Tundish for Continuous Casting: Slide Gate & Refractory Specs

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Tundish

Definition

In the industrial system of continuous casting, the tundish serves as a critical intermediate reservoir between the ladle and the mold. It receives molten steel from the ladle, maintains a steady metal level, and distributes the flow through multiple nozzles into the mold(s) to ensure uniform casting conditions and product quality. The tundish is a component in basic metal manufacturing, typically constructed with a steel shell and a refractory lining. The shell material may be specified as ASTM A516 Gr.70 or S355J2, with a thickness of 20–40 mm, and the lining can be MgO-C, Al2O3-SiC-C, or ZrO2, depending on the application. The working capacity typically ranges from 15 to 60 tonnes, with a throughput of 1.0–3.5 t/min. The slide gate size is DN 100–DN 200, and the slide gate plate material is often Al2O3-C or ZrO2-C. Preheat temperature should be 1100–1200 °C, with a preheat rate not exceeding 100 °C/h. Thermal homogeneity across the tundish is maintained within ±5 °C. The lining service life is typically 10–30 heats, while the slide gate service life is 3–8 heats. Preheat gas can be natural gas or LPG, with a flow rate of 50–150 Nm3/h. The tundish cover is steel reinforced with castable or ceramic fiber to reduce heat loss and reoxidation. Tundish capacity accuracy is ±2%. The molten steel temperature should be maintained between 1520 and 1560 °C; below 1520 °C risks premature solidification, and above 1560 °C accelerates refractory wear and reoxidation. The slide gate opening should be between 20% and 80% of full opening; below 20% leads to poor flow control and erosion, and above 80% reduces controllability. Standards such as ASTM A516/A516M and EN 10025 are referenced for shell material. Always verify model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

The tundish operates by receiving a stream of molten metal from a ladle positioned above it. The refractory lining maintains the metal's temperature. The internal geometry, including dams, weirs, and baffles, controls the flow path, promotes inclusion flotation, and ensures thermal homogeneity. The molten metal then exits through one or more submerged entry nozzles at the bottom, feeding into the mold(s) below at a controlled rate. The slide gate regulates the flow, and the preheat process prevents thermal shock. Proper operation requires maintaining the specified temperature and flow rate windows to avoid defects.

