Abstract: Secondary cooling apparatus in a machine for continuous casting of metal products, such that each metal product is cast, contained and guided along an axis of movement. The secondary cooling apparatus includes a plurality of cooling assemblies disposed in sequence one to the other along the continuous casting machine. Each assembly includes a plurality of cooling units each provided with one or more nozzles disposed along the axis of movement. The cooling units of each assembly are adjacent to each other to cover a width at least equal to the maximum width of the metal product which can be cast in the continuous casting machine.

Abstract: A method to control a secondary cooling apparatus in a machine for continuous casting of metal products is provided. The secondary cooling apparatus includes a plurality of cooling units equipped with nozzles, each nozzle is provided with delivery orifices from which a refrigerant fluid is delivered, on each occasion according to the punctual cooling needs, toward a metal product.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for improving the grain structure of a metal product by applying ultrasonic energy to a continuously cast metal product at a position downstream from the casting region and allowing the ultrasonic energy to propagate through the metal product to the solidification region. At the solidification region, the ultrasonic energy can interact with the growing metal grains, such as to deagglomerate and disperse nucleating particles and to disrupt and fragment dendrites as they grow, which can promote additional nucleation and result in smaller grain sizes.

Abstract: In a first cooling zone (21) on an upper side of a vertical section (20), an air-water ratio A1/R1 defined by an amount of water R1 (L/min) and an amount of air A1 (L/min) per one cooling spray nozzle is set to 10 or more, an impinging pressure of cooling water colliding with the surface of a slab (1) from the cooling spray nozzle is set to 12 gf/cm2 or more, a cooling intensity W1×t1 defined by a cooling water density (W1) (L/min/m2) and a passing time t1 (min) of the first cooling zone (21) is 350 or more, and a recuperating time from having passed through the first cooling zone (21) until reaching a bent section (30) is set to 0.5 min or more.

Abstract: A method to determine a presence or absence of water in a cavity of a starter block having a non-horizontal surface of DC casting equipment including emitting a wave using a device containing a sensor, the wave propagating along a virtual beam path, directing the wave towards the cavity of the starter block such that the wave is reflected on a horizontal surface of the water, if water is present in the cavity, or is reflected on a non-horizontal surface of the cavity of the starter block, if no water is present in the cavity, detecting the reflected wave using the sensor, or not detecting the wave using the sensor, determining that there is water present in the cavity if the sensor detects the reflected wave, and determining that water is absent in the cavity if the sensor does not detect the wave while the sensor emits the wave.

Abstract: A method for improving center segregation and surface crack of continuous casting medium-thick slab of peritectic steel reduces the cooling intensity at the earlier stage of solidification and enhancing the cooling intensity at the final stage of solidification. For example, the cooling water amount of the wide face of the mould is 3400-3600 L/min, and the cooling water amount of the narrow face of the mould is 480-530 L/min. The cooling water amount of the wide face of the foot roller section is 239-298 L/min, and the cooling water amount of the narrow face of the foot roller section is 61-65 L/min. The total cooling water amount of the sector segment is 1517-2166 L/min.

Abstract: In a formed body manufacturing method, molten metal is led out from a molten metal surface of the molten metal held in a holding furnace and is passed through a shape defining member configured to define a sectional shape of the formed body, and the formed body manufacturing method includes: measuring a surface temperature of the formed body formed such that retained molten metal that has passed through the shape defining member solidifies; adjusting a height of a coating material spray nozzle based on a result of the measurement of the surface temperature of the formed body so that the surface temperature of the formed body to which the heat dissipation coating material is blown becomes a solidifying point of the molten metal or less; and spraying the heat dissipation coating material to a surface of the formed body from the coating material spray nozzle.

Abstract: For continuously casting an ingot of titanium or titanium alloy, molten titanium or titanium alloy is poured into a top opening of a bottomless mold with a circular cross-sectional shape, the solidified molten metal in the mold is pulled downward from the mold, a plurality of plasma torches disposed on an upper side of molten metal in the mold such that their centers are located directly vertically above the molten metal in the mold, are operated to generate plasma arcs that heat the molten metal in the mold, and the plasma torches are moved in a horizontal direction above a melt surface of the molten metal in the mold, along a trajectory located directly vertically above the molten metal in the mold, while keeping a mutual distance between the respective plasma torches such that the plasma torches do not interfere with each other.

