3-D field path adjustments of an in-mold electromagnetic stirrer for steel mill application

The existing in-mold electromagnetic stirrers (M-EMS) that are widely applied in the steel industries have experienced low efficiencies due to the high operational temperatures and open system structures. Based on simple mechanical attachments and verified by detailed 3-D electromagnetic field analyses, this paper will propose a guided field path arrangement that can enhance the overall performance of an M-EMS system by a factor of 28% in the designated stirring directions while maintaining the same energy inputs. Such evident improvements will certainly provide a valuable design and adjustment guidance for the related metal industries. Index Terms--Continuous casting process, finite-element analysis (FEA), in-mold electromagnetic stirrer, molten steel.