DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to an upper nozzle adapted to be fitted into a discharge
opening of a ladle or a tundish, and particularly to an upper nozzle capable of suppressing
deposit formation.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
In an upper nozzle adapted to be fitted into a discharge opening of a tundish or a ladle and
formed with a bore for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough, alumina and other inclusions
are apt to be attached inside the bore to form a deposit thereon, which narrows a flow passage to
hinder a casting operation, or is likely to fully clog the flow passage to preclude the casting
operation. As one example of a technique for preventing the deposit formation, it has been
proposed to provide a gas injection port to inject an inert gas (see, for example, the following
Patent Document 1 or 2).
[0003]
However, an upper nozzle disclosed in the Patent Document 1 or 2 is a gas injection type,
which needs to take a lot of time and effort for production due to its complicated structure, and
requires an inert gas for a casting operation, resulting in increased cost. Moreover, even such a
gas injection-type nozzle has difficulty in fully preventing the deposit formation.
[0004]
An upper nozzle has been widely used, for example, in the following two configurations:
one consisting of a reverse taper region formed on an upper (upstream) side of the upper nozzle
and a straight region formed on a lower (downstream) side of the upper nozzle (see FIG. 12(a));
and the other having an arc-shaped region continuously extending from the reverse taper region
and the straight region (see FIG. 13(a)). In each of FIGS. 2 to 13, the diagram (a) shows an
upper nozzle which is installed in a sliding nozzle unit (hereinafter referred to as "SN unit"),
wherein a region downward (downstream) of the one-dot chain line is a bore of an upper plate,
and a region downward of a position where two bores are out of alignment is a bore of an
intermediate plate or a lower plate.
[0005]
As a result of calculation of a distribution of pressures to be applied to a wall surface of a
bore (bore surface) of an upper nozzle (length: 230 mm) having the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 12(a) during flowing of molten steel through the bore, it was verified that the pressure is
rapidly changed in a region beyond a position (180 mm from an upper (upstream) end of the
bore) where the bore surface is changed from a reverse taper configuration to a straight
configuration, as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 12(b).
[0006]
Further, as a result of calculation of a distribution of pressures to be applied to a wall
surface of a bore (bore surface) of an upper nozzle (length: 230 mm) having the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 13(a) during flowing of molten steel through the bore, it was verified that the
pressure is changed in an arc curve, i.e., a pressure change is not constant, as shown in FIG.
13(b), although a rapid pressure change is suppressed as compared with the upper nozzle
illustrated in FIG. 12(a) which has a bore surface changed from a reverse taper configuration to a
straight configuration. In each of FIGS. 2 to 13, a region rightward of the one-dot chain line in
the graph (b) shows pressures to be applied to a wall surface of the bore (bore surface) of the
upper plate.
[0007]
The rapid pressure change and the arc-curved pressure change is caused by a phenomenon
that a molten steel flow is changed as the bore surface is changed from the reverse taper
configuration to the straight configuration. Further, in a swirling nozzle adapted to
intentionally change a molten steel flow, a deposit is observed around a position where the
molten steel flow is changed. Thus, it is considered that a deposit inside the bore of the upper
nozzle can be suppressed by creating a smooth molten steel flow, i.e., a molten steel flow having
an approximately constant change in pressure on the bore surface.
[0008]
As a technique of stabilizing a molten steel flow, there has been proposed an invention
relating to a configuration of a bore of a tapping tube for a converter (see, for example, the
following Patent Document 3).
[Patent Document 1] JP 2007-90423 A
[Patent Document 2] JP 2005-279729A
[Patent Document 3] JP 2008-501854A
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION]
[0009]
However, a technique disclosed in the Patent Document 3 is intended to prevent a vacuum
area from being formed in a central region of a molten steel flow, so as to suppress entrapment of
slag and incorporation of oxygen, nitrogen, etc., but it is not intended to prevent the deposit
formation. Further, the technique disclosed in the Patent Document 3 is designed for a
converter (refining vessel), wherein a period when the effect of preventing entrapment of slag
and incorporation of oxygen, nitrogen, etc., becomes important is a last stage of molten steel
discharge (given that a tapping time is 5 minutes, the last stage is about 1 minute). In contract,
for preventing the deposit formation in a ladle or a tundish (casting or pouring vessel), it is
necessary to bring out an intended effect particularly in a period other than the last stage of
molten steel discharge, i.e., a desired timing of bringing out an intended effect is different.
