Measurement of liquid core using laser ultrasonics
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 700 000 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - August 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Feasibility studies within Technological Action Areas in the program Metals & Minerals |
Important results from the project
It was shown that it is possible to measure the solidification with LUS. The importance of surface cleaning to obtain a good signal and cleaning methods were identified. Concepts were developed for how this method should be scaled up to an industrial environment. It was determined which laser specification would be suitable for full-scale measurement at high temperatures and how the measurement can be carried out in practice. The project clarified the direction for future prototype development
Expected long term effects
Development of a prototype based on the findings from the feasibility study has good potential to contribute positively, in the long term, to the efficiency of continuous casting. The main idea is that the method can be used to optimize soft reduction as a first step application, which can reduce the occurrence of casting defects. The measurement method also has great expected synergies with emerging technologies such as AI analysis of process data from continuous casting machines.
Approach and implementation
The project was largely carried out according to plan, but with a shorter extension. The physical model proved to be difficult to work with initially and needed to be reworked in a number of iterations in order to be able to study the solidification in a satisfactory way. One of the goals of the project was to develop a proposal for a follow-up project, which has had to be postponed in order to secure funding for laser equipment required for future prototype development.