Abstract: A rotary bottom ash regenerating (RBAR) system [100] comprises a cylindrical body [110] that receives ash [17] containing reactant particles [10] that are partially reacted limestone compounds having unreacted cores [13] from a furnace. Sensors [140] sense physical parameters within the cylindrical body [110]. A controller [170] receives the output of the sensors [140] and information indicating the amount of unreacted core [13] and causes a fluid actuator [135] to spray a proper amount of regeneration fluid regulator [135] from a plurality of spray nozzles [131] to different locations within the cylindrical body [110] to regulate the temperature and to cause the reactant particles [10] to have a require content of regeneration fluid. This causes the reactant particles [10] to be regenerated and reused. This results in a lower limestone costs and less overheating of ash handling systems.

Abstract: Molten metal poured into a mold region, delimited by a first casting roll that rotates about a first rotational axis, produces a metal strand upon solidification which is conveyed out of the mold region. A liquid coolant is applied to the surface of the first casting roll by a first cooling device via first coolant lines and first coolant applying devices. The coolant is inert with respect to the molten metal and has a standard boiling point below 20° C., e.g., ?20° C., at normal air pressure, and an operating temperature at or below an operating boiling point at an operating pressure at which the coolant is supplied. A control device automatically controls the first cooling device by ascertaining a control state of the first cooling device using a target property for an actual property of the first casting roll or the metal strand detected by at least one sensor.

Abstract: A method and a system for forming a solid casting. A material is fed into a mold having a retractable bottom. A first portion of the material at a first, lower position within the mold is allowed to solidify to thereby form a portion of the casting. The retractable bottom is withdrawn downwards at a withdrawal rate. A second portion of the material at a second, upper position within the mold is maintained in a liquid state by application of heat thereto, using a plasma arc generated by a plasma arc torch. A voltage of the plasma arc is measured, and the withdrawal rate of the retractable bottom is controlled based on the voltage of the plasma arc.

Abstract: Molten metal poured into a mold region, delimited by a first casting roll that rotates about a first rotational axis, produces a metal strand upon solidification which is conveyed out of the mold region. A liquid coolant is applied to the surface of the first casting roll by a first cooling device via first coolant lines and first coolant applying devices. The coolant is inert with respect to the molten metal and has a standard boiling point below 20° C., e.g., ?20° C., at normal air pressure, and an operating temperature at or below an operating boiling point at an operating pressure at which the coolant is supplied. A control device automatically controls the first cooling device by ascertaining a control state of the first cooling device using a target property for an actual property of the first casting roll or the metal strand detected by at least one sensor.

Abstract: Maintaining the shell surface temperature profile under transient conditions by spray water cooling in continuous casting of steel is often desired to reduce occurrence of surface cracks. For this purpose, a real-time spray-cooling control system is provided that includes one or more of: a virtual sensor for accurate estimation/prediction of shell surface temperature, control algorithm and data checking subroutines for robust temperature control, server and client programs for communicating between these software components and the caster, and a real-time monitor to display the predicted shell surface temperature profiles, water flow rates, and operating data, among other things.

Abstract: Maintaining the shell surface temperature profile under transient conditions by spray water cooling in continuous casting of steel is often desired to reduce occurrence of surface cracks. For this purpose, a real-time spray-cooling control system is provided that includes one or more of: a virtual sensor for accurate estimation/prediction of shell surface temperature, control algorithm and data checking subroutines for robust temperature control, server and client programs for communicating between these software components and the caster, and a real-time monitor to display the predicted shell surface temperature profiles, water flow rates, and operating data, among other things.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting thin strip dynamically controlling roll casting surface configuation by controlling the temperature of water flowing through the longitudinal water flow passages in a cyclindrical tube thickness of no more than 80 millimeters of counter rotated casting rolls, and varying the speed of the casting rolls with attenuation of the ends of the casting rolls with a casting roll drive system responsive to electrical signals received from sensors during a casting campaign.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting thin strip dynamically controlling roll casting surface configuration by controlling the temperature of water flowing through the longitudinal water flow passages in a cylindrical tube thickness of no more than 80 millimeters of counter rotated casting rolls, and varying the speed of the casting rolls with attenuation of the ends of the casting rolls with a casting roll drive system responsive to electrical signals received from sensors during a casting campaign.