[0010]
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an upper nozzle having a
configuration of a bore, which is capable of facilitating stabilization of a pressure to be applied
from an outer peripheral region of a molten steel flow onto a bore surface, so as to create a
low-energy loss (smooth) molten steel flow to suppress the deposit formation.

[MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM]
[0011]
The present invention provides an upper nozzle adapted to be fitted into a discharge
opening of a tundish or a ladle and formed with a bore for allowing molten steel to flow
therethrough. The bore comprises a bore surface having, as viewed in cross-section taken along
an axis of the bore, a configuration which is a specific curve defined to have continuous
differential values of r (z) with respect to z, between two curves represented by the following
respective formulas: log (r (z)) = (1 / 1.5) x 0 log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)); and log (r (z)) =
(1 / 6) x log ((H + L)/ (H + z)) + log (r (L)), wherein: L is a length of the upper nozzle; H is a
calculational hydrostatic head height; and r (z) is a radius of the bore at a distance z from an
upper (upstream) end of the bore, and wherein: the calculational hydrostatic head height H is
represented by the following formula: H = ((r (L) / r (0))n x L) / (1 - (r (L) / r (0))n) (n = 1.5 to
6); and the radius r (0) of the bore at the upper end thereof is equal to or greater than 1.5 times
the radius r (L) of the bore at a lower (downstream) end thereof.
[0012]
In the present invention, at least 80% of the bore surface as viewed in cross-section taken
along the axis of the bore may be configured as the specific curve.
[0013]
In the present invention, the bore surface as viewed in cross-section taken along the axis of
the bore may be configured as a specific curve represented by the following formula: log (r (z)) =
(1 / n) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)) (n = 1.5 to 6). In this case, at least 80% of the bore
surface may also be configured as the specific curve.
[EFFECT OF THE INVENTION]
[0014]
The present invention can suppress deposit formation on the bore of the upper nozzle for
allowing molten steel to flow therethrough.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0040]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing one example of an upper nozzle according
to the present invention.
FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper nozzle,
and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the upper
nozzle, wherein n = 1.5.
FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper nozzle,
and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the upper
nozzle, wherein n = 2.
FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper nozzle,
and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the upper
nozzle, wherein n = 4.
FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper nozzle,
and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the upper
nozzle, wherein n = 5.
FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper nozzle,
and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the upper
nozzle, wherein n = 6.
FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper nozzle,
and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the upper
nozzle, wherein n = 7.
FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper nozzle,
and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the upper
nozzle, wherein n = 8.
FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper nozzle,
and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the upper
nozzle, wherein n = 1.
FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper
nozzle, and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the
upper nozzle, wherein n = 4, and a radius ratio = 1.5.

FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of an upper
nozzle, and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten steel through the
upper nozzle, wherein the radius ratio = 1.
FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of a
conventional upper nozzle, and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten
steel through the conventional upper nozzle.
FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b) are, respectively, a diagram showing a configuration of a
conventional upper nozzle, and a graph showing a pressure distribution during flowing of molten
steel through the conventional upper nozzle.
EXPLANATION OF CODES
[0041]
10: upper nozzle
11: bore
12: large end
13: small end
14: bore surface
15: bore surface in n = 1.5
16: bore surface in n = 6
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0015]
With reference to the accompanying drawings, the best mode for carrying out the present
invention will now be specifically described.
[0016]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one example of an upper nozzle according to the
present invention, taken along an axial direction of a bore formed in the upper nozzle to allow
molten steel to flow therethrough. As shown in FIG. 1, an upper nozzle 10 according to the
present invention is formed with a bore 11 for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough. The

bore has a large end 12 adapted to be fitted into a discharge opening of a tundish or a ladle, a
small end 13 adapted to discharge molten steel therefrom, and a bore surface 14 continuously
extending from the large end 12 to the small end 13.
[0017]
In the present invention, the bore surface 14 has, as viewed in cross-section taken along an
axial direction of the bore 11, a configuration (log (r (z)) which is a smooth curve defined
between two curves 15, 16 represented by the following respective formulas: log (r (z)) = (1 /
1.5) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)); and log (r (z)) = (1 / 6) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log
(r (L)), and more preferably a curve represented by the following formula: log (r (z)) = (1 / n) x
log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)) (n: 1.5 to 6). As used herein, the term "smooth curve"
means a curve having continuous differential values of r (z), i.e., a line composed with a curve
and a tangent to the curve.
[0018]
On an assumption that a low-energy loss or smooth (constant) molten steel flow can be
created by stabilizing a pressure distribution on a bore surface of an upper nozzle in a height
direction of the upper nozzle, the inventors of this application has found a bore configuration of
the present invention capable of suppressing a rapid change in pressure on a bore surface, as
described below.
