Abstract: A guide element of a continuous casting plant, particularly a continuous casting plant for thin slabs, for guiding a metal strip in a strand guiding direction includes a pair of guide rollers which are located opposite each other relative to the metal strip and form a roller gap. The pair of guide rollers is provided with an adjusting device for adjusting a crown of the roller gap.

Abstract: Twin roll casting of metal strip (20) by rotation of parallel casting rolls (16) supplied with molten metal through distributor (19a) and delivery nozzle (19b). X-ray scanner (44) continuously scans the thickness of strip (20) to produce a signal which is a continuous measure of thickness variation along the strip due to eccentricities of the casting rolls (16). This signal controls operation of roll drive motors (53) to impose a pattern of speed variation on the rolls so as to reduce the amplitude of the thickness variations.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for casting a continuous metal strand, in particular steel, in a continuous casting apparatus having strand parts disposed opposite one another and being fitted with bearings in which guide rollers are mounted, and having actuators by which a gap between respective opposed rollers can be set infinitely variable, and which method includes sensing a value representing a compressive force which occurs in the bearings and feeding said value to a computing unit; comparing the individual measured force values of a roller or of a pair of oppositely disposed rollers with respect to a level of the force; and utilizing at least the relating highest value measured as a command variable for controlling the gap and/or the casting rate and/or the amount of cooling water and/or the melt feed and/or the casting powder feed and/or the mold oscillation.

Abstract: A device for resetting opposite guide segments of a continuous casting or continuous casting and rolling plant in three different positions, and including a hydraulic cylinder connectable with one of the opposite guide segments, and a double-acting piston connectable with another of the opposite guide segments and displaceable in the hydraulic cylinder between three positions corresponding to the three different positions of the guide segments, with the three positions of the piston in they hydraulic cylinder being defined by stop surfaces at least one of which is located inside the hydraulic cylinder and at least one of which is located outside of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A strand pulling-off method for a metal strip cast in a curved continuous casting plant and a curved continuous casting plant, wherein the metal strip is initially pulled vertically from a casting mold using a curved entry segment driven with an entry speed. A curved shape is imparted to the metal strip in the curved entry segment such that the metal strip travels in a circular arc. The metal strip is straightened after reaching a horizontal strip travel direction using a curved exit segment driven with an exit speed and conveying the metal strip out of the curved exit segment.

Abstract: In a method for casting prefabricated products in a continuous casting device, having a casting mold and a strand guide downstream of the casting mold, wherein the strand guide has rolls positioned opposite one another in pairs for supporting and guiding the solidifying cast strand, wherein some rolls are drive rolls and others are idle rolls, wherein drives are provided for the drive rolls, and wherein the drive rolls are adjustable against the cast strand in order to transmit guiding forces and strand conveying forces onto the cast strand in interaction with the idle rolls, the drive rolls and the drives are controlled to a preset rotational speed such that the drive rolls have circumferential speeds identical to one another within the limits of a preset casting speed. The motor torques of the drives are maintained at a level as equal as possible below a permissible torque limit value relative to a loadability of the strand shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjusting method for a roller section of a continuous casting machine which is provided with a section input side (6), a section output side (7) and a pair of roller carriers (1, 2) which each carry at least two rollers (3) extending over a supporting zone (4), with the roller carriers (1, 2) being mutually adjusted against one another by way of an adjusting unit arranged at the section input side (6) and at the section output side (7), with each adjusting unit being provided with two hydraulic cylinder units (8 to 11) arranged on either side of the supporting zone (4), characterized in that the hydraulic cylinder units (8 to 11) can be adjusted both in a position-controlled and pressure-controlled manner; the rollers (3) are placed in a position-controlled manner by the hydraulic cylinder units (8 to 11) against a metal billet (5) which is guided by the rollers (3); the hydraulic cylinder units (8 to 11) are changed over from position-controlled to pressure-controlled o

