temperature of the molten metal input to the feed tip is gradually reduced to ensure proper solidification at higher speeds. A set of pinch rolls closes on the exit strip at a certain gauge thickness to apply a drag to the strip in order to ensure proper coil wind-up tension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for pneumatically controlling the velocity of flow of liquid metal from a tundish into a continuous casting machine through a nozzle. A chamber encloses the nozzle outlet, and at least a portion of the continuous casting machine, and a pressurized gas is supplied to the chamber. The flow velocity of the liquid metal at the nozzle outlet is controlled by controlling the gas pressure in the chamber in response to the level of the liquid metal in the tundish, and the measured atmospheric pressure acting on the liquid metal in the tundish.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and rapid solidification casting of metal alloys has a crucible for molding a metal charge. The crucible has side walls, a top and a bottom having an orifice therein. Collectively, the side walls, top and bottom define an interior of the crucible. A portion of the dimensions of the side walls of the side walls and bottom is divided by longitudinal slits into at least two segments. A nozzle is disposed partially within the crucible and extends through the orifice. The nozzle has a first end in communication with the interior of tune crucible. A second end of the nozzle has a nozzle orifice therein for defining a stream of molten metal alloy. A cooling mechanism cools the top, side walls and bottom of the crucible. The apparatus has mechanisms for inducing alternating electrical currents within the metal charge and within the nozzle, and for establishing and maintaining pressure within the interior of the crucible.

Abstract: In the process, which enables complete automation of casting and limiting the intervention of the operator, the level of metal in the supply runner is monitored, a common law of metal levels is set as a function of time for all ingot molds after individual laws have been applied to each of the molds in order to permit them to meet the common law, lowering of the table supporting the molds is actuated and the casting process is halted when the program length has been obtained. The apparatus comprises probes for detecting the height and levels of metal in the runner and in the ingot molds, and an automation system for adjusting the levels and controlling the various operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for pneumatically controlling the velocity of flow of liquid metal from a tundish into a continuous casting machine through a nozzle. A chamber encloses the nozzle outlet, and at least a portion of the continuous casting machine, and a pressurized gas is supplied to the chamber. The flow velocity of the liquid metal at the nozzle outlet is controlled by controlling the gas pressure in the chamber in response to the level of the liquid metal in the tundish, and the measured atmospheric pressure acting on the liquid metal in the tundish.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the continuous manufacture of a metal strip (1) with near net shape. The metal melt (6) is fed from a melt distributor (5) through a casting nozzle (15) onto a rotating, cooled conveyor belt (2) and solidified. In the operating condition, the melt level is controlled in the melt distributor (5) as a function of the desired strip thickness d of the metal strip (1). In the melt distributor (5) there is initially adjusted a fill level (A), which corresponds at a maximum with the conveyor belt plane (E). Such a fill level (B) then is adjusted such that the melt (6) completely displaces the air from the area (11, 14) in front of the casting nozzle (15) and from the casting nozzle (15). In the operating condition, the fill level (C) is controlled some millimeters above the level (D) of the liquid metal on the conveyor belt (E) so that the melt (6) flows out of the casting nozzle (15) according to the pipette principle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for stabilizing the molten metal surface in a mold. The invention is used to improve the quality of the casting slab by modifying a controlling parameter according to the detected slab drawing speed and the actual nozzle flowing characteristics calculated by the measured molten metal surface level and the nozzle opening degree.

Abstract: In a continuous casting of steel slab, a molten steel is provided having an oxygen concentration of not more than 35 ppm and is supplied from a tundish into a continuous casting mold through a straight immersion nozzle having an open end at the forward end thereof, the mold consisting of a combination of a pair of narrow face mold walls and a pair of wide face mold walls. A traveling magnetic field generating device is disposed on a central area of the outer surface of the wide face mold walls. While the open forward end of the nozzle is positioned in the magnetic field region of the traveling magnetic field generating device, a traveling magnetic field which is perpendicular to the wide face mold walls and which is traveling upward is applied to a flow of the molten steel discharged from the nozzle, thereby controlling the flow. Preferably, an upper or lower static magnetic field generating device or both of them may be also used.

