Kinetic model for the generation and accumulation of Al2O3 in mold flux during the continuous casting of a Fe–Al–Mn–C steel

The relationship between temperature and Al mass transfer coefficient through experiments was established. A kinetic model was developed to predict the generation and accumulation of Al2O3 in mold flux during the continuous casting of the Fe–Al–Mn–C steel. The model aimed to adjust casting conditions, optimizing the actual property of Fe–Al–Mn–C steel. There were three main influence factors of Al2O3 evolution in the mold flux during the continuous casting of Fe–Al–Mn–C steels was considered, including the reaction between steels and mold fluxes, the consumption of the mold flux, and the addition of the mold flux. The accuracy of the model was validated using plant data from the casting of Fe–2%Al–23%Mn-0.17%C steel with 40% SiO2 mold flux as well as the casting of Fe-1.42%Al steel with 10% SiO2 mold flux. The influences of the casting temperature, pool depth, mold flux consumption rate, and casting speed on the evolution of Al2O3 in the mold flux during the continuous casting process of Fe–Al-2.2%Mn–C steels were predicted. Additionally, the effect of various initial Al contents in steels and initial Al2O3/SiO2 ratio in mold fluxes on Al2O3 evolution was further investigated.