The molten flux pool formed above the meniscus of the steel acts as areservoir, which ideally provides a continuous supply of liquid flux to the mold/strand gap. It is important that this flux pool has sufficient depth to feed the gap adequately at all times. Reports have been made that the depth of the flux pool increases with increases in the casting speed and melting rate, and decreases in the "melting" temperature of the powder. The flux pool depth also is affected by the powder consumption rate and mold dimensions. While the mold powder is melting to form the flux pool, the liquid lubricant flows into the strand/mold gap. Therefore, the flux pool depth is a balance between the consumption rate and melting rate. The flux pool is expected to be deeper at higher casting rates, since the consumption rate decreases with increases in the casting speed, while the melting rate tends to increase due to a higher thermal input in the mold.
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