Abstract: A melt overflow apparatus for controlling various elements in response to incremental changes in parameters which affect the linear density of a continuous metal fiber mat or metal strip being produced is described. The net width of fibers being cast against a rotating, cylindrical casting wheel is measured by an infrared detector. A similar infrared detector is used to measure the net width of a metal strip being formed against a casting wheel. The weight of a portion of the strip or fiber mat is also measured. The weight and net width values are relayed to a control system which then controls various elements used in producing the metal product. These devices include electric motors driving both the casting wheel and a conveyer means for transporting the fiber mat or strip. A ceramic plunging body driven into a pool of molten metal to overflow onto the casting wheel can also be controlled.

Abstract: An automatic casting process of a continuous casting machine includes a mold filling mode and a continuous casting mode. The continuous casting machine includes a metallurgical vessel having a discharge opening, a stopper for opening and closing to an affective flow rate of a molten metal from the discharge opening, and a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the stopper. The mold filling mode of the automatic casting process entails repeatedly opening and closing the stopper to discharge the molten metal into a continuous casting mold having an extracting end sealed by a starting head. The opening and closing of the stopper during the mold filling mode is effected at predetermined time intervals and at predetermined stopper positions which are preprogrammed in the control device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquefied neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: An inert gas flow is introduced into a molten metal bath at a location in a vessel. The absolute pressure of the gas flow through the molten metal other than zero flow is determined. The pressure acting on the surface of the bath is measured and the difference between the surface pressure and the absolute pressure is determined. The difference in converted into a distance measurement that reflects the actual distance between the surface of the bath and the location of introduction of the gas flow into the bath. The distance measurement is compared with a predetermined desired distance value and a resultant measurement is formed therefrom. The level of the bath is regulated as a function of the resultant measurement. The resultant measurement is converted into an electric setting signal and sent to a setting member for regulating the level of the bath and/or the amount flowing out of or withdrawn from the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and maintaining a predetermined width in the gap between a casting nozzle and a casting wheel, wherein the gap is monitored by means of at least one pneumatic gap sensor. The pneumatic gap sensor is mounted on the casting nozzle in proximity to the casting surface and is connected by means of a tube to a regulator and a transducer. The regulator provides a flow of gas through a restictor to the pneumatic gap sensor, and the transducer translates the changes in the gas pressure caused by the proximity of the casting wheel to the pneumatic gap sensor outlet into a signal intelligible to a control device. The relative positions of the casting nozzle and casting wheel can thereby be selectively adjusted to continually maintain a predetermined distance between their adjacent surfaces. The apparatus and method enables accurate monitoring of the actual casting gap in a simple and reliable manner resistant to the extreme temperatures and otherwise hostile casting environment.

Abstract: A continuous casting method of a reduced height with a horizontal or almost horizontal oscillating crystallizer, whereby an immersed teeming nozzle teems molten metal into the crystallizer below the meniscus, regulation of the flow being obtained with regulation means corresponding to the formula: V.gtoreq.K.multidot..sqroot.2gh-2p/.rho., a pressure being kept within a tube portion of the teeming nozzle at least transiently which is correlated with the pressure surrounding the teeming nozzle itself and with the pressure acting on the meniscus of the molten metal in the crystallizer, the pressure within the tube portion of the teeming nozzle being such as will at least hinder the migration of gas from the exterior of the nozzle to the inside of the bore of the tube portion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for feeding molten metal to the ingot mold (2) of an installation for the continuous casting of thin cogs (3). At least one jet (6) coming from a nozzle (8) connected to a distributor (4) feeds an ingot mold (2) in which the level of metal is regulated. The distributor (4) is movable vertically in order to keep the height of the jet (6) constant and horizontally in the direction of the largest dimension of the ingot mold in order to subject the jet (6) to an alternating lateral movement. The nozzle (8) and the casting tube (10) are protected by a liquified neutral gas circulating between the tube (10) and a sleeve (25) surrounding the tube (10).

