Caster

Abstract

A caster ( 1 ) has a casting ladle ( 2 ), a distribution device ( 4 ), and a horizontally moveable transport belt ( 5 ) having side limitation elements ( 13, 14 ) adjustable over the width of the horizontal transport belt. Liquid metal, preferably steel, can flow out of the casting ladle ( 2 ) into the distribution device ( 4 ), and from there can be fed to the horizontal transport belt ( 5 )

1 . A caster ( 1 ), comprising
 a casting ladle ( 2 );   a distribution device ( 4 ,  12 ), located downstream of the casting ladle ( 2 ) for receiving liquid metal therefrom;   a horizontal conveyor belt ( 5 ), located downstream of the distribution device and having side limitation elements ( 13 ,  14 ) which are adjustable over width of the horizontal conveyor belt ( 5 ) and in which the liquid metal flows upon being discharged from the distribution device, the distribution device being adjustable in width in direction of the horizontal conveyor belt ( 5 );   at least one cooling device ( 9 ) located beneath the horizontal conveyor belt ( 5 ) for cooling a pre-strip displaceable with the conveyor belt ( 5 ), the at least one cooling device ( 9 ,  11 ) being adjustable in width in the direction of the conveyor belt ( 5 ) and divided in width thereof in direction of the conveyor belt in cooling zones including at least two edge zones which are turned on or off dependent on a width of a to-be-cooled pre-strip; and   an inert gas hood ( 8 ) located above the horizontal conveyor belt for protecting the pre-strip.