Flow Control Device for Continuous Casting

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Flow Control Device (Slide Gate or Stopper Rod)

Definition

This flow control device is a critical component of the tundish in continuous casting systems. It precisely regulates the flow rate of molten steel from the tundish into the mold, ensuring a consistent, controlled stream essential for maintaining steel quality, preventing slag entrapment, and achieving the desired casting speed and strand geometry. The device is available in two primary configurations: a slide gate or a stopper rod. The slide gate uses a sliding plate with an aperture; aligning this aperture with a fixed plate controls the open area. The stopper rod is a refractory rod that is raised or lowered into a nozzle seat (collector nozzle) in the tundish bottom to throttle the flow. Both methods allow for precise, often automated, adjustment of the molten metal flow. The device is designed for use in basic metal manufacturing, specifically in continuous casting operations. It is a component that must be selected based on specific application requirements, including nominal size (50–150 mm), operating pressure (1.0–1.6 MPa), operating temperature (1500–1600 °C), flow rate (0.5–5.0 t/min), stroke length (50–200 mm), positioning accuracy (±0.5 mm), response time (0.1–0.5 s), actuator type (electric or hydraulic), control voltage (24 V DC ±10%), ingress protection (IP54–IP65), refractory material (Al₂O₃-C with ≥70% Al₂O₃), and weight (150–350 kg). These parameters are reference ranges and must be confirmed for the actual model and application. The device is constructed from refractory ceramics (e.g., alumina, zirconia) and steel for structural components. Standards such as ISO 6708, IEC 61131-2, IEC 60529, and ISO 10081-1 are listed as procurement references. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The device operates by creating a variable orifice. In a slide gate, a sliding plate with an aperture is moved relative to a fixed plate, changing the open area and thus the flow rate. In a stopper rod, a refractory rod is raised or lowered into a nozzle seat in the tundish bottom, throttling the flow. Both methods allow precise, often automated, adjustment of the molten metal flow. The actuator (electric or hydraulic) provides the force for movement, and the control system uses feedback from position sensors to achieve the desired flow rate. The device is designed to operate under high temperatures (1500–1600 °C) and pressures (1.0–1.6 MPa), with a response time of 0.1–0.5 s for automatic control.

Common Materials

Refractory ceramics (e.g., alumina, zirconia), Steel (for structural components)

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Nominal Size	50–150 mm	Matches tundish nozzle and mold entry dimensions.ISO 6708
Operating Temperature	1500–1600 °C	Molten steel temperature at the tundish.
Flow Rate	0.5–5.0 t/min	Adjustable to casting speed and slab size.
Stroke Length	50–200 mm	Determines the opening range for flow control.
Positioning Accuracy	±0.5 mm	Ensures consistent flow regulation.
Response Time	0.1–0.5 s	Fast response for automatic control.
Actuator Type	Electric/Hydraulic	Electric for precision, hydraulic for high force.
Control Voltage	24 ±10% V DC	Standard PLC interface.IEC 61131-2
Ingress Protection	IP54–IP65	Protects against dust and water splashes.IEC 60529
Refractory Material	Al₂O₃-C (≥70% Al₂O₃)	High thermal shock resistance.ISO 10081-1
Weight	150–350 kg	Depends on size and actuator type.

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Upper Plate / Fixed Plate Part
The stationary refractory plate attached to the tundish bottom, containing a fixed bore.

Material: Refractory ceramic
Lower Plate / Moving Plate (Slide Gate) Part
The refractory plate that slides horizontally to align its bore with the fixed plate's bore, controlling the open area.

Material: Refractory ceramic
Stopper Rod (Stopper Rod System)
A long, tapered refractory rod that is raised and lowered to seat into or lift from a collector nozzle, throttling the flow.

Material: Refractory ceramic (rod), Steel (lifting mechanism)
Collector Nozzle / Well Nozzle
The refractory nozzle set into the tundish floor through which the steel flows; the stopper rod seats into it.

Material: Refractory ceramic
Actuation Mechanism
Provides the force to move the sliding plate or stopper rod (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, electric actuator).

Material: Steel
Position Sensor
Reports slide-gate or stopper-rod position so the flow control loop can close.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Tundish

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Flow Control Device (Slide Gate or Stopper Rod)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of this flow control device?

It regulates the flow rate of molten steel from the tundish to the mold during continuous casting, ensuring a consistent and controlled stream to maintain steel quality and casting speed.

What are the two main configurations?

The two main configurations are slide gate and stopper rod. A slide gate uses a sliding plate with an aperture, while a stopper rod is a refractory rod that moves into a nozzle seat to throttle flow.

What materials are used in its construction?

The device uses refractory ceramics such as alumina and zirconia for high-temperature parts, and steel for structural components.

How should I verify the specifications for my application?

The listed parameters (e.g., nominal size, operating pressure, temperature) are reference ranges. You must confirm model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier before procurement.

Data Basis

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Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	0.1-0.5 MPa (tundish metallostatic pressure range)
flow rate:	1-6 tons/min (typical continuous casting throughput)
temperature:	1500-1600°C (typical molten steel casting temperature)
slurry concentration:	Not applicable (handles clean molten steel, not slurries)

Flow Control Device (Slide Gate or Stopper Rod)

Product Specifications

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Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

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