CHAPTER 5

GUIDELINES FOR

QUALITY EVALUATION

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Guidelines for quality evaluation

Table of Contents Page

1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 SHAPE DEFECTS AND DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY 5

RHOMBOIDITY 7
BULGING 8
CORNER DEPRESSION 9

3 SURFACE DEFECTS AND SURFACE QUALITY 10

LONGITUDINAL CORNER CRACKS 11
DEFORMED OSCILLATION MARKS 12
TRANSVERSE CORNER CRACKS 13
TRANSVERSE FACE CRACKS 14
SURFACE PINHOLES 15
BLEEDS 16
LAPS AND DOUBLE SKIN 17
SLAG INCLUSIONS ON THE SURFACE 18
CRAZE CRACKING 19

4 INTERNAL DEFECTS AND INTERNAL QUALITY 20

MACRO INCLUSIONS 21
SUB-SURFACE CRACKS (OFF CORNERS) 22
DIAGONAL CRACKS 23
HALFWAY CRACKS 24
CENTER CRACKS 25
SEGREGATION 26
V-TYPE CENTER SEGREGATION 27
GHOST LINES 28
HAIR CRACKS 29

1. Introduction

The purpose of this chapter is to list the criteria for quality evaluation of the
blooms cast.

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 The object of routine inspection and quality control is:

x To detect by means of irregularities on the blooms, faults on mould,

secondary cooling and withdrawal/straightener unit settings which can result
in defective blooms or disturbances to casting i.e. breakouts.
x To detect substandard casts which would result in a defective final product
that has to be downgraded.

The inspection of blooms to detect defects is done taking different kind of sample
depending on the information requested. This in turn depends on what the end
product will be and how confident the customer is in their process control.
It is not often necessary to do a full inspection of the cast product. A random
check provides all the required information.
The number and type of samples taken for different grades is commonly referred
to as a sampling plan.
These sampling modalities, together with causes and corrective actions required
for the elimination of various defects will be described.

Defects can be divided in two groups according their origin:

x Strand specific (only occur on 1 strand due to mechanical or machine set-up

problems, such as defective mould tubes, faulty secondary cooling, faulty
straightener settings)

x Heat specific (which are related to the properties of the liquid steel and
normally caused by problems with superheat, trace element control,
deoxidation practice during secondary metallurgy).

Each group of defects (strand specific or heat specific) can furthermore be

classified as:

x Shape defects ( for dimensional accuracy);

x Surface defects ( for surface quality);
x Internal defects ( for internal quality).

During blooms inspection three type of samples are usually considered:

x Transverse cross section slice (indicated by A);

x Entire bloom surface (indicated by B);
x Longitudinal cross section (indicated by C);

Transverse cross section slice can be inspected immediately after cutting, (still in
rough machined condition, indicated by A1) for dimensional accuracy.
A Sulphur-print (condition A2) or a chemical macroetching (condition A3) can be
performed on the slice after grinding for assessment of internal defects.
It is not always necessary to prepare slices both in A2 and A3 condition, the
choice being dependent on the quality of the steel grade cast and the quality
requirements of the final product.

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 The internal quality can be inspected also from Sulphur print taken on
longitudinal cross section (condition B1).
Surface defects are detected visually on the entire bloom surface after local
cleaning with wire brush (condition B1) or after test scarfing 2 mm deep
(condition B2). Surface can also be inspected in longitudinal cross section after
pickling (condition C2) or after pickling and spot ground to detect defect depth
(condition C3).

Table 1 summarised the different types of defects that can be revealed by

different sample preparation.

Table 1 Sample types

Sample type Sample Processing Used to check for

Transverse Rough machined section Check for cross section shape and
slice (A1) (saw cut / milling) dimensional accuracy

Transverse Macro etching Macro inclusions, internal cracks, %

slice (A2) Equiaxed, pipe.

