The SRD segment has been specially developed for use in the area of final solidification, and it enables the upper rolls to be pressed down individually onto the solidifying strand. This enables the final solidification point to be followed precisely. SRD segments can be used together with or replace conventional types of segments. The first installation of SRD segments was carried out at one strand of a slab caster in the Ternium integrated steel works in Santa Cruz, Brazil. Tests proved a superior internal slab quality as compared to the second strand using conventional segments. The second strand of the caster will also receive SRD segments.
Precise knowledge of the final solidification point and the associated soft reduction is needed to reliably produce slabs for steel grades that require high internal quality. The new SRD segments from Primetals can be applied to the final solidification precisely. This enables each individual roll gap to be adjusted dynamically as a function of the steel grade, overheating, cooling or casting speed. Each roll transmits an individual force, which makes even higher thickness reduction rates possible, and reduces the segregation and porosity in the center of the strand.
SRD segments are designed for long operating cycles and easy maintenance. For example, each roll has its own overload protection, which prevents damage to the bearings and surfaces of the rolls. The rolls are embedded in a function unit so that they can be quickly replaced either in a maintenance workshop or directly on the caster during a break in production. The individual roll units can also be tested and calibrated before installation in the segments.
_{(Source: Primetals Technologies, Limited)}