The Tundish Porous Upper Nozzle is an advanced refractory component used in the continuous casting process of steelmaking. It is installed in the tundish to regulate the flow of molten steel and connect with the submerged entry nozzle (SEN). Its primary function is to ensure stable steel flow while effectively preventing nozzle clogging during casting.
Traditional tundish upper nozzles and submerged entry nozzles often prevent clogging at the expense of shortened service life. To address this issue, the Tundish Porous Upper Nozzle has been developed with an innovative porous structure that allows controlled gas permeability. This design significantly reduces clogging while maintaining long operational life.
By optimizing the internal structure and material composition, the porous nozzle improves casting stability and steel cleanliness. In slab continuous casting operations, the average tundish service life can reach more than 10 hours, meeting or even exceeding the performance of many conventional products.
Technical Specifications
| Tundish Upper Nozzle Technical Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Xintai Refractory |
| Product Name | Tundish Upper Nozzle |
| Material Structure | Zirconia Core + Alumina-Carbon Outer Layer |
| ZrO₂ + HfO₂ (Core) | ≥95% |
| Al₂O₃ (Outer) | ≥85% (75–94% customizable) |
| C Content | ≥3% |
| Bulk Density | Core ≥5.2 g/cm³; Outer ≥2.6 g/cm³ |
| Apparent Porosity | Core ≤10%; Outer ≤20% |
| Crushing Strength | Core ≥100 MPa; Outer ≥45 MPa |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | ≥5 Cycles |
| Refractoriness | Up to 1900°C (depending on zirconia grade) |
| Application | Installed at Tundish Bottom to Control Molten Steel Flow in Continuous Casting |
| Packing | Export Wooden Case |
| Storage | Keep Dry, Store Upright, Handle with Care |
Key Features
- Anti-Clogging Performance: The porous structure allows controlled gas permeability, effectively reducing the risk of nozzle clogging during casting.
- Stable Molten Steel Flow: Provides consistent molten steel flow from the tundish to the submerged entry nozzle, ensuring stable casting conditions.
- Long Service Life: Designed to maintain long operational life without sacrificing anti-clogging performance.
- High Thermal Shock Resistance: Manufactured from high-quality refractory materials capable of withstanding rapid temperature fluctuations.
- Strong Structural Integrity: High mechanical strength ensures reliable performance under high-temperature and high-pressure casting conditions.
Typical Applications
The Tundish Porous Upper Nozzle is widely used in continuous casting processes, including:
Slab continuous casting
Billet and bloom casting
Carbon steel casting
Alloy steel casting
High-cleanliness steel production
It is especially suitable for steelmaking operations that require stable casting performance, reduced clogging, and extended tundish service life.
Production Details of Submerged Entry Nozzle
At Xintai Refractory, Tundish Porous Upper Nozzle are produced under strict quality control:
Raw Material Selection
High-purity zirconia (≥95% ZrO₂) and premium alumina-carbon materials ensure chemical stability and structural strength.Automatic Forming Equipment
Precision pressing and molding equipment guarantee dimensional accuracy and uniform density.High-Temperature Firing
Adequate sintering time ensures excellent bonding strength and thermal stability.Strict Quality Inspection
Each batch undergoes chemical analysis, bulk density testing, porosity measurement, and strength testing before shipment.Customized Material Ratio Adjustment
According to user requirements—steel grade, slag type, protection practice, casting technology level—we adjust the material formulation to maximize performance.
Packing and Shipping Details
- Packing: Export standard wooden cases to ensure safe transportation.
- Transportation: Suitable for sea, air, or land shipping based on customer requirements.
- Storage: Keep dry and handle with care to prevent damage during storage and transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main advantage of a porous upper nozzle?
The porous structure allows controlled gas permeability, which helps reduce nozzle clogging and improves casting stability.
Q2: What casting processes are suitable for this product?
It is mainly used in continuous casting operations such as slab, billet, and bloom casting.
Q3. What is the average service life?
In slab casting operations, the average tundish service life can reach over 10 hours, depending on operating conditions.
Q4: What is the difference between changeable and normal types?
The changeable type allows quick replacement of the submerged entry nozzle without interrupting casting, while the normal type is used in standard casting systems.
Q5: Can the product be customized?
Yes. Dimensions, material composition, and structural design can be customized according to specific casting requirements.