Transverse Ground & S-printed %Equiaxed, internal cracks,

slice (A3) segregation

Entire surface Visual inspection, local Cold welds, transverse depressions,

bloom (B1) cleaning with wire brush longitudinal corner crack, irregular
oscillation marks

Entire surface Test scarfing 2mm deep Subsurface slag entrapment. Pinhole
bloom (B2) porosity

Longitudinal section Longitudinal cut and S- Segregation, pipe (for higher C grades
(300mm) (C1) printed subject to possible bridging)

Longitudinal section Surface pickled and Pinholes, intergranular network

(300mm) (C2) inspected cracking, transverse corner crack

Longitudinal section Surface pickled and Concealed transverse corner crack

(300mm) (C3) inspected, spot ground to (mould level fluctuation) that did not
detect defect depth showing on sample C2

The most common of these samples are described in detail below along with the
defects that may be seen.

IMPORTANT: Routine samples should be taken from blooms cast under normal
conditions i.e. exclude blooms from the beginning and end of a cast. Of course if
an unforeseen event occurs.

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2. Shape defects and dimensional accuracy

Shape defects can be observed on transverse slice cut from a bloom, which
should be taken at least 150 mm away from any torch cut.
The slice in this condition is used to assess the following parameters:

x Difference of Diagonals (Rhomboidity) (see Fig 1);

x Side length of bloom (Bulging) (see Fig 1);
x Corner depression (see Fig.1);
x Difference of Diameters (Ovality) (see Fig.2);
x Macroscopic inclusions (see section: internal defect).

Fig 1 Measurements for dimensional accuracy (square sections)

A
B

W1

D1 D2

X1 X2

W2

x measure D1 and D2 Long and short diagonals

x measure W1 and W2: width between curved sides
x measure X1 and X2: thickness between parallel sides

(W and X to be measured approx. 20 mm from corner)

x The measures of the diagonals are used to calculate the Rhomboidity

according to the following equation:

2 u  D1  D2
R hom boidty % u 100 Where D1 = long diagonal
D1  D2
D2 = short diagonal

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 x The degree of bulging on one or more sides can be determined by making
measurements W and X as follows:

(W1 + W2) / 2 = Average width of the bulged sides

(X1 + X2) / 2 = Average width of the parallel sides

(W X) = Degree of bulging in mm

Defect Rhomboidity

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 Primary Worn mould leads to uneven primary solidification. Solidifying shell
Cause can touch one side of mould and leave a large air gap on the opposite
face. The shell is thicker and stronger on one side compared to the other
and rhombic distortion occurs when the shell exits the mould.
If the rhomboidity is mould related it is quite common to see the
rhomboidity increase and decrease in severity within one or two heats. It
is also possible for the rhomboidity to change from right handed to left-
handed. This normally a strand specific defect.
Secondary Badly adjusted foot rolls will mechanically force the strand shell into a
Cause (1) rhombic shape.
Secondary Bad spray alignment if severe enough can cause such uneven cooling
Cause (2) that a rhombic shell is formed in a similar way to a worn mould i.e. uneven
shell formation.
Other Steel Chemistry will affect the strength of the solidifying shell. The
Contributing presence of Cu, Sn and S will all weaken the shell and allow distortion to
Factors occur more easily.
Additional Rhombic distortion may have an internal crack associated with it. This
Info can open up in the rolling mill and cause cobbles or seams. If the
rhomboidity is severe the crack can reach the surface during casting and
cause a breakout.
Severity of 0 3 % Good
Rhombic 3 4 % Tolerable
deformation > 4% Serious risk of breakout and or defective blooms
Corrective Change the mould if worn. Reset the foot rolls correctly. Realign sprays
Actions especially zone 1. Ensure Mn:S ratio > 28:1. Cu,Sn < 0.25
Defect Bulging

