Controlling the deformation of the sidewalls of a crystalliser - so that deformation is almost nil and greater extraction speeds are achieved

摘要

A continuous-casting crystalliser with increased heat exchange comprises a crystalliser (11) cooperating externally with a box-shaped structure (13) creating cooling chambers (14) in which a cooling fluid circulates to cool the skin of the billets (24) being formed. Intermediate walls (20) create circulation channels (21) in cooperation with the outer surface (12) of the sidewalls. An upper zone (37) is in cooperation with the vicinity of the meniscus and with the portion below the meniscus (27) of liquid metal and a lower zone (38) cooperates with the vicinity of the zone of separation of the forming skin and extends towards the outlet of the crystalliser (11). The pressure of the cooling fluid in the lower zone (38) is a function of the desired value (gl) of an air interspace (36) between the sidewall (12) of the crystalliser (11) and the skin of the forming billet (24) this desired value of air interspace (36) tending towards a zero value.