Device and Method for Producing a Metal Strip by Continuous Casting

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for producing a metal strip ( 1 ) by continuous casting, using a casting machine ( 2 ) in which a slab ( 3 ), preferably a thin slab, is cast. At least one milling machine ( 4 ) is arranged in the direction of transport (F) of the slab ( 3 ) behind the casting machine ( 2 ). At least one surface of the slab ( 3 ), preferably two surfaces which are opposite to each other, can be milled in said milling device. According to the invention, in order to keep the temperature loss to a minimum when the slab is machined and/or processed, at least one milling cutter ( 5, 6 ) of the milling machine ( 4 ), preferably the entire milling machine ( 4 ), is arranged in a displaceable machine in the direction (Q) perpendicular to the direction of transport (F) of the slab ( 3 ). The invention also relates to a method for producing a metal strip.

1 . A device for producing a metal strip ( 1 ) by continuous casting with a casting machine ( 2 ) in which a slab ( 3 ), preferably a thin slab, is cast, where at least one milling machine ( 4 ) is installed downstream of the casting machine ( 2 ) in the direction of conveyance (F) of the slab ( 3 ), at least one surface of which and preferably two opposite surfaces of which can be milled down in the one or more milling machines ( 4 ), wherein at least one milling cutter ( 5 ,  6 ) of the milling machine ( 4 ) and preferably the whole milling machine ( 4 ) is arranged in a way that allows it to be moved in a direction (Q) transverse to the direction of conveyance (F) of the slab ( 3 ). 
     
     
         2 . A device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the direction (Q) transverse to the direction of conveyance (F) is horizontally oriented. 
     
     
         3 . A device in accordance with  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein at least one thermally insulating cover element ( 7 ) is present and is arranged in a way that allows it to be moved in the direction (Q) transverse to the direction of conveyance (F). 
     
     
         4 . A device in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the one or more cover elements ( 7 ) are designed to be heated. 
     
     
         5 . A device in accordance with any one of  claims 1  to  4 , wherein a furnace ( 8 ) is installed upstream of the milling machine ( 4 ) in the direction of conveyance (F). 
     
     
         6 . A device in accordance with any one of  claims 1  to  5 , wherein one milling cutter ( 5 ,  6 ) each is arranged on the upper side and the underside of the slab ( 3 ) for machining its surface. 
     
     
         7 . A device in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the two milling cutters ( 5 ,  6 ) are arranged some distance from each other in the direction of conveyance (F). 
     
     
         8 . A device in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein each milling cutter ( 5 ,  6 ) cooperates with a support roll ( 9 ) arranged on the other side of the slab ( 3 ). 
     
     
         9 . A device in accordance with  claim 7  or  claim 8 , wherein a furnace ( 10 ) is installed between the two milling cutters ( 5 ,  6 ) that machine the upper and lower surfaces of the slab ( 3 ). 
     
     
         10 . A device in accordance with any one of  claims 1  to  9 , wherein a descaling system ( 11 ) is installed downstream of the milling machine ( 4 ) in the direction of conveyance (F). 
     
     
         11 . A device in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein a furnace ( 12 ) is arranged between the milling machine ( 4 ) and the descaling system ( 11 ). 
     
     
         12 . A device in accordance with any one of  claims 1  to  9 , wherein a descaling system ( 11 ) is arranged adjacent to the milling machine ( 4 ) at the same level with respect to the direction of conveyance (F), and moving means are used to move the milling machine ( 4 ) and the descaling system ( 11 ) selectively in or out of the processing line in the direction (Q) transverse to the direction of conveyance (F). 
     
     
         13 . A device in accordance with any one of  claims 1  to  12 , wherein a rolling train ( 13 ,  14 ) is installed downstream of the milling machine ( 4 ) in the direction of conveyance (F). 
     
     
         14 . A method for operating a device for producing a metal strip ( 1 ) by continuous casting in accordance with any one of  claims 1  to  13 , with a casting machine ( 2 ) in which a slab ( 3 ), preferably a thin slab, is cast, where at least one milling machine ( 4 ) is installed downstream of the casting machine ( 2 ) in the direction of conveyance (F) of the slab ( 3 ), at least one surface of which and preferably two opposite surfaces of which can be milled down in the one or more milling machines ( 4 ), wherein a simulation model running in a machine control unit uses determined or predetermined surface properties of the slab ( 3 ) to decide whether or not the milling machine ( 4 ) is to be used before a rolling operation on the slab ( 3 ). 
     
     
         15 . A method in accordance with  claim 14 , wherein the simulation model is a process model. 
     
     
         16 . A method in accordance with  claim 14 , wherein the simulation model is a level-3 system.