Abstract: The continuous casting method uses a multistrand type continuous casting apparatus having a plurality of tundishes each provided with a plurality of nozzles for casting strands of at least two different alloys where at least one alloy is cast into two or more strands. The method transfers molten metal into the tundishes from separate ladles corresponding to each tundish, and one tundish feeds at least two water-cooled molds through the nozzles for continuous casting thereof. The number of strands cast for each of the different alloys is determined based on the time required for the preparation of each molten metal, an amount of charge and a casting speed of each molten metal, so as to improve the yield of expensive alloys and/or enhance the rate of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A sliding plate of a sliding closure unit is moved to selected throttling positions thereof to relatively restrict the size of a discharge passage through the sliding closure unit. The control of movement of the sliding plate is achieved in a level control operation by a processor. Periodically this level control operation is interrupted and the sliding plate is moved in a throttling position change operation from one throttling position through a completely open position of the discharge passage to another throttling position, such two throttling positions employing throttling surfaces of the sliding closure unit on opposite sides of the discharge passage. The throttling position change operation includes regulating at least the throttling position at which the sliding plate is located at the conclusion of the throttling position change operation by a sequence control program included in the processor that controls the level control operation.

Abstract: An injection apparatus for a high-speed type thin plate continuous casting machine comprises linear motors (3A, 3B) interposing long sides of a flat nozzle (3), a power source unit for applying predetermined currents having a predetermined frequency to the linear motors (3A, 3B), and linear motor power factor improving capacitors (21) connected between the linear motors (3A, 3B) and the power source unit. A material on the inner walls of the short sides of the flat nozzle (3) is a conductive material to improve an edge effect, additionally, the apparatus is constructed to use a heating operation of the linear motor in heating the nozzle or a molten metal in the nozzle by adequately controlling a frequency or a current of a power supplied to the linear motors.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting steel in which a melt is introduced through a movable immersion nozzle. The method includes the steps of controlling the start of the casting process in connection with the withdrawal of the casting by starting the withdrawal of the casting upon reaching a desired height of the surface of the steel in the mold, and driving the casting from the mold at a desired casting removal speed via a control element in a predetermined manner. Further, the method includes measuring the position of the bath level as it ascends in the mold during the continuous casting and adjusting the position of the immersion nozzle in relation to the ascending bath level from a first position to a desired operating position by changing the position of the distributor.

Abstract: A continuous metal casting system in which the feed of molten metal is controlled by means of a linear induction motor capable of producing a magnetic traveling wave in a duct that connects a reservoir of molten metal to a caster. The linear induction motor produces a traveling magnetic wave in the duct in opposition to the pressure exerted by the head of molten metal in the reservoir so thatp.sub.c =p.sub.g -p.sub.mwhere p.sub.c is the desired pressure in the caster, p.sub.g is the gravitational pressure in the duct exerted by the force of the head of molten metal in the reservoir, and p.sub.m is the electromagnetic pressure exerted by the force of the magnetic field traveling wave produced by the linear induction motor. The invention also includes feedback loops to the linear induction motor to control the casting pressure in response to measured characteristics of the metal being cast.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for controlling the overflow of molten material from a receptacle for the purpose of achieving more uniform casting of the molten material. The apparatus and method utilize a force detector able to detect the change in the buoyant force exerted on a submersible body lowered into a molten material. A differentiating means, a control means, and a drive means are responsive to the force detector, whereby a constant rate of change of buoyant force is translated into a uniform rate of overflow of molten material delivered to a heat extracting substrate for solidification.

Abstract: A continuous casting process introduces the factor of rate temperature change for detecting break out in the cast metal. Introduction of rate of temperature change as a parameter representative of the cast metal condition is successful for avoiding the influence of variation of the casting condition, fluctuation of the powder to be introduced between the casting mold wall and the cast metal, casting speed and so forth. For achieving accurate detection of break out of the cast metal by introducing the temperature change factor, casting mold wall temperatures are measured at various measuring points which are circumferentially aligned. Rates of temperature change at each measuring point and average rate of temperature change of all measuring points are derived and compared for making judgement of possible break out when the difference of the rate of temperature change at each measuring point and the average rate of temperature change becomes greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically filling a continuous casting mold with (steel) melt which is poured in controlled fashion into the continuous casting mold through a bottom hold adapted to be closed by an automatically operated stopper in a distributor channel or intermediate vessel. The stopper carries out predeterined up and down movements, especially in response to the melt level in the continuous casting mold against the action of a force urging the stopper into closing position, while the mold is being filled. The up and down movement of the stopper is realized by an adjustment unit acting directly at the top end of the stopper. The force which urges the stopper into closing position is obtained either from a constant mass or an elastic member attempting to urge the stopper increasingly into closing position as the temperature rises.