Abstract: In a method for casting prefabricated products in a continuous casting device, having a casting mold and a strand guide downstream of the casting mold, wherein the strand guide has rolls positioned opposite one another in pairs for supporting and guiding the solidifying cast strand, wherein some rolls are drive rolls and others are idle rolls, wherein drives are provided for the drive rolls, and wherein the drive rolls are adjustable against the cast strand in order to transmit guiding forces and strand conveying forces onto the cast strand in interaction with the idle rolls, the drive rolls and the drives are controlled to a preset rotational speed such that the drive rolls have circumferential speeds identical to one another within the limits of a preset casting speed. The motor torques of the drives are maintained at a level as equal as possible below a permissible torque limit value relative to a loadability of the strand shell.

Abstract: A continuous horizontal strip casting installation for producing a metal strip that can be coiled into a coil has a stationary draw-off unit with multiple draw-off rolls at a distance from a chill mold assigned to a furnace, a strip cutting unit which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the metal strip drawn out of the chill mold by the draw-off unit, and a coiling unit with coiling rolls, which can also be displaced in the same longitudinal direction. At least one draw-off roll and one coiling roll are driven in synchronization, and their drives are linked together by a programmable controller. The strip cutting unit is arranged between the draw-off unit and the coiling unit and is also linked to the programmable controller and is moved by the metal strip only when the strip is to be cut.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for guiding a strand, especially a steel strand in a continuous casting plant with a soft reduction zone in which hydraulic servo units continuously adjust the gap width between oppositely located strand guide rollers. In a strand guiding segment with 4 servo piston-cylinder units, two adjacent servo piston-cylinder units are adjusted relative to the strand so as to be linked with one another hydraulically. The rest of the servo piston-cylinder units are adjusted independently. The invention is further directed to a strand guide.

Abstract: In a strand guide for a continuous casting plant comprising a plurality of strand supporting elements for supporting the strand, in particular support segments carrying supporting rollers, several support segments being fastened adjacent each other on a supporting framework designed in one piece in its longitudinal extension, each support segment is fastened to the supporting framework by a fixed bearing and a movable bearing spaced apart therefrom in the longitudinal extension of the strand guide, each support segment, by at least one bearing, is pivotally mounted to the supporting framework so as to be pivotable about an axis, the axis being oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal extension of the strand guide and horizontally, as well as in a vertical plain passing through the longitudinal extension of the supporting framework and by at least one bearing is mounted so as to be adjustable with respect to the supporting framework in a direction toward the pivoting movement of the support segme

Abstract: A method and an installation for producing slabs in a continuous casting plant which includes a strand guiding unit arranged following the casting mold and divided into segments. Each segment is composed of a two-part segment frame whose frame parts are braced together by hydraulic cylinders. Rollers for supporting and conveying the solidifying cast strand are mounted in pairs opposite each other, wherein at least one of these rollers, i.e., the drive roller, is pressed with a defined adjusting force against the cast strand for transmitting the strand conveying forces.

Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting the position of at least one strand supporting element (5) relative to a supporting stand (9, 10) carrying at least one further strand supporting element (6), of a strand guide in a continuous casting plant comprises at least one hydraulic adjustment cylinder (12) contacting a strand supporting element (5) directly or indirectly on the one side and the supporting stand (9, 10) carrying a further strand supporting element (6) on the other side, the movement of the strand supporting element (5) being detectable via a position sensor (17) and controllable by means of an automatic controller (26). In order to safely attain the high precision in positioning the strand supporting elements (5, 6) sought for a strand guide at yet a minimum expenditure and a minimum susceptibility to failure, at least one directional control valve (21A, 21B) capable of being switched via a three-level controller (26) is provided for actuating the hydraulic adjustment cylinder (12) FIG. 2.

Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling system for steel strips includes a vertically working two-roll casting device, a first device for adding molten steel to the casting device, a second device for guiding a cast strip produced by the casting device into a horizontal position, a horizontally working rolling mill for working the cast strip, and a reel device receiving the strip worked in the horizontally working rolling mill. Each of the casting device, the first device, the second device, the horizontally working rolling mill and the reel device are controlled by respective individual closed-loop control systems. The system also includes a central control system connected to the first device, the casting device, the second device, the rolling mill and the reel device for an integrated adjustment of the respective individual closed-loop control systems as a function of mathematical models.