[0019]
Although an amount of molten steel flowing through a bore of an upper nozzle is controlled
by an SN unit disposed underneath (just downstream of) the upper nozzle, energy for providing a
flow velocity of molten steel is fundamentally a hydrostatic head of molten steel in a tundish.
Thus, a flow velocity v (z) of molten steel at a position where a distance from an upper end of
the bore in a vertically downward (downstream) direction is z, is expressed as follows:
v(z) = k(2g(H' + z))1/2
, wherein: g is a gravitational acceleration; H' is a hydrostatic head height of molten
steel; and k is a flow coefficient.
[0020]
A flow volume Q of molten steel flowing through the bore of the upper nozzle is a product
of a flow velocity v and a cross-sectional area A. Thus, the flow volume Q is expressed as
follows:
Q = v(L)xA(L) = k(2g(H' + L))l/2xA(L)
, wherein: L is a length of the upper nozzle; v (L) is a flow velocity of molten steel at a
lower end of the bore; and A (L) is a cross-sectional area of the lower end of the bore.
[0021]
Further, the flow volume Q is constant at any position of the bore in a cross-section taken
along a direction perpendicular to an axis of the bore. Thus, a cross-sectional area A (z) at a
position where the distance from the upper end of the bore is z, is expressed as follows:
A(z) = Q/v(z) = k(2g(H' + L))1/2xA(L)/k(2g(H' + z))1/2
The above equation can be expressed as follows by dividing each of the left-hand and
right-hand sides by A (L):
A (z) / A (L) = ((H' + L) / (FT + z))1/2
[0022]
Given that a ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter is p, A (z) = p r (L)2. The
above equation is expressed as follows:
A (z) / A (L) = p r (z)2 / p r (L)2 = ((H' + L) / (H' + z))1/2
r(z)/r(L) = ((H' + L)/(H' + z))1/4 -----(1)
[0023]
Thus, a radius r (z) at an arbitrary position of the bore is expressed as follows:
log (r (z)) = (1 / 4) x log ((H' + L) / (H' + z)) + log (r (L))
Therefore, an energy loss can be minimized by setting a cross-sectional configuration of the
bore surface to satisfy this condition.
[0024]
During a casting operation, an amount of molten steel in a tundish is kept approximately
constant, i.e., the hydrostatic head height of molten steel is constant. However, it is known that
molten steel located adjacent to a molten-steel level in the tundish does not flow directly flow
into an upper nozzle but molten steel located adjacent to a bottom surface of the tundish flows
into the upper nozzle. Further, in a ladle, it is known that, although a molten-steel level height
is changed, molten steel located adjacent to a bottom surface of the ladle flows into an upper
nozzle in the same manner as that in the tundish. A radius (diameter) of the lower end (small
end) of the bore of the upper nozzle is determined by a required throughput.
[0025]
Through various researches, the inventors found that a rapid pressure change which may
occur, in a vicinity of the upper end of the bore can be suppressed by setting an inner radius
(diameter) of the upper end (large end) of the bore to be equal to or greater than 1.5 times an
inner radius (diameter) of the lower end (small end) of the bore. The reason is that, if the inner
radius of the upper end is less than 1.5 times the inner radius of the lower end, it is difficult to
adequately ensure a distance for smoothing a configuration from the tundish or ladle to the upper
nozzle, and thereby the configuration is rapidly changed. Preferably, the inner radius of the
upper end is equal to or less than 2.5 times the inner radius of the lower end. The reason is that,
if the inner radius of the upper end becomes greater than 2.5 times the inner radius of the lower
end, a discharge opening of the tundish or ladle will be unrealistically increased.
[0026]
In accordance with the above equation (1), a radius ratio of the large end to the small end of
the bore is expressed as follows:
r (0) / r (L) = ((H + L) / (H + 0))1/4 = 1.5 to 2.5
This means that, if respective inner radii of the upper end and the lower end, and a ratio of
the upper end to the lower end, are determined, a calculational hydrostatic head height H can be
obtained. Specifically, the calculational hydrostatic head height H is expressed as follows:
H = ((r (L) / r (0))4 x L) / (1 - (r (L) / r (0))4)
[0027]
Then, the inventors considered that, in an equation "log (r (z)) = (1 / n) x log ((H + L) / (H +
z)) + log (r (L))" which is converted from the above equation "log (r (z)) = (1 / 4) x log ((H' + L)
/ (H' + z)) + log (r (L))" by substituting the hydrostatic head height H' of molten steel with the
calculational hydrostatic head height H, even if n is a number other than 4, a molten steel flow
may become smoother than ever before as long as an upper nozzle is formed with a bore which
comprises a bore surface having a cross-sectional configuration obtained by changing a value of
n, and verified a pressure on a bore surface in each of a plurality of upper nozzles where the bore
surface is formed in various configurations by changing the value of n.
