Numerical Investigation of Fluid Flow Phenomenon in a Curved Shape Tundish of Billet Caster

The conventional delta shaped tundish (rectangular with sloping walls) is currently used in many industries for billet caster. The effective volume in this type of tundish is significantly low and results in a lower quality of steel. In the present work, a three-dimensional mathematical model has been used to study the fluid flow characteristics in a six strand billet caster tundish whose one side is curved. The results obtained were compared with a conventional delta shaped tundish and the strong role of curvature in modifying the fluid flow characteristics is noticed. Investigations were performed to study the effect of ladle pouring point in a curved shape tundish. It was found that fluid flow characteristics can be improved by placing the ladle pouring point at the right position. Simulations have been performed for two different shapes of pouring chamber to investigate the role of curvature in the flow control devices. The results obtained confirmed the strong role of curvature to get the improved characteristics for inclusion flotation. The mathematical model has been validated by the experimental results of Singh and Koria for a single strand bare tundish.