Clogging Behavior of a Submerged Entry Nozzle for the Casting of Ca-Treated Al-Killed Ti-Bearing Steel

The clogging behavior of a submerged entry nozzle for the casting of sulfur-containing Ca-treated Al-killed Ti-bearing steel was ex situ investigated. The surface of clogging consisted of CaO-TiOx phase, Al2O3-MgO phase, and Al2O3-CaO-SiO2 phase. The TiOx in the clogging was originated from the adhesion of inclusions in molten steel. The silicate inclusions were formed by the reaction between low-melting-point impurities in the nozzle base material, which can alleviate the nozzle clogging.