Further, in this verification, the parameter n was also applied to convert the above equation
of the calculational hydrostatic head height H, as follows:
H = ((r (L) / r (0))n x L) / (1 - (r (L) / r (0))n)
The radius ratio of the large end to the small end of the bore is expressed as follows: r (0) / r
(L) = ((H + L) / (H + 0))1/4 = 1.5 to 2.5. Thus, if respective inner radii of the upper end and the
lower end, and a ratio of the upper end to the lower end, are determined, a calculational
hydrostatic head height H in each value of n can be obtained.
[0028]
The present invention will be more spastically described based on examples. It is
understood that the following examples will be shown simply by way of illustrative
embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples.
[EXAMPLE]
[0029]
In the following examples, a distribution of pressures to be applied to a bore surface of an
upper nozzle, wherein: a length of the upper nozzle is 230 mm; a diameter of a large end of a
bore of the upper nozzle is 140 mm; and a diameter of a small end of the bore of the upper
nozzle is 70 mm, and when a hydrostatic head height of a tundish or a ladle is 1000 mm. In
Example 1, the pressure distribution was calculated using an upper nozzle illustrated in FIG. 2(a),
where the bore surface has a configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / n) x log ((H + L) / (H
+ z)) + log (r (L)), wherein n = 1.5, i.e., log (r (z)) = (1 / 1.5) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r
(L)). A result of the calculation is shown in FIG. 2(b) on an assumption that a pressure to be
applied to a bore surface at an upper end of an upper nozzle illustrated in FIG. 11 as a
conventional upper nozzle is 0 (zero). Further, in the same manner as that in Inventive
Example 1, the pressure distribution was calculated using each of seven types of upper nozzles,
wherein: n = 2 (Inventive Example 2); n = 4 (Inventive Example 3); n = 5 (Inventive Example
4); n = 6 (Inventive Example 5); n = 7 (Comparative Example 1); n = 8 (Comparative Example
2); and n = 1 (Comparative Example 3), i.e., using each of:
an upper nozzle (Inventive Example 2) illustrated in FIG. 3(a), where the bore surface has a
configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 2) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L));
an upper nozzle (Inventive Example 3) illustrated in FIG. 4(a), where the bore surface has a
configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 4) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L));
an upper nozzle (Inventive Example 4) illustrated in FIG. 5(a), where the bore surface has a
configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 5) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L));
an upper nozzle (Inventive Example 5) illustrated in FIG. 6(a), where the bore surface has a
configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 6) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L));
an upper nozzle (Comparative Example 1) illustrated in FIG. 7(a), where the bore surface
has a configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 7) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L));
an upper nozzle (Comparative Example 2) illustrated in FIG. 8(a), where the bore surface
has a configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 8) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)); and
an upper nozzle (Comparative Example 3) illustrated in FIG. 9(a), where the bore surface
has a configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 1) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)).
Results of the calculations are shown in FIGS. 3(b), 4(b), 5(b), 6(b), 7(b), 8(b) and 9(b),
respectively.
[0030]
In Inventive Examples 1 to 3 (n = 1.5 to 4), it was verified that the pressure is gradually
changed in a region from the upper end to the lower end of the bore. In view of a fact that no
rapid pressure change occurs, it is proven that a molten steel flow is approximately constant.
[0031]
In Inventive Examples 4 and 5 (n = 5 and 6), it was verified that, although a relatively large
pressure change was observed in a vicinity of the upper end of the bore, the pressure is
subsequently gradually changed. It is proven that a molten steel flow is approximately constant
in a region other than the vicinity of the upper end of the bore where a bore diameter is relatively
large and a deposit problem is less likely to occur.
[0032]
In Comparative Examples 1 and 2 (n = 7 and 8), the pressure is largely changed from
about 100 Pa or about 200 Pa in a vicinity of the upper end of the bore. Specifically, it was
verified that a pressure greater than that in the conventional upper nozzle illustrated in FIG. 11 is
generated at the upper end of the bore, and then an extremely large pressure change occurs in the
vicinity of the upper end of the bore. In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, it is proven that, due
to a radius (diameter) of the bore sharply reduced in the vicinity of the upper end of the bore, a
molten steel flow is rapidly changed in a region where a bore diameter is relatively small and the
deposit problem is more likely to occur.