Abstract: A method for continuous casting from molten metal, where metal flows vertically downward from a mold and the metal strip is then guided vertically downward along a vertical strand guide, cooling as it moves. The strip is then deflected from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. In the terminal area of the deflection of the strip into the horizontal direction or after the deflection into the horizontal direction, a mechanical deformation of the strip is carried out. The strip is cooled at a heat-transfer coefficient of 3,000 to 10,000 W/(m2 K) in a first section downstream of the mold and upstream of the mechanical deformation of the strip. In a second section, downstream of the cooling, the surface of the strip is heated to a temperature above Ac3 or Ar3 by heat equalization in the strip, after which the mechanical deformation is carried out in a third section.

Abstract: Energy is recovered from steel products produced in a steel mill where the products are transported into a storage area by first extracting heat from the steel products prior to or after transport into the storage area by heat exchangers for a predetermined period in which residual heat of the steel products is transferred by the heat exchangers into a heat-transfer medium to heat same. The heated transfer medium is then transferred via heat-transfer transport lines for power generation or for direct use of the process heat in other heat consumers. This transport of the heat-transfer medium from the heat exchangers to the power-generating plant in the heat-transfer transport lines is carried out only at pump feed pressure or using as a heat-transfer medium liquid mineral or synthetic thermal oil or a salt melt so as not to build up a steam pressure above 2 bar.

Abstract: A method for continuous casting from molten metal, where metal flows vertically downward from a mold and metal strip is then guided vertically downward along a vertical strand guide, cooling as it moves. The strip is deflected from the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. In the terminal area of the deflection of the strip into the horizontal direction or after the deflection into the horizontal direction, a mechanical deformation of the strip is carried out. The strip is cooled at a heat-transfer coefficient of 3,000 to 10,000 W/(m2 K) in a first section downstream of the mold and upstream of mechanical deformation of the strip. In a second section, downstream of the cooling, the strip surface is heated to a temperature above Ac3 or Ar3 by heat equalization in the strip. The mechanical deformation is subsequently carried out in a third section.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for positioning at least one of two casting rolls in a continuous casting process for producing a metal strip. The device and the method allow adjusting or modifying the casting gap between the casting rolls during the ongoing operation, thereby having an influence on the strip thickness and the strip profile of the produced metal strip.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously or semi-continuously producing hot steel strip which, starting from a slab guided through a slab-guiding device, is rolled in a roughing train having at least four-stands, the method comprising: casting a slab in a die, the slab being reduced to a thickness of between 60 and 95 mm in a liquid core reduction process by the adjoining slab-guiding device, a slab support length measured between the meniscus, i.e., the bath level, of the die and an end of the slab-guiding device facing the roughing train being between 12 m and 15.5 m, and a casting speed ranging from 3.8 to 7 m/min. The disclosed combination of casting parameters may ensure that the crater tip of the slab extends to the vicinity of the end of the slab-guiding device independently of the respective maximum casting speeds which are dependent on the particular grade of material.

Abstract: Maintaining the shell surface temperature profile under transient conditions by spray water cooling in continuous casting of steel is often desired to reduce occurrence of surface cracks. For this purpose, a real-time spray-cooling control system is provided that includes one or more of: a virtual sensor for accurate estimation/prediction of shell surface temperature, control algorithm and data checking subroutines for robust temperature control, server and client programs for communicating between these software components and the caster, and a real-time monitor to display the predicted shell surface temperature profiles, water flow rates, and operating data, among other things.

Abstract: A method for continuous and efficient casting roll of magnesium alloy plates including providing plural induction furnaces, resistance furnace, casting roll and rollers; adding metal elements into the induction furnaces, the metal elements comprising Mg ingots or Mg alloy, the metal elements being smelted in the induction furnaces and then flow into the resistance furnace; controlling temperature of the Mg melt in the resistance furnace, wherein there are at least two temperature controlling areas communicated with each other, and a difference of temperatures is constant; transferring the Mg melt into biting area through a transferring pipe and modeling the mg melt into Mg plate, the temperature of the Mg melt into the biting area being 690±10° C.; Rolling the Mg plate in the rollers and each band of the rollers having a working temperature 250˜350° C., and the difference of temperature is ±10° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a cast steel strip of preferably hot crack-sensitive or hot-brittle steel quality by means of a strip casting plant and to a strip casting plant for carrying out this method. In this case, steel melt is conducted into a melt space formed by two casting rolls and two sideplates, slab shells are formed in the melt space on cooled surface areas of the casting rolls and are brought together in the strip forming cross section between the casting rolls to form an at least partly solidified steel strip, the cast steel strip is then guided along the surface area of one of the two casting rolls from a vertical casting direction into an essentially horizontal transport direction, and the cast steel strip is supplied essentially horizontally on a transport device to a strip winding device and is wound there into a coil.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring the strand condition of a continuous casting machine, the system comprising a plate member mounted on a caster chain (10) in use, the plate member (12) having an edge (14) that protrudes outwardly from one surface (13) of the caster chain (10); a pivotally mounted arm (16) capable of protruding outwardly from the opposing surface (17) of the caster chain (10); and means to determine the distance between the tip (18) of the arm (16) and the plate edge (14) at any given interval during use.

