Measurement of liquid core using laser ultrasonics
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 700 000 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - June 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Purpose and goal
The project is a feasibility study that aims to evaluate the possibility of using laser ultrasonics (LUS) to measure the characteristics of the solidification front, such as shell thickness or final solidification point, during continuous casting. The goal is to investigate the technical and industrial feasibility of the measurement method and to develop concepts for applications of the measurement method for a full-scale application
Expected effects and result
The project investigates how laser ultrasonics can be applied to obtain information about the solidification front in continuously cast material. The project will clarify what information can be obtained and under what conditions, and how the data could be used to optimize the process. A successful implementation of the measurement method can contribute to an increased yield of the continuous casting process through e.g. optimized use of soft reduction or electromagnetic stirring.
Planned approach and implementation
In experiments it will be studied what information about the solidification front can be obtained by LUS measurement on steel shells containing melt. It will be investigated how measurements can be carried out in the casting machine, and what is the optimal equipment needed. Additionally, safety issues concerning the use of lasers in an industrial environment will be investigated. Concepts for the application of the measurement method will be developed for a full-scale application.