[0033]
In Comparative Example 3 (n = 1), where the bore inner wall has a reverse taper
configuration, and a corner is formed in a contact region with the upper plate, it was verified that,
although a pressure change in the upper nozzle is relatively small, a rapid pressure change occurs
just after molten steel flows from the upper nozzle into the upper plate, as evidenced, for
example, by a comparison between FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 9(b)
[0034]
As above, in the present invention, it is proven that a change in pressure to be applied to the
bore surface is approximately constant during flowing of molten steel through the bore of the
upper nozzle, i.e., a molten steel flow is low in energy loss, or constant. A molten-steel level in
a ladle is gradually lowered from about 4000 mm, and a molten-steel level in a tundish is about
500 mm. However, as mentioned above, molten metal flowing into the discharge opening is
molten metal located adjacent to a bottom surface of the tundish or the ladle. Thus, even if the
molten-steel level height is changed, a pressure distribution has the same characteristic as those
in Inventive and Comparative Examples, although a value of the pressure is changed.
[0035]
(Inventive Example 6)
In Inventive Example 6, the pressure distribution was calculated in the same manner as that
in Inventive Example 1, using an upper nozzle illustrated in FIG. 10(a), wherein: a length of the
upper nozzle is 230 mm; a diameter D of a small end (lower end) of a bore of the upper nozzle is
70 mm; a diameter of a large end (upper end) of the bore of the upper nozzle is 108 mm which is
1.5 times the diameter D of the small end of the bore (1.5D); and n is 4, i.e., the bore surface has
a configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 4) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)). A

result of the calculation is shown in FIG. 10(b).
[0036]
(Comparative Example 4)
In Comparative Example 4, the pressure distribution was calculated in the same manner as
that in Inventive Example 1, using an upper nozzle illustrated in FIG. 11(a), wherein: a length of
the upper nozzle is 230 mm; a diameter D of a small end (lower end) of a bore of the upper
nozzle is 70 mm; a diameter of a large end (upper end) of the bore of the upper nozzle is 73 mm
which is about 1 time the diameter D of the small end of the bore (1.06D); and n is 4, i.e., the
bore surface has a configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / 4) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log
(r (L)). A result of the calculation is shown in FIG. 11 (b).
[0037]
In Comparative Example 4 where a radius (diameter) ratio of the large end to the small end
of the bore is about 1 (1.06), a pressure change in a vicinity of the upper end of the bore is
relatively large. In contract, in Inventive Example 6 where the radius ratio is 1.5 (the radius of
the upper end: 1.5D), and Inventive Example 3 where the radius ratio is 2 (the radius of the
upper end: 2D), it was verified that a pressure change is approximately constant even in a
vicinity of the upper end of the bore. In the case where the configuration of the bore surface is
represented by the log (r (z)), a wall surface continuously extending from a tundish or a ladle to
the upper nozzle becomes smoother along with an increase in radius (diameter) of the bore.
This proves that a rapid pressure change in the vicinity of the upper end of the bore can be
suppressed by setting the radius (diameter) of the upper end of the bore to be equal to or greater
than 1.5 times the radius (diameter) of the lower end of the bore.
[0038]
Further, if there is a corner or a corner-like configuration, a rapid pressure change is
observed as in the pressure changes in the conventional upper nozzle and Comparative Examples
1 to 4. Thus, when a bore surface is formed in a vertical cross-sectional configuration defined
between log (r (z)) = (1/ 1.5) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)) and log (r (z)) = (1 / 6) x log
((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)), in such a manner as to become smooth and free from formation
of a corner, i.e., to have continuous differential values of r (z) with respect to z (d (r (z)) / dz), a
metal steel flow can be stabilized so as to suppress the deposit formation.
[0039]
A configuration of a region adjacent to the upper end of the bore is likely to be determined
by a factor, such as a configuration of a stopper. Further, the region adjacent to the upper end
of the bore is relatively large in inner radius (diameter), and less affected by a deposit. In
contract, a configuration of a region adjacent to the lower end of the bore is likely to be
determined by a factor in terms of production. For example, in some cases, the region adjacent
to the lower end of the bore has to be formed in a straight body due to a need for inserting a tool
thereinto during a production process. Thus, the bore surface may be formed in the vertical
cross-sectional configuration represented by log (r (z)) = (1 / n) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r
(L)) (n = 1.5 to 6), by at least 80% thereof. Further, a bubbling mechanism adapted to inject an
inert gas, such as Ar gas, may be used in combination.