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 Primary High casting Speed leads to a thinner shell on exit from the mould.
Cause The shell is not strong enough to resist the ferrostatic forces above it and
is distorted and may even breakout. Secondary causes may increase this
effect. As section size increases the ferrostatic pressure increases and
bulging tendency will increase. This is normally a strand specific defect.
Secondary Badly adjusted foot rolls or containment rolls will allow the strand to
Cause (1) bulge on exit from the mould or along the segments. They must always
be set correctly to provide the correct amount of support for the strand
shell
Secondary Worn mould will allow bulging to occur in the worn section of the mould
Cause (2) especially if the casting speed is high.
Other Steel Chemistry will affect the strength of the solidifying shell. The
Contributing presence of Cu, Sn and S will all weaken the shell and allow distortion to
Factors occur more easily.
Severity of The normal bloom dimensional tolerance is 1.5 %.
Bulging Deviations larger than 3 % could cause possibly problems in a pushes-
type reheat furnace, while are not relevant in case of walking beam
furnaces.
Corrective Reduce the casting speed. Reset the foot rolls correctly. Change the
Actions mould if worn.. Ensure Mn:S ratio > 28:1. Cu,Sn < 0.25

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 Defect Corner Depression

Primary Rhomboidity a rhomboid bloom often has a longitudinal off corner

Cause depression. This appears as a trough running parallel with the corner
along the entire length of the bloom. It can also be intermittent and
contain bleeds. In severe cases there can be a crack under this
depression.
Secondary Worn mould can allow intermittent contact with the mould wall and a
Cause (1) strong corner can twist in the mould causing a depression even if there is
no rhomboidity. There is likely to be a crack underneath and therefore a
possibility of a breakout.
Secondary Bad spray alignment a badly twisted riser on a spray ring will allow
Cause (2) undercooling on a corner and reheating followed by distortion.
Other Distorted moulds even if new will behave like old moulds. If a new
Contributing mould has had a bloom pulled out of it the taper may have been
Factors destroyed. This will also cause similar problems to a worn mould. Steel
chemistry i.e. low Mn:S ratio will also reduce shell strength.
Severity of 0 1 mm No action required
surface 1 3 mm Check mould tube age and/or presence of deposits
depression > 3 mm Breakout risk and risk of internal cracks below the depression
Corrective Change the mould if worn or distorted. Check the upper sprays (spray
Actions ring) for any gross misalignment of spray risers.

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3 Surface defects and Surface Quality

Surface defects (or External defects) are found by inspection of the entire bloom
surface removing any scale with a sand blaster (condition B1 and B2).
Local areas can be cleaned using a wire brush.
Surface defects that can be seen are described below.

x Longitudinal Corner Cracks

x Deformed Oscillation Marks
x Transverse Corner Cracks
x Transverse Face Cracks
x Surface Pinholes
x Bleeds
x Laps and Double Skin
x Slag Inclusions on the surface
x Craze Cracking

Note: even if the following description is dealing with square cross section,
features, causes and corrective actions related to surface defects are also valid
for round cross section.

Defect Longitudinal corner cracks

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 Primary Worn mould These cracks are formed in the mould and often due to a
Cause worn profile in the corner either knicked or key-holed. This causes a
thinner shell to form and allows reheating lower in the mould. This
reduces the strength of the corner allowing a crack to form.
Secondary Bad secondary nozzle alignment in case of bad spray jet alignment of
Cause (1) upper zones a rhombic-wise shell contraction can generate a longitudinal
corner crack.
Secondary Variable heat transfer can allow reheating and crack formation. Mould
Cause (2) powder lubrication however normally reduces the chances of this
happening.
Secondary Superheat has a strong effect on cracking. A hot shell has less
Cause (3) strength to resist thermal stresses set-up in the mould.
Other Carbon content influences the occurrence of cracks. Cracks are more
Contributing likely above 0.15 C and approach a maximum at 0.40 wt% C. Cu, Sn and
Factors S all weaken the shell and increase crack probability.
Corrective Change the mould if worn. Change mould powder to reduce heat
Actions transfer. Decrease superheat to minimum possible. Check the alignment
of secondary sprays