Abstract: A method for continuously casting a billet with a small cross section in which a curved type or vertical type continuous casting machine is used while oscillating the mold upward and downward is characterized in that the casting machine is provided with a mechanism for withdrawing speed oscillation. The mechanism has structural play in the directions of driving and reverse driving in such a manner that the amount of a play-incurred displacement from the neutral position of the structural play in the direction of billet driving or reverse driving is ±2 to ±30 mm in the direction of driving on the pinch roll circumferential length equivalent basis. The mechanism produces a returning force toward the neutral position and operational parameters such as the billet length, the specific amount of secondary cooling water, the casting speed as well as the oscillation amplitude and frequency are optimized.

Abstract: Continuously casting a billet with a small cross section by pouring molten steel into a mold using a cylindrical immersion nozzle is characterized by measuring the molten steel level in the mold using an eddy current sensor. The level is controlled based on the thus-measured value, motion of steel in the mold is adjusted by electromagnetic stirring, a cooling zone during the final period of solidification is disposed within a certain region ranging from the meniscus to the specific site, and casting speed is adjusted so that the region in which the solid phase ratio at the billet center is 0.3-0.99 may be included in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification. The secondary cooling water amount and the billet surface temperature at the entrance to the cooling zone the density of cooling water in the cooling zone during the final period of solidification are optimized.

Abstract: A process and system for manufacturing metal strips of 0.14-20 mm thickness and metal sheets of 10-100 mm thickness from slabs of thickness between 30 and 300 mm by continuous casting of the bow type. The slab upon casting is fed without discontinuity directly to the rolling step after heating in an induction furnace without any intermediate product. The rolled flat product is withdrawn as sheet upon controlled cooling, by means of cutting and withdrawal device or wound on a reel to form a coil of a continuous strip severable by cutting device downstream of a cooling system. Surface cooling devices can be provided between rolling stands. The feed speed from continuous casting to the end of rolling is increasing step by step in relation to the thickness reductions and the quality of the end product, with regulation in cascade to the downstream direction.

Abstract: A continuous casting plant in particular for long steel products is provided with a mould (1), from which a cast strand (2) is continuously cast. The cast strand (2) is guided along a, in particular curved, guideway formed by guide rollers (11, 12, 13, 14) arranged one after the other, and at the same time in a cooling chamber having spray members. The guide rollers (12, 13, 14) and/or the spray members are contained in a plurality of centring modules (10) or spray modules (3) arranged one after the other and are adjustable in a controlled manner substantially concentrically with respect to the desired axis of the cast strand. As a result, on the one hand, the risk of thermally overloading the rollers and damaging the strand surface is considerably reduced and symmetrical cooling is ensured.

Abstract: A method for detecting a crater end of a continuously cast product, including installing an ultrasonic shear wave sensor for transmitting an ultrasonic shear wave to the continuously cast product and receiving the transmitted ultrasonic shear wave in a continuous casting machine, detecting based on variations of an ultrasonic signal received by the ultrasonic shear wave sensor that the crater end of the cast product is matched with the installed position of the ultrasonic shear wave sensor, calibrating a physical property value used in a calculation based on a heat condition equation such that the crater end computed based on the heat condition equation using casting conditions at that time is matched with the installed position of the ultrasonic shear wave sensor, and after the calibration, determining the crater end by the calculation based on the heat condition equation under respective casting conditions by using the calibrated physical property value.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace includes a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of a metal casting as it exits a continuous casting mold in order to provide improved characteristics of the metal casting. The temperature control mechanism includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the metal casting, and a heat source and cooling device for respectively heating and cooling the metal casting in light of the temperature of the metal casting. A control unit determines if the temperature of the metal casting is within a predetermined range and controls the heat source and cooling device accordingly. The heat source may double as a cooling device or the cooling device may be separate from the heat source.

