Interface reaction between alloys and submerged entry nozzle controlled by an electric current pulse

Abstract To solve the limitations of clogging and erosion of the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for the production of high-quality special steel, the chemical reactivity between different alloys and the SEN and the interface reaction between alloys and the SEN controlled by an electric current pulse (ECP) were examined in this study. Results revealed that the chemical reactivity between different alloys and the SEN is different. For example, the reactivity between rare-earth metal and the SEN was strong, while that between Al and the SEN was extremely weak. At the same time, some differences between the clogging and interface reaction by ECP control were observed. Typically, at the positive electrode of the SEN, when a stable and dense clogging layer is formed, the internal SEN was effectively protected. However, at the negative electrode of the SEN, the decarburization rate of the SEN was accelerated by ECP, probably leading to a vicious circle of accelerated clogging and erosion of the SEN. Therefore, in the future, issues of clogging, erosion, infiltration, and decarbonization between active alloys and the SEN in the casting process may be solved and regulated by using the positive electric field of ECP. Meanwhile, the gain effect of ECP also helped to promote the homogenization of molten steel.