Clogging of Continuous Casting nozzle has a detrimental effect
on productivity and product quality; it also increases production
costs and goes against security. Many factors contribute to the
clogging phenomenon, including the detailed process parameters
of continuous casting and secondary metallurgy. Clogging can be effectively limited by Argon injection that is
usually performed through the stopper rod. The nature and
quality of the refractory equipment is another factor that must be
considered carefully. The clogging mechanism has been clearly
ascribed to the level and nature of non metallic inclusions, thus to
the secondary metallurgy process. Effective counter measures that have been successfully
implemented in Arcelor to achieve long sequence casting are
presented.