Abstract: Steel strips and methods for producing strip are provided. The method for producing steel strips comprises continuously casting low carbon, silicon/manganese killed or aluminum killed molten steel into a strip, the molten steel comprising a concentration of residuals of 2.0 equal to or less than about 2.0 wt % is selected with regard to the microstructure of the finished strip to provide a desired yield strength, where the residuals are selected in desired amounts from the group consisting of copper, nickel, chromium, molybdenum and tin, and cooling the strip to transform the strip from austenite to ferrite in a desired temperature range. Cast steel with improved yield strength properties is produced by such method.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a continuously cast product of steel includes the steps of detecting a position of a crater end of the product by measuring a solidification state of the continuously cast product using a sensor which is not a contact with the product, and controlling at least one condition selected from the conditions of the casting speed and the quantity of secondary cooling water based on the detected position of the crater end. The method for measuring a solidification state of the continuously cast product includes the steps of cooling the product until the surface layer portion is ? transformed, transmitting transverse waves of electromagnetic ultrasonic waves to the colled product as a transmitting signal, receiving a signal after said transmitting signal propagates in said product as a receiving signal, and judging the solidification state of said product based on the receiving signal.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace includes a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of a metal cast as it exits a continuous casting mold in order to provide improved characteristics of the metal cast. The temperature control mechanism includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the metal cast, and a heat source and cooling device for respectively heating and cooling the metal cast in light of the temperature of the metal cast. A control unit determines if the temperature of the metal cast is within a predetermined range and controls the heat source and cooling device accordingly. The heat source may double as a cooling device or the cooling device may be separate from the heat source.

Abstract: A computer program product for controlling an apparatus for continuous casting of metals. The computer program product includes a computer readable medium and computer program instructions recorded on the computer readable medium executable by a processor for performing the steps of supplying a molten metal to a casting mold with an elongated horizontal cross section, applying at least one magnetic field to the to exert an influence on the movement of the molten metal, generating a stationary magnetic field with a variable strength across the elongated cross section of the casting mold in the vicinity of, or below, where the molten metal is supplied, and generating a variable magnetic field in an area of the upper surface of molten metal in a region that is centrally located with respect to the elongated cross section and in the vicinity of where the molten metal is supplied.

Abstract: The invention includes a system, method and machine readable program for dynamically controlling the casting of a material. Generally, the systems and methods described herein include an active control feedback system or aspects thereof including a temperature sensing device that is well-suited for the harsh environment of the interior of a caster such as a caster for casting metal. Temperature measurement can be accomplished either directly or indirectly. The system is configured to compare the measured temperature with an ideal casting temperature. The temperature sensing device is operably coupled to a cooling device that modulates a flow of coolant to dynamically cool the material being cast. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the cooling device includes a plurality of nozzles for delivering one or more cooling fluids to the material being cast.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a continuously cast product of steel includes the steps of detecting a position of a crater end of the product by a method for measuring a solidification state of the continuously cast product using a sensor arranged so as to be in non-contact with the product, and controlling at least one condition selected from the conditions of the casting speed and the quantity of secondary cooling water based on the detected position of crater end.

Abstract: Non-oriented electrical steels are widely used as the magnetic core material in a variety of electrical machinery and devices, particularly in motors where low core loss and high magnetic permeability in all directions of the strip are desired. A method for producing a non-oriented electrical steel with low core loss and high magnetic permeability provides a steel that is produced from a steel melt which is cast as a thin strip or sheet, cooled, hot rolled and/or cold rolled into a finished strip. The finished strip is further subjected to at least one annealing treatment wherein the magnetic properties are developed, making the steel strip suitable for use in electrical machinery such as motors or transformers.

Abstract: A method, and the related implementation device, for the regulation of strip temperature in a continuous metallic strip casting plant, wherein such temperature regulation begins on the strip whilst under the casting equipment and at a certain distance from it, and then continues along the roll path. The device provides that the rolls on which the strip is transported are fitted with a cooling system.

