Novel Method for Predicting the Evolution of Mold Flux Properties during High‐Titanium Steel Continuous Casting

The current study combines the dynamic prediction model for mold flux composition in continuous casting with static prediction models for mold flux property to predict evolution of compositions and properties. The composition prediction model simplifies the continuous casting process into an “equilibrium–mass transfer–consumption–replenishment” cycle calculation within a time step, which accurately predicts the composition evolution during the continuous casting for high‐titanium steel. The mold flux viscosity is calculated using the structural model and the semiempirical model. Updated mold flux compositions at each time step are used to precisely predict liquidus temperature, the break temperature, crystallinity, and surface tension during the continuous casting. The effects of different mold flux types and initial Ti content in steel on mold flux property evolution are studied. Results demonstrate that CaO–Al 2 O 3 ‐based (CA) mold flux weakens the fluctuation of property compared to CaO–SiO 2 –Al 2 O 3 ‐based (CSA) and CaO–SiO 2 –based (CS) mold fluxes for high‐titanium steel continuous casting. The relative viscosity change of CA mold flux remains below 7.5%, while surface tension varies from 497.3 to 499.4 mN m −1 and then decreases to 496.7 mN m −1 . When the initial Ti content in steel exceeds 0.7 wt%, the Ti–Al 2 O 3 reaction gradually strengthens, which decreases the equilibrium Al 2 O 3 content in mold flux.