All-Russian Scientific and Research Institute of Metallurgical Machinery (Moscow, Russia):

S. I. Shakhov, Cand. Eng., Leading Scientific Fellow
A. S. Smolyakov, Dr. Eng., Head of Department
G. I. Nikolaev, Cand. Eng., Leading Scientific Fellow
Е-mail (common): omnlm@vniimetmash.ru

The article describes the works made by All-Russian Scientific and Research Institute of Metallurgical Machinery (VNIIMETMASH) in the field of modernization of section and bloom continuous casters for expanding of dimension and grade range of cast billets, improvement of their quality and rise of productivity. Expedience of construction of a new continuous caster or reconstruction of an existing one has to be defined after detailed investigation of capital expenses and providing of reliable equipment operation. VNIIMETMASH experience allows to testify that reconstruction of operating continuous casters can be realized in decrease of capital expenses by 8-10 times, comparing with buying a new machine (if technical solution was well-based). Several successful projects are described as the examples: Volzhsky Pipe Plant, Electrostal (Russia), TMK metallurgical works in Resita (Romania), KSP Steel in Kazakhstan, Moldova Steel Works and Byelorussian Steel Works. Comparative parameters of steel macrostructure in cast billets are analyzed.

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