WE CLAIM
1. An upper nozzle adapted to be fitted into a discharge opening of a tundish or a ladle and
formed with a bore for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough, the bore comprising a bore
surface having, as viewed in cross-section taken along an axis of the bore, a configuration which
is a curve defined to have continuous differential values of r (z) with respect to z, between two
curves represented by the following respective formulas: log (r (z)) = (1 / 1.5) x log ((H + L) / (H
+ z)) + log (r (L)); and log (r (z)) = (1 / 6) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)), wherein: L is a
length of the upper nozzle; H is a calculational hydrostatic head height; and r (z) is a radius of
the bore at a distance z from an upper end of the bore, and wherein:
the calculational hydrostatic head height H is represented by the following formula: H = ((r
(L) / r (0))n x L) / (1 - (r (L) / r (0))n) (n = 1.5 to 6); and
the radius r (0) of the bore at the upper end thereof is equal to or greater than 1.5 times the
radius r (L) of the bore at a lower end thereof.
2. An upper nozzle adapted to be fitted into a discharge opening of a tundish or a ladle and
formed with a bore for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough, the bore comprising a bore
surface having, as viewed in cross-section taken along an axis of the bore and in at least 80% of
the bore surface, a configuration which is a curve defined to have continuous differential values
of r (z) with respect to z, between two curves represented by the following respective formulas:
log (r (z)) = (1 / 1.5) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)); and log (r (z)) = (1 / 6) x log ((H + L)
/ (H + z)) + log (r (L)), wherein: L is a length of the upper nozzle; H is a calculational hydrostatic
head height; and r (z) is a radius of the bore at a distance z from an upper end of the bore, and
wherein:
the calculational hydrostatic head height H is represented by the following formula: H = ((r
(L) / r (0))n x L) / (1 - (r (L) / r (0))n) (n = 1.5 to 6); and
the radius r (0) of the bore at the upper end thereof is equal to or greater than 1.5 times the
radius r (L) of the bore at a lower end thereof.
3. An upper nozzle adapted to be fitted into a discharge opening of a tundish or a ladle and
formed with a bore for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough, the bore comprising a bore
surface having, as viewed in cross-section taken along an axis of the bore, a configuration which
is a curve represented by the following formula: log (r (z)) = (1 / n) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) +
log (r (L)), wherein: L is a length of the upper nozzle; H is a calculational hydrostatic head
height; r (z) is a radius of the bore at a distance z from an upper end of the bore; and n is in the
range of 1.5 to 6, and wherein:
the calculational hydrostatic head height H is represented by the following formula: H = ((r
(L) / r (0))n x L) / (1 - (r (L) / r (0))n) (n = 1.5 to 6); and
the radius r (0) of the bore at the upper end thereof is equal to or greater than 1.5 times the
radius r (L) of the bore at a lower end thereof.
4. An upper nozzle adapted to be fitted into a discharge opening of a tundish or a ladle and
formed with a bore for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough, the bore comprising a bore
surface having, as viewed in cross-section taken along an axis of the bore and in at least 80% of
the bore surface, a configuration which is a curve represented by the following formula: log (r
(z)) = (1 / n) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)), wherein: L is a length of the upper nozzle; H
is a calculational hydrostatic head height; r (z) is a radius of the bore at a distance z from an
upper end of the bore; and n is in the range of 1.5 to 6, and wherein:
the calculational hydrostatic head height H is represented by the following formula: H = ((r
(L) / r (0))n x L) / (1 - (r (L) / r (0))n) (n = 1.5 to 6); and
the radius r (0) of the bore at the upper end thereof is equal to or greater than 1.5 times the
radius r (L) of the bore at a lower end thereof.

The present invention is directed to creating a less-energy loss or smooth (constant) molten
steel flow with a focus on a configuration of a bore of an upper nozzle, so as to provide an upper
nozzle formed with a bore having a configuration capable of to suppress deposit formation. For
this purpose, in an upper nozzle 10 for allowing molten steel to flow therethrough, a radius of an
upper end of a bore 11 is set to be equal to or greater than 1.5 times a radius of a lower end of the
bore 11, and a bore surface 14 is formed in a vertical cross-sectional configuration represented
by log (r (z)) = (1 / n) x log ((H + L) / (H + z)) + log (r (L)) (n = 1.5 to 6).