MoldExpert – operational experience and future development.

Since its launch in 2001 by VAI and vatron, the MoldExpert monitoring system has been installed on 15 strands and units for a further 22 strands are on order. Operational experience has proved that in critical situations, the breakout prevention system has avoided costly repairs and maintained production. MoldExpert data can be integrated into the overall automation system and be made available in both time and length sequences. Complex relations, which are useful for improving the casting process, can be elucidated. The ongoing development of the process models is reviewed, special focus being given to the prediction of longitudinal surface cracks, based on thermal and frictional behaviour in the mould. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]