Impact of the Density of the Mould Powder on Thickness of the Layer of Liquid Slag in the Continuous Caster Mould

The demand of highest possible effectiveness is put on all production processes, while the highest quality is demanded from products. These requirements are particularly justifi ed in the steel industry, due to high cost of technical equipment assembly and production cost. In such conditions continuous processes are of signifi cant meaning, since they facilitate maximum utilization of production equipment capacity as well as mechanization, automation and computerization of the process. One of the processes that was subject to a particular development in the recent several dozens of years is continuous casting of steel. Remarkable production and economic effects of continuous casting cause that this advanced material technology is still developing, which results in the change in the form of material used for process optimization and protection of the cast slab from formation of various defects. Mould powders play a key role in continuous casting of steel, therefore the quality of slab depends mostly on the said powders. In view of that, all research on the desired properties of the applied powders become of signifi cant meaning . Effective mould powders should: – protect liquid steel meniscus from oxidation, – lubricate the cast strip, – ensure the optimum horizontal exchange of heat for the cast steel grade, – absorb non-metallic inclusions emerging from liquid steel [1]. Proper satisfaction of the said functions is possible with properly selected physical and chemical properties of powders, irrespective of the form these are supplied to the mould of the CCM. MECHANISMS OF SLAG INFLUENCE ON THE PROCESSES OCCURRING IN THE CONCAST MOULD