Abstract: A billet continuous casting machine comprises, a jacket for cooling an outer wall of a quadrangular tubular mold with cooling water, electromagnetic brakes disposed outside the mold and decelerating the flow of poured molten metal in the mold, an X ray-based level sensor for detecting the level of molten metal in the mold, notched portions formed at the corners of a quadrangular lower part of the mold, spray nozzles for spraying a cooling liquid directly onto the notched portions, and elastically pushing unit for imparting a pushing force corresponding to the static pressure of the molten metal to unnotched portions of the quadrangular lower part of the mold to push the unnotched portions inwardly of the mold, whereby molten metal is continuously poured into the cooled mold to solidify the molten metal so that a cast piece quadrangular in cross section is continuously produced. Delay in solidification at sites near the corners of the cast piece is eliminated, and high quality, high speed casting is realized.

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 apparatus are provided for direct casting of metal alloys from molten metal to continuous sheet or strip product while synchronizing the speeds of the casting surface and driven rolls by providing a master-slave relationship for controlling the casting process.

Abstract: An improved continuous casting mold and foot guide assembly includes a mold having a casting passage defined therein, a frame member, mounting structure for mounting the frame member to the mold for relative movement toward and away from an axis of the casting passage, and a strand support member for providing support to a strand of continuously cast material as it emerges from the casting passage. Biasing structure is provided for biasing the frame member toward the axis of the casting passage and, advantageously, is positioned so as not to occupy space that is behind the frame member. As a result, the assembly is compatible with all models of casting machines and will be less susceptible to degradation as a result of radiant heat and steam that is emitted from the strand during operation. In addition, a load cell is provided for monitoring the amount of relative force between the frame member and the strand during operation.

Abstract: The method enhances the quality of cast metal being cast in a continuous casting process. In particular, the method combines temperature and quality control sensing to achieve closed-loop control of the cooling of molten metal in a continuous caster.

Abstract: A billet guiding unit of a continuous casting plant for thin slabs includes guide rolls supported on oppositely located frames, wherein the frames are tensioned relative to each other against stop surfaces by means of tension rods. Hydraulic cylinders for extending or stretching the tension rods are mounted between corresponding stop surfaces of the frames. The distance between oppositely located rows of rolls of the frames are corrected by determining a lower deviation side of the slab by carrying out a continuous measurement of the thickness of the slab sides, by determining from the difference of the dimensions the required extension of the tension rods on the lower deviation side and by applying to the hydraulic cylinders the pressure required for the extension of the tension rods.

Abstract: A liquid metal/solid metal interface detecting device comprises in general a radiation source for generating gamma radiation, which is directed to pass through a strand extruded from a continuous casting mold. A detector detects the gamma radiation passing through the partially solidified strand to determine a spatial profile for a liquid metal/solid metal interface by relying on the different gamma radiation attenuation characteristics of the solid metal and the liquid metal. Preferably, the gamma radiation is at energies of greater than one million electron volts. In some embodiments, a movable support carries the radiation source and the detector and moves the radiation source and detector along and around the ingot enabling generation of a three-dimensional profile of the liquid metal/solid metal interface by utilizing tomographic imaging techniques.

Abstract: A continuous casting mold comprises a mold tube encased in a water jacket. A radioactive source on one side of the mold tube and scintillation crystal detector on the opposite side of the mold tube are employed to gauge the level of the molten metal in the tube. The amount of radioactive source material is maintained at an inherently safe level by disposing the source material in one or more recesses in the wall of the mold tube and by employment of a "gel" light tube connection between the scintillation crystal and a photomultiplier.

