Mould Fluxes in the Steel Continuous Casting Process

The continuous casting process has seen significant advancements, now accounting for over 90% of global steel production. This chapter focuses on the role of mould fluxes, which are synthetic slags composed of various oxides, minerals, and carbonaceous materials, in producing high-quality semi-finished steel products such as slabs and billets. Mould fluxes have several critical functions during the casting process, including influencing the solidification of liquid steel poured into a water-cooled copper mould via a submerged entry nozzle. The chemical composition of mould fluxes, including the proportions of silica, calcium oxide, sodium oxide, aluminum oxide, and magnesium oxide, is essential for their performance and effectiveness. The chapter discusses the methodology of adding mould fluxes to the process, either manually or automatically, with an emphasis on automated methods for ensuring stability in manufacturing conditions. Additionally, various operational variables affecting the continuous casting process, such as casting speed and mould oscillation characteristics, are highlighted. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into optimizing the use of mould fluxes and improving the quality of steel products in the continuous casting process.