Abstract: Molten metal is discharged from a metallurgical vessel through a discharge passage of a sliding closure unit into a continuous casting mold. The molten metal level in the mold is established within a predetermined range by throttling the passage by a sliding plate of the sliding closure unit, during which throttling operation deposits gradually form in the sliding closure unit to restrict the size of the throttle passage and thereby reduce the molten metal level. The molten metal level is maintained within the predetermined range by the controlled opening movement of the sliding plate to compensate for restriction of the throttle passage by the formation of the deposits.

Abstract: A slag detector apparatus for detecting onset of 5% or less slag entrainment in a stream of molten metal employs a detection coil having an axial length at least equal to the length of a globule of molten metal in the stream being composed of a continuous succession of recurring cyclical globules of molten metal, and an impedance detector for periodic sampling and smoothing of the fluctuations of the terminal impedance of the detector coil corresponding to the fluctuating cross-sectional dimension of the stream. The detector coil is part of a signal sensitivity enhancement circuit in the apparatus which also includes a tunable capacitor connected with the detector coil. The capacitor is used for tuning the circuit to its resonance frequency so that the capacitive reactance of the circuit due to the presence of the capacitor cancels the inductive reactance of the circuit due to the presence of the coil so as to leave only an impedance that is due to resistance of the coil.

Abstract: In automatic melting crucible tipping it is important that, starting from a certain angular position, the melting crucible (1) is tipped according to a predetermined model until emptying is complete. This model can be obtained, for example, by the so-called teach-in process and can be stored in an analog or digital memory (89). In order to prevent abrupt movement of the crucible (1) when the molten material touches the pouring lip (3) of the crucible (1) when the pour-lip angle has been reached, according to the invention a correction arrangement (108, 109, 37) is provided which enables the tipping process to proceed continuously and without abrupt movements even in the case of different pour-lip angles.

Abstract: A method for determining level of molten metal in the input of a continuous metal casting machine having at least one endless, flexible, revolving casting belt with a surface which engages the molten metal to be cast and a reverse, cooled surface along which is directed high velocity liquid coolant includes the steps of predetermining the desired range of positions of the molten metal pool and positioning at least seven heat-sensing transducers in bearing contact with the moving reverse belt surface and spaced in upstream-downstream relationship relative to belt travel spanning the desired pool levels. A predetermined temperature threshold is set, somewhat above coolant temperature and the output signals of the transducer sensors are scanned regarding their output signals indicative of temperatures of the moving reverse belt surface.

Abstract: For the automatic casting start-up of a strand in continuous casting installations, a programmed start-of-casting curve is started with a slightly throttled sliding gate valve and each partial real time of the rising actual metal level is compared with the corresponding partial characteristic time during time ranges stored for each of the partial characteristic times wherein each of the individual ranges corresponding to a flow position of the valve, and the flow position of the time range into which the measured partial real time falls is set automatically. In this way, a preassigned start-of-casting curve can be optimally reproduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for use therewith are provided for the start-up of the continuous casting of strip metal, preferably steel, in which liquid metal is poured into a flared type continuous casting strip-shaped mold equipped with detector means for monitoring the instantaneous surface level of the liquid metal bath formed in the flared zone of the mold, and sensor means for sensing the presence of liquid in the core of the cast strip downstream of the mold, and means are further provided responsive to said detectors and sensor for controlling both the rate of pouring the liquid metal, and the start-up and rate of withdrawal of the cast strip to ensure the continuous presence of a liquid metal core in said cast strip downstream of said mold, for signalling when the distribution ports of the pouring tube become submerged, and for thereafter during casting maintaining a predetermined optimum operating surface level of said metal bath.