Abstract: A liquid metal/solid metal interface detecting device comprises in general a radiation source for generating gamma radiation, which is directed to pass through a strand extruded from a continuous casting mold. A detector detects the gamma radiation passing through the partially solidified strand to determine a spatial profile for a liquid metal/solid metal interface by relying on the different gamma radiation attenuation characteristics of the solid metal and the liquid metal. Preferably, the gamma radiation is at energies of greater than one million electron volts. In some embodiments, a movable support carries the radiation source and the detector and moves the radiation source and detector along and around the ingot enabling generation of a three-dimensional profile of the liquid metal/solid metal interface by utilizing tomographic imaging techniques.

Abstract: A teeming arrangement for a continuous casting apparatus comprises a tundish, a casting nozzle which projects from the bottom of the tundish, and a stopper rod for regulating flow through the casting nozzle. The nozzle has an inlet end and an outlet end and narrows progressively from each of these ends to the middle of the nozzle. The distance from the middle of the nozzle to either end is at least 7 cm. The stopper rod is movable between a closed position in which it seals the middle of the nozzle and an open position in which the nozzle is unobstructed. In the open position, the stopper rod and the nozzle define an annular gap, and the gap has a section which extends from the inlet end of the nozzle partway to the middle and narrows in a direction from the inlet end towards the outlet end. During casting, molten material is discharged from a bath in the tundish via the nozzle and forms a molten pool in a mold.

Abstract: A process for continuous casting of a metal comprises continuously withdrawing a strand of the metal from a mold along a strand withdrawal direction, measuring the expansion of an inside wall of the mold along the strand withdrawal direction to obtain a component of inside wall expansion in the strand withdrawal direction due to mechanical forces exerted on the inside wall, and controlling the speed of withdrawal based on the component of inside wall expansion in the strand withdrawal direction due to mechanical forces. If the component of inside wall expansion of in the strand withdrawal direction due to mechanical forces exceeds certain limit values, the withdrawal step is slowed or interrupted, thereby eliminating break-outs due to cobbles. In an embodiment of the invention, expansion measurements are also taken along a direction transverse to the withdrawal direction, enabling the elimination of the component of expansion in the withdrawal direction due to heat.

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 twin roll-type sheet continuous casting apparatus includes a nozzle for supplying molten metal; a pair of casting rolls for casting the molten metal supplied from the nozzle into a sheet, the casting rolls being horizontally disposed in parallel relation to each other, being cooled, and rotated in opposite directions, respectively; a coiler; and a support sheet extending generally horizontally below the pair of casting rolls for receiving the cast sheet and transferring it to the coiler, and being taken up by the coiler along with the cast sheet placed therein. Since tension is not applied to the cast sheet, even a brittle material can be continuously cast into a sheet. Also, a dummy sheet requested for starting the casting of the sheet becomes unnecessary, and even when a rupture of the sheet occurs, the apparatus can be continuously operated without stopping the operation.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for the continuous casting of slabs and blooms which uses a soft-reduction line including a pair of movable rollers arranged in a plane perpendicular to slab movement and a mechanism for driving the rollers towards each other and an adjustable spindle for holding the rollers apart by a desired gap, the load on the spindle is reduced during the spindle adjustment process. This reduction in load may be temporary in which case, after the adjustment is complete and the new gap has been established, the spindle load is retuned to its pre-adjustment value. Alternatively, the spindle can operate in a reduced load condition permanently in which case the desired gap can be set continuously using the reduced-load spindle with only a small spindle adjustment force being necessary.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for withdrawing a strand in a horizontal continuous casting installation, the strand is withdrawn from a mold by a predetermined stroke and then retracted by a smaller stroke corresponding to shrinkage of the strand. This cycle of withdrawal and retraction is repeated intermittently. A strand withdrawing and retracting characteristic of a cycle is set in a control unit, and pinch rolls for withdrawing and retracting the strand are controlled based on the set characteristic. Actual withdrawing and retracting strokes of the strand are detected by a detecting device and the detected signal is compared with the set characteristic to produce an instruction signal which is fed back to the pinch rolls, so that the positional accuracy of the strand and the quality of the strand are improved.

