Abstract: Systems and apparatus for continuously casting thin strip where one or more expansion rings are positioned within at least one of a pair of casting rolls, and automatically measuring a thickness of the cast strip close to the first side edge of the strip using at least one sensor. If the thickness measured is too thin, automatically decreasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to contract and increase the thickness of the cast strip during casting. If the thickness measured indicates that the thickness of the cast strip is too thick, automatically increasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to expand and reduce the thickness of the cast strip during casting.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods and apparatus for continuously casting thin strip where one or more expansion rings are positioned within at least one of a pair of casting rolls, and automatically measuring a thickness of the cast strip close to the first side edge of the strip using at least one sensor, and if the thickness measured is too thin, automatically decreasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to contract and increase the thickness of the cast strip during casting, and if the thickness measured indicates that the thickness of the cast strip is too thick, automatically increasing the radial dimension of the expansion ring arranged in close proximity to the first side edge to cause the cylindrical tube to expand and reduce the thickness of the cast strip during casting.

Abstract: A metal delivery nozzle for a twin roll caster adapted to extend along and above a pair of casting rolls has a main portion with one or two refractory pieces with outlets adapted to deliver molten metal to a casting pool supported by the casting rolls during casting; refractory delivery end portions separately supported adapted to move relative to the main portion at each end portion of the metal delivery nozzle, each refractory delivery end portion having a reservoir portion with passages there through adapted to deliver molten metal to the casting pool adjacent the side dams and the end portions of the casting rolls; and a mechanism connected to each refractory delivery end portion adapted to move said refractory delivery end portion relative to the main portion as casting proceeds to maintain desired distance between the refractory delivery end portions and the side dams.

Abstract: A metal delivery nozzle for a twin roll caster adapted to extend along and above a pair of casting rolls has a main portion with one or two refractory pieces with outlets adapted to deliver molten metal to a casting pool supported by the casting rolls during casting; refractory delivery end portions separately supported adapted to move relative to the main portion at each end portion of the metal delivery nozzle, each refractory delivery end portion having a reservoir portion with passages there through adapted to deliver molten metal to the casting pool adjacent the side dams and the end portions of the casting rolls; and a mechanism connected to each refractory delivery end portion adapted to move said refractory delivery end portion relative to the main portion as casting proceeds to maintain desired distance between the refractory delivery end portions and the side dams.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting metal strip having the steps of assembling a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls, assembling a metal delivery system adapted to deliver molten metal above the nip to form a casting pool, the casting pool forming a meniscus with each casting surface of the casting rolls, delivering a shell thickness controlling gas to select areas within 300 mm of end portions of at least one casting roll downwardly toward the meniscus between the casting pool and the casting surface adapted to control thickness of the metal shell, and control attenuation of the casting roll, and sensing the temperature and thickness profiles of the cast strip downstream from the nip to determine high or low temperature areas of the cast strip within 300 mm of the end portions and causing the gas to be delivered to the high or low temperature areas to change the thickness of the metal shell.

Abstract: A refractory material for steelmaking is comprised of 50 to 95% zirconia (ZrO2), 0 to 35% of silica (SiO2), 5 to 35% carbon (C), less than 5% alumina (Al2O3) and anti-oxidant such as silicon (Si) metal and a carbide. The anti-oxidant may be in amounts up to about 10% by weight. The refractory material has application in making delivery nozzles and transition pieces. Disclosed also is a method of continuous casting steel strip comprising the steps of assembling a pair of casting rolls having a nip between them; assembling a delivery system for delivering molten steel to form a casting pool comprised of at least some refractory material for contacting the molten steel comprised of 50 to 95% zirconia, 0 to 35% silica, 5 to 35% carbon, less than 5% alumina and anti-oxidant and carbides, and rotating the casting rolls to form thin steel strip delivered downwardly through the nip.