Investigation on Caster Breakout During Flying Tundish Change and Separation Plate Using Innovative Techniques at ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s No. 1 Continuous Caster

A caster breakout event occurred at ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s No. 1 Continuous Caster in proximity to a grade transition with a flying tundish change and separator plate. Practices of flying tundish changes and separator plates have been well-established to cast grades of different chemistries with minimal interruption to productivity. Hence, it was unusual that a breakout occurred, well below the mold, despite these practices and this specific grade transition being successful multiple times prior. This paper discusses innovative tools and techniques for the extensive investigation carried out and proposes an explanation of the breakout event, supported through evidence in the autopsy.

Authors:

Mr. Jackie Leung | ArcelorMittal Global R&D Hamilton
 

Mr. Norbert Strobl | ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P.
 

Mr. Ali Mrad | ArcelorMittal Global R&D Hamilton
 

Session Chairs:

Shawn Duffy | Spraying Systems Co.
 

Phil Baker | Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa, Inc.
 

Lidia Yakovleva | Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor