Submerged Entry Nozzles for Thin Slab Caster

Reliable Submerged Entry Nozzles for Thin Slab Continuous Casting

Submerged Entry Nozzles (SENs) are critical refractory components in continuous casting. They transfer molten steel from the tundish into the mold while keeping the steel stream protected from direct contact with the atmosphere.

For thin slab casting, nozzle design is particularly important because the casting process requires stable molten steel flow, reliable refractory performance and consistent control of the steel stream inside the mold.

Qingdao Dongye Refractory Material Co., Ltd. manufactures submerged entry nozzles for thin slab continuous casting applications. We provide customized refractory solutions based on caster configuration, steel grade, casting conditions and customer drawings.

What Is a Submerged Entry Nozzle?

A submerged entry nozzle is installed between the tundish and mold and extends below the molten steel surface during continuous casting.

Its main functions are to:

· Transfer molten steel from the tundish to the mold

· Protect the steel stream from atmospheric re-oxidation

· Control the direction and distribution of molten steel entering the mold

· Reduce direct impact of the steel stream on the mold surface

· Help maintain stable mold flow conditions

· Reduce the risk of excessive turbulence and steel contamination

For thin slab casters, these functions become especially important because the mold geometry and casting conditions place specific requirements on nozzle dimensions, outlet configuration and refractory performance.

Why Thin Slab Casting Requires the Right SEN Design

Thin slab continuous casting differs from conventional slab casting in mold geometry, casting speed and steel-flow requirements.

A submerged entry nozzle must therefore be designed to match the specific casting system rather than selected only according to its nominal size.

Important considerations include:

· Mold dimensions

· Tundish configuration

· Casting speed

· Steel grade

· Casting temperature

· Nozzle immersion depth

· Port geometry

· Required casting sequence

· Slag conditions

· Argon protection requirements

An inappropriate nozzle design can contribute to unstable steel flow, excessive erosion, clogging or premature nozzle failure.

For this reason, we recommend evaluating the complete operating condition before selecting the SEN material and structure.

Key Performance Requirements

1. Stable Molten Steel Flow

The internal bore and outlet-port geometry of the SEN directly affect the flow of molten steel from the tundish into the mold.

A properly designed nozzle helps provide a stable and predictable flow pattern while reducing unnecessary turbulence.

For thin slab casting, nozzle geometry should be matched to the mold and casting parameters.

2. Resistance to Thermal Shock

During operation, the SEN is exposed to molten steel at extremely high temperatures. Rapid heating during installation can create significant thermal stress.

High thermal shock resistance helps reduce the possibility of cracking during preheating and casting.

3. Resistance to Molten Steel Erosion

The internal bore and outlet areas are continuously exposed to high-temperature molten steel.

Good erosion resistance helps maintain the original flow passage during the required casting sequence and supports more consistent steel-flow conditions.

4. Resistance to Slag and Chemical Corrosion

The nozzle may be exposed to mold powder, tundish slag and other chemically aggressive materials.

Material selection and local reinforcement can be considered according to the customer’s actual operating conditions.

5. Anti-Clogging Performance

Nozzle clogging can interfere with steel flow and negatively affect casting stability.

The causes of clogging can be related to steel chemistry, deoxidation products, refractory interaction, temperature and casting conditions.

Therefore, nozzle material and design should be evaluated together with the customer’s steelmaking and casting process.

6. Reliable Dimensional Accuracy

A submerged entry nozzle must fit the tundish and mold system accurately.

Important dimensions include:

· Overall length

· Outer diameter

· Internal bore diameter

· Upper connection dimensions

· Port dimensions

· Port angle

· Immersion length

· Connection and sealing configuration

Dongye can manufacture customized SENs according to customer drawings and technical specifications.

Refractory Materials for Thin Slab SENs

The refractory material should be selected according to the customer’s casting conditions.

Depending on the application, different refractory compositions and composite structures can be considered to balance thermal shock resistance, erosion resistance and corrosion resistance.

Common refractory systems used for submerged entry nozzles include alumina-carbon and other carbon-containing composite refractory materials.

For demanding applications, different sections of the nozzle can be designed with different material characteristics.

The appropriate solution depends on:

· Steel grade

· Casting temperature

· Casting speed

· Casting sequence

· Steel cleanliness requirements

· Tundish slag composition

· Mold powder condition

· Expected nozzle service life

Instead of recommending the same material for every customer, Dongye evaluates the actual application before confirming the product specification.

Customized Submerged Entry Nozzles

Every thin slab caster can have different equipment dimensions and operating requirements.

