Continuous caster instrumentation: State-of-the-art review

Abstract The paper reviews instruments used on continuous casters. Instruments can be found on every major component of a caster and are crucial for caster operation. They are used to measure and control numerous caster parameters, assign quality rating for each cast section, diagnose machine and operating problems, and develop knowledge correlating quality and productivity to design and operation. Early emphasis was placed on mold instrumentation because product quality and productivity are determined mostly by mold practices and parameters. However, significant progress has been made recently in developing and applying instrumentation on the ladle, tundish and containment systems. Instruments are also available for hot quality inspection and dimensional measurements in the run-out.