Overview
Tundish covering flux is a critical material in continuous steel casting processes. Composed primarily of insulating compounds like expanded perlite, fly ash, or calcium-aluminate systems, it forms a protective layer over molten steel in the tundish. The material serves multiple functions: preventing heat loss (reducing temperature drop by 5-10°C/min), minimizing steel oxidation, and absorbing non-metallic inclusions that would otherwise affect steel quality. Its development paralleled advances in continuous casting technology during the late 20th century.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Modern tundish fluxes exhibit low thermal conductivity (typically 0.1-0.3 W/m·K) and controlled melting behavior. The granular material expands when heated, forming a porous insulating layer. Chemically, formulations vary but often contain 40-60% SiO₂, 20-35% Al₂O₃, and 5-15% CaO. Some advanced versions include exothermic components or carbon for additional protection. The material must maintain stability at 1550-1650°C without contaminating the steel.
Main Applications
The primary application is in continuous casting operations between ladle and mold. It's applied manually or via automated systems at 0.5-2 kg/ton of steel. Beyond insulation, quality fluxes improve steel cleanliness by absorbing alumina inclusions. Some formulations are tailored for specific steel grades - low-carbon fluxes avoid carbon pickup, while specialty versions handle high-alloy steels. The material also reduces skull formation in tundishes, improving operational efficiency.
Safety and Storage
While non-toxic, the fine powder requires handling precautions. Use NIOSH-approved dust masks (N95 or better) and safety goggles during application. Storage silos should have humidity below 60% to prevent caking. Spent material may contain heavy metals and requires disposal as industrial waste. Modern plants often recycle used flux in other processes. Bulk shipments should be inspected for moisture damage, which compromises thermal performance.
B2B Procurement Guide
Key procurement considerations include: thermal performance data (validated by independent testing), batch-to-batch consistency (critical for casting stability), and supplier technical support. For quality assurance, request mill test reports showing chemical composition and melting characteristics. Large-volume buyers should negotiate contracts with performance guarantees. Just-in-time delivery is preferable to minimize storage time. Asian suppliers dominate the market, but regional producers often offer logistical advantages.
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