Dongye supports customized submerged entry nozzles according to customer drawings, samples and technical specifications.

Customization can include:

Nozzle Dimensions

· Overall length

· Outer diameter

· Internal bore

· Wall thickness

· Immersion depth

Outlet Design

· Number of ports

· Port diameter

· Port angle

· Outlet configuration

· Flow-control geometry

Connection Design

· Tundish connection

· Upper connection

· Sealing configuration

· Argon protection arrangement

Material Configuration

· Standard refractory composition

· Composite refractory structure

· Reinforced wear areas

· Customized slag-line section

How to Select a SEN for a Thin Slab Caster

If you are replacing an existing SEN or developing a new nozzle for a thin slab caster, the following information can help determine the appropriate specification.

1. Caster and Mold Information

Provide the caster type, mold dimensions and relevant equipment drawings whenever possible.

2. Steel Grade

Different steel grades may create different requirements for refractory compatibility, clogging resistance and steel cleanliness.

3. Casting Speed

Higher casting speeds can increase requirements for flow stability and refractory wear resistance.

4. Casting Temperature

The operating temperature affects thermal shock and refractory corrosion.

5. Casting Sequence

Longer sequences generally require greater resistance to erosion, corrosion and thermal damage.

6. Current Nozzle Problems

If your existing SEN has problems such as:

· Premature cracking

· Excessive erosion

· Nozzle clogging

· Unstable steel flow

· Port enlargement

· Slag-line corrosion

· Short casting sequence

please provide the relevant operating information.

This helps us determine whether the problem is primarily related to material selection, nozzle geometry, installation or casting conditions.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

A submerged entry nozzle directly affects the stability of the continuous casting process. Consistent manufacturing quality is therefore essential.

Qingdao Dongye Refractory Material Co., Ltd. has independent R&D and quality-control capabilities, supported by production equipment, manufacturing technology and testing facilities.

Our quality management focuses on controlling key stages from raw material preparation to finished-product inspection.

Depending on the confirmed product specification, inspection and quality control may include:

· Raw material inspection

· Chemical composition control

· Forming-process control

· Dimensional inspection

· Visual inspection

· Physical property testing

· Finished-product inspection

For customized SENs, production follows the confirmed technical specification, drawing or approved sample.

Dongye’s Experience in Continuous Casting Refractories

Qingdao Dongye Refractory Material Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer of functional refractories for the steel industry.

Our major continuous casting refractory products include:

· Submerged entry nozzles

· Ladle shrouds

· Monoblock stoppers

· Tundish upper nozzles

· Long nozzles

· Zirconia sizing nozzles

The company integrates design, R&D, manufacturing, construction and international trade.

Our refractory products have been applied by dozens of medium and large steel enterprises in China and exported to markets in Europe, America and Southeast Asia.

Dongye also provides tundish refractory contracting services, giving our technical team practical experience with the interaction between individual refractory components and the overall continuous casting process.

Application of Submerged Entry Nozzles

Dongye’s SEN solutions can be customized for different continuous casting applications, including:

· Thin slab continuous casting

· Slab casting

· Carbon steel casting

· Alloy steel casting

· Low-carbon steel casting

· High-cleanliness steel production

The final nozzle configuration should be determined according to the customer’s actual casting equipment and operating conditions.

Why Choose Dongye Submerged Entry Nozzles?

Professional Refractory Manufacturer

Dongye focuses on functional refractory products used in steelmaking, continuous casting, precision casting and metal melting.

Integrated Technical Capability

We integrate product design, development, manufacturing, construction and export services.

This allows us to support customers not only with individual refractory products but also with application-oriented refractory solutions.

Independent R&D and Quality Control

Our independent R&D and quality-control capabilities support continuous improvement of refractory materials, manufacturing processes and product consistency.

Customized Manufacturing

We manufacture SENs according to customer drawings, dimensions and operating requirements instead of relying only on standard specifications.

International Supply

Dongye products have been supplied to customers in China and exported to Europe, America and Southeast Asia.

Request a Customized SEN Solution

If you are looking for submerged entry nozzles for a thin slab caster, send us your existing nozzle drawing, dimensions or sample together with your steel grade, casting speed, casting temperature and required casting sequence.

Our technical team can evaluate the operating conditions and recommend a suitable SEN material and design.

Qingdao Dongye Refractory Material Co., Ltd.

Professional manufacturer of functional refractories for steelmaking and continuous casting.

Contact Dongye for a customized submerged entry nozzle solution and quotation.