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Refractory lining and maintenance of tundishes in continuous casting plants for uniform steel distribution.
Steel structure forming the load-bearing framework of the distribution vessel. The shell carries the permanent lining layer and is equipped with trunnions for crane transport.
Permanent refractory lining of high-alumina castable or bricks. It protects the steel shell and is renewed only in the event of severe damage — typically every 100–300 sequences.
Magnesia-based gunning mix or ramming mix that is completely renewed after every casting sequence. The wear lining forms the direct contact with the liquid steel.
Isostatically pressed high-performance components of zirconia graphite or alumina graphite. They form the steel outlet to the moulds and must be gas-tight and erosion-resistant.
Protective pad in the impact area of the pouring stream. It absorbs the kinetic energy of the incoming steel and protects the wear lining against local erosion.
Flow control elements of refractory ceramic. They control the steel flow in the tundish, promote inclusion separation and ensure a uniform temperature distribution.
The tundish is the central distribution vessel in the continuous casting process and takes on the safety-critical task of distributing liquid steel from the casting ladle evenly to the individual moulds. In doing so, the refractory lining must withstand extreme loads: temperatures above 1,550 °C, aggressive steel slags and the mechanical erosion caused by the continuous steel flow place the highest demands on the material. As a refractory construction specialist, SBS Refractory Service offers the complete lining and maintenance of tundish systems in continuous casting plants.
The wear lining system in the tundish is based on a proven two-layer build-up: the permanent lining protects the steel shell across many campaigns, while the wear lining is renewed after every casting sequence. Our teams have mastered all common application methods — from machine-applied gunning mix through to manually installed ramming mix. We have particular expertise in the field of functional components such as isostatically pressed outlet nozzles, impact pads and weirs, which have a decisive influence on steel quality.
The economic importance of a reliable tundish lining is enormous: every unplanned stop in continuous casting operation causes production losses running into tens of thousands of euros per hour. With optimised work sequences, trained personnel and tested refractory materials, SBS Refractory Service ensures that your tundish turnaround times are minimised and your sequence lengths maximised. In doing so, we document every step of the work without gaps.
These loads determine the choice of material and the design of the refractory lining.
The continuous flow of liquid steel at over 1,550 °C generates severe erosion of the wear lining — particularly in the impact area beneath the pouring stream and at the outlet nozzles.
Aggressive steel slags attack the refractory lining chemically. The slag composition varies according to the steel grade and calls for a correspondingly matched material selection.
Outlet nozzles and slide gate systems require the highest dimensional accuracy. Even minimal deviations can lead to steel infiltration, uncontrolled breakthrough or quality defects.
Between the end of one casting sequence and the next deployment, the tundish has to be completely cooled, cleaned, relined and preheated — often in less than four hours.
During preheating and in casting operation the temperature in the tundish changes rapidly. These thermal cycles place a heavy load on the refractory material and can lead to cracking.
Every zone of your furnace places its own demands on temperature resistance, chemical resistance and mechanical load capacity. We select the optimum material combination.
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Wear lining in the tundish interior
Steel outlet to the moulds
Our services for this furnace type — from complete relining to ongoing maintenance.
Our structured process guarantees quality, on-time delivery and safety in every project.
Inspection of the wear lining and the functional components after every casting sequence.
Preparation of the tundish turnaround with wear lining renewal and component replacement.
Removal of the old wear lining, application of the new tundish gunning mix and installation of the functional components.
Protection against steel splashes, checking of all outlet nozzles and slide gates for tightness.
After casting, the tundish is cooled and subjected to a systematic inspection. Our specialists measure the residual wear thickness of the lining, check all outlet nozzles for cracking and erosion and assess the condition of the permanent lining. The results are documented digitally and feed into material optimisation.
Based on the inspection findings, the scope of work is defined: a standard turnaround with wear lining renewal, or an extended turnaround including permanent lining repair. All required materials — gunning mix, outlet nozzles, impact pads, weirs — are made available and checked for quality. The manpower plan is drawn up to match the cycle time.
In a standard turnaround the spent wear lining is broken out by machine, the permanent lining surface is cleaned and the new magnesia gunning mix is applied evenly. Outlet nozzles, impact pad and weirs are then installed in exactly the right positions. The thickness of the wear lining is measured and documented at critical points. Before deployment, a defined preheating programme is carried out.
Safety comes first in all tundish work. Before break-out, complete cooling is verified. All outlet nozzles and slide gate systems are checked for tightness after installation. The preheating phase is monitored thermally in order to avoid uncontrolled temperature gradients. Personal protective equipment is mandatory for all employees in the tundish area.
Over 500 successfully completed refractory construction projects in the DACH region and the Benelux countries.
Tundish
Everything you need to know about the Tundish
Whether complete relining, repair or emergency — free initial consultation and a fast response.