Abstract: A control system in combination with a horizontal continuous caster includes a casting system drive motor having a control loop operative thereon which also includes a start of stroke board. A cam selection system provides for application of individual cam profiles to the control loop of the motor. A display system provides display of the individual applied cam profiles and actual casting motion. Additional monitoring systems provide direct control of multiple system functions during the casting process. The control system based on velocity versus time is simplified in construction and provides rapid and precise control.

Abstract: A method of avoiding run out on a machine for casting between rolls is disclosed. The method measures the value of a parameter such as the electric strength or fluid pressure supplying the motor which rotates the rolls, or the torque or force exerted by the strip on at least one of the rolls, at at least 20 equidistant positions at the periphery of at least one of the rolls and during each revolution. As soon as a reduction in the value of at least one of these parameters is observed in 3 successive positions during revolution n, relative to the value at the same positions read during revolution n-1, the rotary speed of the roll is reduced until the difference disappears, then the roll is gradually returned to the initial speed. This method enables strips of normal length to be cast without any being discarded and without any scrap being produced.

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: A plate-like rolled material fed from a continuous casting equipment is rolled by a vertical mill for width control. A pair of horizontal mills are disposed one on each of the entry side and the delivery side of the vertical mill. Both the horizontal mills are controlled in their speeds to impart a predetermined tensile force to the rolled material without effecting thickness control of the rolled material. The roll speed of the horizontal mill disposed on the delivery side is controlled to be higher than that of the horizontal mill disposed on the entry side. This enables preventing of failure in the shape of the rolled material.

Abstract: A method for continuous casting of thin slab ingots with reduced thickness following immediately the casting particularly of steel under utilization of a mold which is open at the bottom and under further utilization of roller pairs arranged along the withdrawal path, at least some of them are driven and at least some of the rollers are hydraulically adjustable perpendicular from the path so as to act as ingot deforming rolls. The invention is further improved by determining the speed of driven rollers, and the pressure force of adjustable roller pairs acting against the ingot and providing feedback control for the speed and the force. Additionally, providing a master control action for the speed control such that a point of solidification is dynamically maintained in a particular geometric position as far as the passing ingot is concerned; and by limiting the adjustment of rollers as far as the gap between pairs of such rollers is concerned downstream from that point.

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 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: Molten metal is introduced into a tubular mold and is withdrawn from the mold in the partly solidified state. There is included a sensor to measure the behavior of the metal strand as close as possible to the mold in order to control or regulate the drive unit for the withdrawal of the strand on a continuous casting machine. For a more precise determination of the actual conditions, the movement of the strand is measured in an area close as possible to the point where the strand leaves the mold. The measurement of the movement may be made in a non-contact and non-delayed manner by the sensor which responds to radiation. The sensor is designed and positioned so that it produces an evaluatable measurement signal in response to the displacement-time behavior of the strand. The measurement signal is transmitted to a display unit and/or evaluation unit for adjustment of the drive unit in order to obtain the desired speed of withdrawal.

Abstract: This invention relates to formation of strip or other small sections by casting of metal and passing it through a sizing die. More particularly, the invention relates to production of metal strip by casting, by extruding the strip through a die and by rolling the extruded strip to a thinner gauge.

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 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: A discharging device for a continuous caster has two three-phase motors as its drive member. For the discharging process, these three-phase motors selectively charge the drive mechanism of the drive shaft for the drive rollers in opposite directions. The three-phase motors are selectively connected with the drive mechanism via separate electromagnetic couplings and thus produce the forward and reverse movement of the casting profile. Simple additional devices permit fully automatic operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the integrated, continuous, high speed manufacture of metallic strip, especially brass, from a melt. The apparatus comprises a chilled casting mold in liquid communication with a melt, means for drawing a rod through the mold at a constant rate and means for oscillating the mold in a pattern of forward and reverse strokes with respect to the direction of travel of the rod. Conversion of the rod to strip comprises flattening in a hot rolling mill, and quenching. In accordance with known procedures, the produced strip can be further reduced in cross section in one or more cold rolling mill or other hot rolling mills if desired.

