Twin-belt continuous casting wherein the belts are sensed by mechanical probes

Abstract

Continuous casting methods and apparatus are described wherein the flexible casting belts in twin-belt machines having two or more main rolls in each belt carriage are sensed by mechanical probes, and belt temperatures are controllably elevated prior to contact with the molten metal to improve the casting conditions and the operation of the thin flexible casting belts; the temperature elevation preferably being relatively gradual may be carried out while the travelling belts are approaching the nip rolls or while the belts are in contact with the nip rolls, or both. Zone control of belt pre-heating is disclosed, and control of the coolant streams issuing from the curved nip roll tubes by use of fingernail-like extenders may be provided to aid in pre-heating the belts and in controlling their operation. Intensive infra-red heaters are shown directed at close range toward the casting surfaces of the belts, these heaters serving also to cure and dry any coating material on the belts. Heating by means of hot fluid, such as steam, is described, with the hot fluid being directed into the deep grooves in the nip roll beneath the rear surfaces of the casting belts. Mechanical and thermal sensors are employed to sense the distortion of the belts and to measure their operating temperatures, these sensors being shown with automatic control of the belt pre-heating action. The methods and apparatus of the invention can be applied to twin-belt casting machines regardless of whether the molten metal is supplied by open pool, closed pool or injection feeding.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.