Improvement of slab quality under highly productive operation at SMI Kashima No.3 caster

This paper reviews the new systems and technologies applied in No. 3 continuous caster, at Kashima steel works so as to improve and guarantee slab quality in high speed casting : –non-metallic inclusions were reduced with the installation of a larger tundish and the AMEPA ladle slag detecting system ; –the meniscus level control was improved with an eddy-current sensor, an optimum level control system and a stepping cylinder for the tundish sliding gate ; –detection of unequal molten steel flow in the mold with the two eddy-current multi-sensors improve the grading of slab quality.