Abstract: The present invention quickly and accurately predicts a cast defect during continuous casting, by a sequential temperature-change pattern, and takes and appropriate action in conformity with a position and kind of defect of the cast defect, thereby preventing the cast defect from generating on the casting withdrawn from the mold.

Abstract: At the latest before response of the measuring mechanism which senses the filling state of the melt tundish the opening rate of the outlet of the tundish is brought to near its standard opening rate and, after obtaining a clear signal from the filling state measuring mechanism or reaching a first predetermined filling height, the withdrawal mechanism is switched on and the withdrawal speed delayed for determination of the opening rate of the outlet. Advantageously the speed of the discharge rollers is measured by a tachometer which transmits a normalized signal which is then multiplied by a signal determined by the standard opening rate. The resultant signal controls the opening rate of the outlet.

Abstract: A method for controlling an early stage casting in a continuous casting process comprising the steps of commencing to pour molten steel into a mold provided with a dummy bar head through an immersion nozzle provided with a flow rate control device, detecting that a steel level in the mold has reached a predetermined drawing commencement level and commencing drawing of the dummy bar head. A holding time for molten steel in the mold is predetermined, from the commencement of pouring molten steel into the mold to a commencement of the drawing of the dummy bar head, through a solidified shell formation velocity under prevailing operating conditions, and a prediction is made of whether or not, when the steel level has reached the predetermined level, a molten metal holding time substantially equal to the predetermined molten metal holding time can be obtained, and the flow rate of the molten steel is controlled in accordance with the result of the prediction.

Abstract: In moving-mold type or dual-belt type continuous casting machines, the molten metal static pressure in the mold cavity is detected and the quantity of the molten metal poured through the tundish nozzle into the mold cavity is controlled such that the static pressure in the mold cavity is maintained at a predetermined range in which penetration of the molten metal into the gap between the tundish nozzle and the mold assembly can be avoided.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus includes a continuous casting mold, a guide downstream of the mold for guiding a continuously cast strand issuing from the mold, and a drive unit for drawing the strand out of the mold and through the guide. The drive unit is connected with a computer programmed to reciprocate the strand in the guide and the mold in the event of an interruption in the supply of molten material to the mold.

Abstract: The casting of several strands with a common puller unit is effected by a process which allows a high degree of operational reliability in its initial start-up phase. To accomplish this, slide gates or valves are throttled at a predetermined level provided in the lower area of a measuring section monitoring the levels in a group of molds and the strand-pulling drive is switched on and the slide gates of molds that have remained in the level below the level are closed no later than at a point when at least one of the actual levels in the molds is at another predetermined level which is below the optimum level. The rising of the levels in the molds may be controlled in accordance with preset rising curves.

Abstract: A method for concluding the operation of the continuous casting of strip metal comprising the steps of casting said strip in a narrow slotted strip shaped continuous casting mold having a flared inlet pouring zone necking down to a distal zone in which the walls of the mold are parallel and spaced apart by substantially the desired cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the strip being cast, pouring liquid metal through a pouring tube having an orifice into said flared zone, and controlling the pouring rate thereof, continuously detecting and monitoring the instantaneous surface level of the metal bath in said mold, withdrawing the casting from the distal end of said mold, and controlling the rate of withdrawal, adjusting the pouring rate and withdrawal rate so that the level of the metal bath is at a maximum height for said mold when in normal operation, continuously sensing whether or not there is present downstream of said mold evidence of the liquid core of said cast strip, reducing the pouring and withd

Abstract: In continuous metal-casting machines utilizing one or more thin flexible belts as mold surfaces, a suitably placed thermal sensing probe which contacts the reverse side of a casting belt results in enhanced control of molten-metal pool levels, in contrast to the earlier systems where a series of separately monitored probes were disposed serially against the belt from upstream to downstream, each of which registered a separately monitored "yes" or "no" signal. In accordance with the present invention, an intermediate temperature is selected as the control point, at one location in the mold. If the pool of molten metal rises above the optimum level, the sensing probe will register a correspondingly increased temperature. If the pool falls below optimum, the probe will register a cooler temperature. The resulting electrical signals are processed by an electronic circuit.