Search for More Efficient Automatic Feed of the Mold Flux to the Continuous Casting Machine Crystallizer

This paper analyzes a system for more efficient automatic feed of the mold flux to the crystallizer in a continuous casting machine (an automatic feeder). It describes why a mold flux is necessary for steel smelting. It further presents a unit that feeds the mold and describes its algorithm as developed by the authors. Additionally, the paper summarizes the functions of the developed SCADA system that provides automatic control over the operations of the system. The research team developed a simulation model for the electric drive of the auger dosing unit. The model contains an electromechanical block that is responsible for the functioning of the dosing unit. The asynchronous motors driving the auger are controlled by a frequency converter that uses scalar control based on the active stator-current component. The model output is compared to the experimental data. The automated mold feeder will reduce the defect occurrence rates by 3% while also reducing the MF feed rate by 6%.