Flow Control

A variety of specialized refractory products are used in order to control the flow rate of the molten steel, to create a beneficial flow pattern inside the mould, to prevent oxidation and to improve the flotation of inclusions.
The utilization of these refractories and their individual characteristics have a great influence on the final quality and material properties of the cast steel.

Therefore, VGH offers a variety of high-quality refractory flow control products designed to meet the individual requirements of our customers.

Flow Control Products

for Steel Ladles

Steel Ladle Slide Gate

During steel production the ladle slide gates are subject to severe operating conditions such as thermal shock and abrasion.

High machine precision during the manufacturing process and the high quality of the materials and components used lead to the prevention of cracks and oxidation.

By offering a variety of different materials, we are able to meet customer specific requirements and individual specifications.

Purging Plugs

A widespread and effective component of the refining process for the production of various types of steel is the use of purging plugs in the steel ladle.

Slot Type

This type of purging plug is designed with a series of symmetrically arranged slots and is a recommended product for e.g. low alloy steel.

Segment Type

This type of purging system has a unidirectional passage that includes several segments and a porous insert as a replacement indicator at its end. The body is made of an Alumina-Spinel compound.
Various types of segment type purging plugs are available in different dimensions and with a segment design appropriate to its intended flow rate.

Ladle Shroud

Ladle shrouds are made by isostatic pressing and are composed of Alumina-Carbon and Zirconia-Carbon compounds. The desired composition and design is determined by the customer`s production process. Important factors are e.g., the type of casting machinery and the steel grade.

Ladle Shroud designs are distinguished not only by the material composition, but also by the shape and gas injection system.

The design of the argon gas injection system can be a circular groove, a porous ring inside the cup or a metallic can with argon injection from the top of the cup.

Circular Groove

Porous Ring

Metallic Can

Various shapes of the ladle shroud are available that can influence operational performance parameters.

T-shaped cup design
Y-shaped cup design
Bell Type and Reverse Model

Flow Control Products

for the Tundish

Metering Nozzle

The Tundish Metering Nozzle is a refractory product used for continuous billet casting and plays an important role in controlling the flow of molten steel.
Theramer metering nozzles are normally equipped with an internal nozzle insert made of zirconia in combination with an outer body made of alumina-graphite.

Exchangeable Nozzle System

The exchangeable nozzle system consists of a fixed top nozzle and an interchangeable bottom nozzle.
The upper nozzle is located inside of the tundish lining and transfers the steel to the lower nozzles which controls the steel flow.

Three-Plate Gate System

The three-plate gate system is easy to operate and leads to a high level of work safety in the casting process.

Easy installation and set up
The nozzle can be installed from the inside or outside of the tundish
Easy maintenance due to a small number of parts
Ability to prevent the melt from overflowing
Automated monitoring and control
Improved casting operation work safety
Enables longer casting sequences
Higher flexibility
Ability to reduce the casting speed by changing the nozzle diameter or closing strands to reduce metal flow

Mono Block Stopper

Mono Block Stoppers are used to control the flow of steel through the sub-entry nozzle or the tundish nozzle.
The body of the mono block stopper is made of an alumina-carbon composite, while the nose is made of various compounds of alumina-carbon or magnesia-carbon material.
The design and selection of the desired composition depends on the type of casting machinery used and the steel grade.

The mono block stopper design depends on the specific requirements of the casting process.
Magnesia-Carbon noses are recommended for high calcium steels while compounds with higher corrosion resistance such as alumina-carbon are recommended for MS and SS steel.

Model designs are available with various configurations for gas injection.

Porous System
Direct Injection
Without gas injection system

The design of the nose shape affects the amount of steel output.

Conical stopper design
Hemispherical stopper design

Porous System

Direct Injection

Hemispherical

Conical design

Submerged Entry Nozzle

The Submerged Entry Nozzle (SEN) transfers the molten steel from the tundish to the mould, while preventing the steel from oxidation and temperature drop.
Various compounds are used in different areas of the nozzle to extend casting sequences and to meet customer specific requirements.

Tundish Nozzle and Submerged Entry Shroud

The combination of tundish nozzle and Submerged Entry Shroud (SES) is a flow control system suitable for slab, billet and bloom casting.
As with the SEN, its function is to transfer the steel into the mould in a controlled manner. In addition, this system offers an advantage in operational flexibility, as the SES can be replaced during the casing process.

Tundish Nozzle

The tundish nozzle is permanently installed in the tundish and acts as an interface between the mono block stopper and the outer nozzle. In combination with the stopper, it can protect and control the flow of the molten steel.

Submerged Entry Shroud

The Submerged Entry Shroud (SES) is connected to the tundish nozzle and transfers the molten steel from the tundish to the mould.

Flow Control

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Flow Control

Flow Control Products

for Steel Ladles

Steel Ladle Slide Gate

Purging Plugs

Slot Type

Segment Type

Ladle Shroud

Flow Control Products

for the Tundish

Metering Nozzle

Exchangeable Nozzle System

Three-Plate Gate System

Mono Block Stopper

Submerged Entry Nozzle

Tundish Nozzle and Submerged Entry Shroud

Tundish Nozzle

Submerged Entry Shroud