Abstract: In a horizontal continuous casting machine having a casting withdrawing cycle consisting of withdrawing, stopping and push-back periods, a method of controlling the stop of the flow of a casting during the stopping period of the withdrawing cycle so as to stop the flow of the casting within a predetermined period. The desired braking torque is calculated in consideration of the load variations due to the casting condition of the horizontal continuous casting machine and the braking torque is applied to the pinch roll shafts upon the termination of the withdrawing period thereby effecting the stop of the flow of the casting during the stopping period within the predetermined time.

Abstract: Molten metal 23 is streamed as a jet 25 from a nozzle 17 toward a cooling liquid layer 24 formed by the centrifugal force of a rotary drum 1 in rotation. The jet 25 is quenched and solidified to form a metal filament. The front end portion of the metal filament rides on a pickup 13a. The pickup 13a rotates synchronously with the rotary drum 1 and, during this synchronous rotation, it is displaced radially inwardly of the rotary drum. The front end portion of the metal filament is attracted by magnetic force to a magnet roller 19 from the pickup 13a. A following portion of the metal filament are wound and held on the magnet roller 19 in rotation. Subsequently, the magnet roller 19 moves toward a winder located outside the drum 1 to deliver the metal filament to the winder so that the metal filament is wound on the winder directly from the rotating drum.

Abstract: For preventing break-out in a continuous casting plant in which the quantity of molten material being supplied to a mold is controlled to a predetermined level, changes in the quantity of molten material being supplied to the mold is constantly monitored. The time behavior of quantity increases of molten material being supplied to the mold is determined and a break-out signal is produced when the quantity of molten material increases at more than a predetermined rate. The break-out signal may be produced only when the rate of change of molten material in the mold and the rate of change of the speed of a casting leaving the mold are less than predetermined values.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous horizontal casting with a stationary mold and the casting method accomplished with such apparatus contemplates employing at least one gripper roll pair which directly engages a casting which is then withdrawn in steps or incrementally from the mold. At least one roll of each roll pair is driven by a stepping DC-motor to which it is directly coupled. Each casting withdrawal step can be divided into substeps which are controllable to produce a uniform preset speed pattern during each step.

Abstract: In a horizontal continuous casting plant which includes a mold and an oscillatory withdrawal device downstream of the mold, the withdrawal device is positioned along the strand path, by a computer-controlled motor, at a point such that the strand will not be damaged or impaired by the pressure applied to it by the strand engagement elements of the withdrawal device. Preferably, the strand engagement elements comprises one or more pairs of rollers which also are adjustable, by computer-controlled motors, to a desired elevation and separation to accommodate a range of cross-sectional dimensions of the strand.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimally operating a wheel-type continuous caster such that solidification porosity and macrosegregation in the continuous strand thus produced is substantially minimized while casting speed is substantially maximized subject to that condition. Continuous casting is adjusted from an operational condition where solidification porosity is forming by changing the solidification rate so as to cause the terminus of the solidification zone to shift location in the direction of increasing metalostatic pressure until the point where solidification porosity ceases to form or its occurrence is minimized; further provided that in the vicinity of the solidification terminus the direction of increasing metalostatic pressure is maintained counter to the direction of casting.

Abstract: A method of treating a continuous cast strand in a horizontal continuous casting process wherein when the level of molten steel within a tundish becomes lower than a prescribed level at a portion near the upper surface of a tundish nozzle at final stage of the casting process, drawing of the continuous cast strand is discontinued, and after a lapse of a specified time the drawing of the continuous cast strand is again performed and the strand is broken at the feed nozzle.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the process and system for controlling the level of molten metal in a plurality of vertically oriented, continuous or semicontinuous casting units, particularly electromagnetic casting units. The flows of molten metal to the individual casting units are adjusted automatically in response to a control set point signal from a master controller in order to maintain essentially the same molten metal level in all of the casting units. Improved startup and termination procedures are also given.