Caster

Abstract

The invention relates to a casting device ( 1 ) having a casting ladle ( 2 ), a distribution device ( 4 ), and a horizontally moveable transport belt ( 5 ) having side boundaries ( 13, 14 ), wherein liquid metal, preferably steel, can flow out of the casting ladle ( 2 ) onto the distribution device ( 4 ), and from there can be applied to the horizontal transport belt ( 5 ), the side boundaries ( 13, 14 ) of the horizontal transport belt ( 5 ) being adjustable across the width of the horizontal transport belt. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A method of operating a caster ( 1 ) having a distribution device ( 4 ) and a horizontally displaceable belt ( 5 ) with side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ), wherein a width of a cast product is determined and adjusted with the side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ) adjustable in width at an angle of 90° to a cast direction. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , characterized in that a distribution device ( 12 ) is arranged between the side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ). 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 8 , characterized in that the distribution device ( 12 ) is located, in the cast direction upstream of the side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ), and the liquid metal flows head-first against the side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ) and narrows to the casting width by the side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ). 
     
     
         11 . A caster ( 1 ), comprising a casting ladle ( 2 ), a distribution device ( 4 ), and a horizontally displaceable conveyor belt ( 5 ) having side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ), in which liquid metal, preferably, steel flows from the casting ladle ( 2 ) in the distribution device ( 4 ,  12 ) and therefrom on the horizontal conveyor belt ( 5 ), wherein the side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ) of the horizontal conveyor belt ( 5 ) are adjustable over width of the horizontal conveyor belt, the distribution device ( 4 ,  12 ) is adjustable in width in direction of the width of the conveyer belt, wherein beneath the horizontal conveyor belt ( 5 ), at least one cooling device ( 9 ) is arranged and which serves for cooling a pre-strip displaceable with speed on the conveyor belt, wherein the at least one cooling device ( 9 ,  11 ) is variably adjustable in width in direction of the width of the conveyor belt, so that the at least one cooling device ( 9 ,  11 ) is divided in the width in cooling zones in direction of the width of the conveyor belt, wherein at least two edge zones are provided thereby which are turned on or off dependent on a to-be-cooled width, and in that above the conveyor belt ( 5 ), an inert gas hood ( 8 ) is provided for protecting the pre-strip ( 7 ).