Crystalline Structure in Continuously Cast Steel Ingot

The present invention relates to a method of improving the crystalline and grain structure and texture in continuously cast steel.

A machine for continuously casting of steel includes usually a tundish from which the molten steel is poured into the mold. As a consequence of the currently used method, a zone of dendritic crystal structure is formed in the solidifying casting; that is to say, the alloy elements such as Mn, S, C and others, have a higher concentration in the central portions of the casting than in more outwardly located zones. This change in concentration across the cross-section leads to liquation and separation of alloy elements in the center of the ingot.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the crystal structure of continously cast steel ingots by reducing the dendritic solidification and enhencing the globulitic solidification.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is suggested to modify the use of the tundish in that quick-vaporizing additives are added to the liquid steel under excess pressure such as two atmospheres so that the formation of seeds for globulitic solidification is enhenced. The additives should form oxides, and one will use Ca, Mg or rare earth materials, all preferably in powder form, and with an evaporation temperature of 1500.degree. C. or below. It was found that the elements solved in the steel are better distributed in the ingot if the steel is treated in the tundish in the stated manner. A more uniform distribution of the alloy additives improves the steel, particulary in regard to further working and processing the ingot.

In practicing the invention, one may use a pressure chamber surrounding the steel as pouring into the tundish to which is added Ca, Mg or a rare earth. In addition, unalloyed or alloyed iron powder may be added to the steel to further enhence seed formation for globulitic crystallization. Equipment usuable in conjunction with this process is shown in application Ser. No. 770,449, filed Feb. 18, 1977, by us and others.

We found that by adding at least 360 g per minute Ca and/or Mg to the steel at a casting rate and steel through-put of 6 tons (metric) per minute, the final oxygen content was 30 ppm. More than doubly the Ca/Mg amount per minute and for the same steel through-put of 6 tons per minute resulted in the same oxygen content and 60 ppm sulfur in final steel.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but all changes and modifications thereof not constituting departures from the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be included.