Prediction and Optimization of Water Flux Distribution for Flat Nozzles in Slab Continuous Casting

Flat nozzles are widely used in the continuous casting process due to their stable spraying effect, wide spraying area, and strong applicability. The type and arrangement of nozzles have a direct effect on cooling efficiency and blank quality. Herein, the spray characteristics of flat nozzles in slab continuous casting are investigated with a detecting apparatus developed by University of Science and Technology Beijing and Jiangsu Boji Company (named USTB‐BOJI DA), and a prediction model for water flux distribution under different flat nozzle arrangements is established. The results show that the nozzles in a foot roller zone have good spray performance and water flow distribution, while the nozzles in bending zones are poor. Comparing the predicted and measured results of water flux distributions, the average error is less than 0.24%, indicating that the predictive model is reliable. In addition, the evaluation index is defined for water flux distribution under multinozzle arrangement, and the solution equations are given by applying the predictive model. Combining the above research, a new design and optimization strategy/method for flat nozzle arrangements is proposed, which can significantly improve the uniformity of the water flux distribution of the spray in the secondary cooling zones during continuous casting.