Defect Deformed Oscillation Marks

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 Primary Worn mould in the meniscus area in particular will cause the marks to
Cause look smeared in the middle of the face. High tensile stresses can lead to
a breakout.
Secondary Wrong mould lubrication in case of wrong powder viscosity selection
Cause (1) sticking between newly formed shell and mould wall can take place
Secondary Severe taper If the taper is too strong for the steel grade deformed
Cause (2) oscillation marks will result. This is accompanied with a high tensile
stress that can pull the bloom shell apart.
Secondary Casting Speed If the casting speed is too slow the taper shall become
Cause (3) excessive and will generate a lot o stress in the shell as it moves into the
lower part of the mould.
Other If the mould life is low but meniscus area is deformed check the water
Contributing side of the mould in case the water hardness has risen and deposited an
Factors insulating layer of lime scale on the copper;
Scarce lubrication in the mould or mould powder incorrect;
Oscillation parameters incorrect.
Corrective Change the mould if worn.
Actions Cast at the correct speed for section and steel grade.
Improve the mould lubrication.
Check the oscillation parameters (frequency and stroke).

Defect Transverse Corner Cracks

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 Primary Steel Chemistry high levels of P, S and other tramp elements can
Cause greatly weaken the shell and in combination with a mechanical stress
cause the cracks to form, normally in oscillation marks.
High amount of Al, Nb and V which decrease the hot ductility in the
temperature range of 600-900C.
Secondary Mechanical stress Any mechanical stress coupled with poor chemistry
Cause (1) may cause cracks. Severe mould taper, worn oscillator bearings or a
badly aligned machine can cause stresses. Also poor lubrication alone
can cause enough stress to generate cracks
Secondary Unbending stresses can be high enough to generate cracks especially
Cause (2) if the grade is crack sensitive and the corner temperature is lower than
900. The cracks will appear on the top side of the bloom.
Other A severe mould taper or slow casting speed will generate stress. Casting
Contributing parameters that give positive strip will generate stress and negative strip
Factors must always be used.
Corrective Reduce residuals, eliminate mechanical stress, increase straightening
Actions temperature, have negative strip and a short stroke, use low viscosity
lubricant.

Defect Transverse face cracks

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 Primary Steel Chemistry Unusually high levels of P, S and Cu will cause a
Cause problem instantly.
Secondary Mechanical stress Any mechanical stress coupled with poor chemistry
Cause (1) may cause cracks. Severe mould taper, worn oscillator bearings or a
badly aligned machine can cause stresses. Also poor lubrication alone
can cause enough stress to generate cracks
Secondary Unbending stresses can be high enough to generate cracks especially
Cause (2) if the grade is crack sensitive and the bloom temperature is low. The
cracks will appear on the top side of the bloom.
Other Normally this problem is chemistry related but if the chemistry is normal
Contributing then all the factors that cause transverse corner cracks must be
Factors considered.
Corrective Check the steel chemistry especially Cu. Follow corrective actions for
Actions transverse corner cracks, i.e. reduce mechanical stresses.

Defect Surface pinholes and subsurface blow holes

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 Primary Steel Chemistry high levels of gaseous elements H, N and CO will
Cause combine to give a pressure > 1 bar and cause a pinhole. Problem is
worse if Si is low and C is high.
Secondary Wet Tundish can add significant quantities of H and O to an otherwise
Cause (1) non problematic steel.
Secondary Stirring Gas At the LMF stirring with N for a long period can cause a
Cause (2) sudden and rapid increase in dissolved N content.
Secondary Gas pick up / reoxidation O, N can be absorbed from Ladle to Tundish
Cause (3) shroud, from the uneven slag coverage in Tundish and from the Tundish
to mould shroud. The sealing from air contact during all the mentioned
steps must be assured.
Secondary Argon sealing If the protective Ar flow-rate in TD nozzle/slide-gates is
Cause (4) to high, Ar bubbles will be dragged from the molten steel in the mould and
appear like small pinholes and blow holes.
Other This problem is always chemistry related and all sources of H, N and CO
Contributing must be minimised. Certain steel chemistries are impossible to cast
Factors without first degassing the steel or aluminium killing.
Steel reoxidation, use of excessive oil lubricant or wet casting powder in
the mould have an influence.
Corrective Check the steel chemistry and reduce gases. Do not add damp Ferro
Actions alloys especially FeSi as H content increases. Check that tundish and the
casting powder are properly dried. Check the sealing of the shrouds
Defect Bleeds

