Molten metal pouring control method and apparatus for use in continuous casting equipment

Abstract

The pouring of molten metal from a tundish to a mold in a continuous casting process is controlled by regulating the variable opening of a tundish nozzle. The level of the molten metal in the mold is measured and compared with a desired preset level and the nozzle opening is varied in accordance with the difference between the measured level of the metal and the preset level in the mold. The nozzle opening is detected and an electrical signal representative thereof is provided to the input of a servo amplifier along with the difference between the measured level of the molten metal and the preset level in the mold to provide a control signal for varying the opening of the nozzle in the tundish. A component of the electrical signal representing a desired minimum opening of the nozzle opening to prevent the full closing thereof is also provided. Different openings of the nozzle in the tundish with respect to the stroke of the piston of a servo cylinder for actuating the nozzle opening are attained by a switch which modifies the electrical signal.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.