Abstract: A process for the production of magnesium alloy strip, by twin roll casting, includes the steps of passing molten alloy from a source of supply to a feeding device; feeding the alloy from the feeding device through an elongate outlet of a nozzle and a pair of substantially parallel rolls spaced to define a bite therebetween; rotating said rolls whereby alloy is drawn from the chamber through the bite; and flowing coolant fluid through each roll and thereby cool alloy received in the chamber by heat energy extraction by the rolls whereby substantially complete solidification of the alloy is achieved in the chamber prior to alloy passing through the bite as hot rolled alloy strip.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a continuously cast product of steel includes the steps of detecting a position of crater end of product by a method for measuring a solidification state of continuously cast product using a sensor arranged so as to be in non-contact with the product, and controlling at least one condition selected from the conditions of the casting speed and the quantity of secondary cooling water based on the detected position of crater end. The method for measuring a solidification state of continuously cast product includes the steps of cooling the product until a surface layer portion thereof is ? transformed, transmitting transverse waves of electromagnetic ultrasonic waves to the cooled product, receiving the signal after the transmitting signal propagates in the product, and judging the solidification state of the product based on the received signal.

Abstract: The secondary cooling and the strand support are matched to the cooling state of a continuously cast strand cross section. The secondary cooling and support are reduced in dependence upon the solidification profile of the cast strand along the distance traveled.

Abstract: A method and device for producing a strand of metal by means of a continuous-casting installation which has at least one cooling device for cooling the strand, the cooling device being assigned at least one reduction stand for reducing the thickness of the strand, the strand, during the thickness reduction, having a solidified skin and a liquid core. The cooling is set, by means of a temperature and solidification model, in such a manner that the solidification boundary between the solidified skin and the liquid core when the strand enters the reduction stand corresponds to a predetermined set solidification boundary between the solidified skin and the liquid core.

Abstract: A device for treating rolled metal products obtained by continuous casting, such as bars, plates, structural shapes or the like, arranged in line with a rolling system, and comprising a cooling plate (9), an in-line cooling box (13), in-line pickling means (14), in-line quality control means (16) consisting of ultrasonic instruments or induced current instruments, a bundling and/or lashing area (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling the copper plates (1.1) of a continuous casting ingot mould (1) for liquid metals, especially liquid steel, comprising an ingot mould coolant (2) which is guided in cooling channels.

Abstract: A system provided in a high-speed continuous casting plant for casting a metallic strand for automatically operating the high-speed continuous casting plant. In the system, the stopping or slide movement, the modification of the steel level, the heat currents through the mold walls, the temperature of the liquid metal and the drawing-off speed are measured over the casting time, supplied to a computer and compared with predetermined limit values for an automatic operating mode.

Abstract: Steel strips and methods for producing steel strips are provided. In an illustrated embodiment, a method includes continuously casting molten low carbon steel into a strip of no more than 5 mm thickness having austenite grains that are coarse grains of 100-300 micron width; and providing desired yield strength in the cast strip by cooling the strip to transform the austenite grains to ferrite in a temperature range between 850° C. and 400° C. at a selected cooling rate of at least 0.01° C./sec to produce a microstructure that provides a strip having a yield strength of at least 200 MPa. The low carbon steel produced desired microstructure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically opening a high-speed continuous casting plant According to said method the stopping or slide movement, the modification of the steel level, the heat currents through the mold walls, the temperature of the liquid metal and the drawing-off speed are measured over the casting time, supplied to a computer and compared with predetermined limit values for an automatic operating mode.

Abstract: A process for producing aluminum sheet product having a controlled grain structure and texture using a continuous caster to cast molten aluminum into a slab comprising the steps of providing a source of molten aluminum and continuously casting the molten aluminum into a slab using a continuous caster; continuously rolling the slab into a sheet product and continuously annealing the sheet product in a controlled temperature range; measuring grain structure and texture of the sheet product to provide a grain structure and texture related signal on a continuous basis; and relaying the signal to a controller. In the controller, comparing the signal to previous signals reflecting grain structure and texture of the sheet product to provide a comparison; and in response to the comparison, maintaining or changing heat input to the process upwardly or downwardly to increase or decrease the temperature to produce aluminum sheet having the desired grain structure and texture.

Abstract: In a method for continuous casting bars, billets, and slabs from a melt in dimensional ranges of approximately 20 to 150 mm thickness and approximately 600 to 3500 mm width by means of an oscillating, water-cooled casting mold in cooperation with a submerged-entry nozzle and by employing casting powder for formation of casting slag, local temperatures and local heat flux densities of a casting mold wall in a meniscus area of the melt critical for the surface quality of a slab are measured. The working temperature of the casting mold wall in the meniscus area is maintained by adjusting the operating parameters important for the working temperature within a predetermined temperature range (&Dgr;T).