Breakout warning method, utilizing acoustics, in a continuous casting installation and apparatus for its implementation

A method for producing a breakout warning signal in a continuous casting installation wherein billets are formed within a continuous casting mold, said method using a sound recorder, storage means and comparator means, and wherein said method comprises:

• continuously measuring instantaneously actual sound signals around said mold with said sound recorder during operation of said mold;
• storing and delaying said actual sound signals within said storage means to form delayed reference sound signals;
• sending said delayed reference sound signals to said comparator means;
• sending instantaneously said actual sound signals to said comparator means for comparison with said delayed reference sound signals;
• and
• generating said breakout warning signal upon detecting with said comparator means a difference greater than at least one predetermined threshold value between said instantaneously sent actual sound signals and said delayed reference sound signals.