Numerical simulation of Al2O3 deposition at a nozzle during continuous casting

The effects of various factors, such as argon flow rate and slide gate opening ratio, on the alumina deposition rate were researched by the numerical simulation method. The pressure in the nozzle is significantly affected by argon flow rate and slide gate opening ratio. To keep positive pressure in the nozzle, the argon flow rate should be increased with a decrease in slide gate opening ratio. The effect of argon flow rate on the alumina deposition rate depends on the condition of opening ratio or casting speed. The effect of increasing the argon flow rate on the deposition rate is not obvious when the opening ratio is small. The Al2O3 deposition rate decreases significantly with an increase in argon flow rate when the argon flow rate is low, but it decreases slowly when the argon flow rate reaches a certain value. The alumina deposition rate is linear with alumina content at different slide gate opening ratios and argon flow rates. The observed thickness of the deposition layer at the bottom and outlet of a real clogged nozzle is almost equal to the result of the numerical simulation.