Common Materials

Refractory Lining (e.g., Magnesia-based), Steel Shell

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Capacity	15–60 t	15–60 — Working capacity; 20–35 t typical for a 100–150 t ladle. Working capacity; 20–35 t typical for a 100–150 t ladle.
Throughput	1.0–3.5 t/min	1.0–3.5 — Steel flow rate; depends on casting speed and strand count. Steel flow rate; depends on casting speed and strand count.
Lining material	MgO-C, Al2O3-SiC-C, or ZrO2	MgO-C, Al2O3-SiC-C, or ZrO2 — Working lining; permanent lining typically high-alumina or MgO-based castable. Working lining; permanent lining typically high-alumina or MgO-based castable.
Shell material	ASTM A516 Gr.70 or S355J2	ASTM A516 Gr.70 or S355J2 — Steel shell; thickness 20–40 mm. Steel shell; thickness 20–40 mm.ASTM A516/A516M, EN 10025
Slide gate size	DN 100–DN 200 mm	DN 100–DN 200 — Nozzle bore; matches ladle shroud and SEN. Nozzle bore; matches ladle shroud and SEN.
Slide gate plate material	Al2O3-C or ZrO2-C	Al2O3-C or ZrO2-C — High wear resistance; thermal shock resistance. High wear resistance; thermal shock resistance.
Thermal homogeneity	±5 °C	±5 — Temperature difference across tundish; ensures consistent casting. Temperature difference across tundish; ensures consistent casting.
Lining service life	10–30 heats	10–30 — Depends on steel grade and lining material; MgO-C longer life. Depends on steel grade and lining material; MgO-C longer life.
Slide gate service life	3–8 heats	3–8 — Plate wear; ZrO2-C longer life. Plate wear; ZrO2-C longer life.
Tundish preheat gas	Natural gas or LPG	Natural gas or LPG — Flow rate 50–150 Nm3/h depending on size. Flow rate 50–150 Nm3/h depending on size.
Tundish cover	Steel reinforced with castable or ceramic fiber	Steel reinforced with castable or ceramic fiber — Reduces heat loss and reoxidation. Reduces heat loss and reoxidation.
Tundish capacity accuracy	±2 %	±2 — Deviation from nominal capacity; affects steel level control. Deviation from nominal capacity; affects steel level control.
Molten steel temperature	1520–1560 °C	1520–1560 °C — Outside this window: Below 1520 °C: risk of premature solidification; above 1560 °C: refractory wear accelerates and reoxidation increases. Outside this window: Below 1520 °C: risk of premature solidification; above 1560 °C: refractory wear accelerates and reoxidation increases.
Preheat temperature	1100–1200 °C	1100–1200 °C — Outside this window: Below 1100 °C: thermal shock cracking of lining; above 1200 °C: sintering and spalling. Before casting to prevent thermal shock and steel skulling.
Preheat rate	≤ 100 °C/h	≤ 100 °C/h — Outside this window: Faster heating causes thermal shock and cracking. To avoid cracking the refractory lining.
Steel flow rate	1.0–3.5 t/min	1.0–3.5 t/min — Outside this window: Too low: steel level fluctuations; too high: turbulence and slag entrainment. Outside this window: Too low: steel level fluctuations; too high: turbulence and slag entrainment.
Slide gate opening	20–80% of full opening	20–80% of full opening — Outside this window: Below 20%: poor flow control and erosion; above 80%: reduced controllability. Outside this window: Below 20%: poor flow control and erosion; above 80%: reduced controllability.

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

Refractory Lining Part
Insulates the steel shell, maintains molten metal temperature, and resists chemical erosion.

Material: Magnesia, alumina, or other ceramic materials.
Submerged Entry Nozzle (SEN)
Controls the flow of molten metal from the tundish into the mold, preventing oxidation and turbulence.

Material: Refractory material (e.g., alumina-graphite).
Flow Control Device (Slide Gate or Stopper Rod)
Regulates the flow rate of molten metal exiting the tundish through the nozzle.

Material: Refractory components and mechanical actuators.
Steel Shell
Outer structural shell supporting the refractory lining; shell material typically ASTM A516 Gr.70 or S355J2, 20-40 mm thick.

Material: Steel (ASTM A516 Gr.70 or S355J2)
Flow Control Baffles (Dams, Weirs, Baffles)
Internal geometry that controls the flow path, promotes inclusion flotation, and ensures thermal homogeneity.

Applied To / Applications

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

Continuous Casting Machine

View system integration details

Molten Metal Distribution System

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Tundish

Manufacturer profiles associated with Tundish.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 16 September 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical capacity range for a tundish?

The working capacity typically ranges from 15 to 60 tonnes, depending on the ladle size and casting requirements. For a 100–150 t ladle, a capacity of 20–35 t is common. Always confirm the exact capacity for your specific model with the manufacturer.

What materials are used for the tundish lining?

The working lining can be MgO-C, Al2O3-SiC-C, or ZrO2, while the permanent lining is typically high-alumina or MgO-based castable. The steel shell is often ASTM A516 Gr.70 or S355J2, with a thickness of 20–40 mm. Material selection depends on steel grade and service life requirements.

Why is preheating important for a tundish?

Preheating to 1100–1200 °C prevents thermal shock and steel skulling. The preheat rate should not exceed 100 °C/h to avoid cracking the refractory lining. Proper preheating ensures the tundish is ready for casting and extends lining life.

What are the consequences of operating outside the recommended temperature window?

If the molten steel temperature falls below 1520 °C, there is a risk of premature solidification. Above 1560 °C, refractory wear accelerates and reoxidation increases. Maintaining the 1520–1560 °C window is critical for consistent casting and product quality.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

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