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 Primary Defective mould This defect is a small breakout that has occurred in
Cause the mould and then solidified again. That is why the teardrops have a
flattened appearance. The breakout is normally caused by another defect
i.e. subsurface crack etc.
Secondary Surface Slag Slag from the meniscus area can be trapped in the
Cause (1) solidifying shell and on exit from the mould be pushed out of the shell but
ferrostatic pressure. The steel that follows is quenched by the spray
water and leaves a bleed. The slag is normally alumina or solid
manganese silicates.
Secondary Scarce lubrication - mould powder incorrect.
Cause (2)
Other This problem is either a faulty mould or poor chemistry control of the steel.
Contributing Reoxidation in the ladle, tundish or mould can create solid inclusions if the
Factors chemistry is sensitive to this.
Wrong oscillation parameters.
Corrective Change the mould. Adjust the steel chemistry to avoid solid inclusions.
Actions Prevent reoxidation of steel in the tundish and mould.

Defect Laps and Double Skin

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 Primary Lubrication This problem is caused by poor or intermittent lubrication.
Cause The steel sticks to the side of the mould and is then dragged down by the
oscillation motion and instead of forming a normal oscillation mark a lap is
created.
Secondary Variation of the mould level an uneven variation of the mould level
Cause (1) and/or a meniscus perturbation can lead to skin overlapping.
Secondary None
Cause (2)
Other If mould powder absorbs a lot of alumina the viscosity and melting point of
Contributing the powder and slag can change. This can affect the ability to lubricate
Factors the mould and consequently cause sticking and laps.
Corrective Ensure correct mould powder is used. Check the level variation and the
Actions oscillating bank

Defect Slag Inclusions on the surface

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 Primary Slag - Excessive amount of slag in the steel.
Cause Slag containing high amount of Al2O3 and low Si2O, MnO and FeO.
Secondary Variable mould level that pulls the slag rim down into the bloom when
Cause (1) submerged casting; excessive turbulence into the mould.
Secondary Reoxidation of the liquid steel.
Cause (2) Deoxidation with Ca or CaSi, low Mn/Si ratio and open casting (Mn and Si
are oxidised and their oxides are trapped into the solidified steel)
Other Erosion of the refractory materials;
Contributing Low level of steel into the tundish.
Factors
Corrective Minimised the slag quantity in the mould;
Actions Check the content of Mn, Si, Ca, Al during secondary metallurgy
treatment;
Check the mould level variation.

Defect Craze Cracking

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 Primary A segregation of low melting point elements i.e. Cu to the grain
Cause boundaries is usually the main reason for craze cracking occurring around
the grain boundaries.
Secondary High levels of B, Al and N2 in boron steels
Cause (1)
Secondary Precipitation of AlN in Al-killed steels
Cause (2)
Other
Contributing
Factors
Corrective Lower quality applications can tolerate a certain amount of craze cracking
Actions but products requiring 0.5% defect depth on the rolled bar or coil cannot
tolerate any craze cracking and corrective action must be taken.
Change the mould powder to lower the mould heat flow;
Add Ni to achieve a Cu/Ni ratio of 1:1.

4 Internal defects and Internal Quality

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 Internal defects can be observed in Sulphur prints of transversal and longitudinal
cross sections (A2 and C1 respectively) or after chemical macroetching (A2).
Internal defects that can be seen are described below.

x Macro inclusions
x Sub-surface cracks (off corners)
x Diagonal cracks
x Halfway cracks
x Center cracks
x Segregation
x Piping and Bridging
x V-type center segregation
x Ghost lines
x Haircracks

Note: even if the following description is dealing with square cross section,
features, causes and corrective actions related to internal defects are also valid
for round cross section.

Defect Macro inclusions

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 Primary Reoxidation anywhere in the system will produce a large macro
Cause inclusion. On the CCM the 3 places for reoxidation are between ladle and
tundish, in the tundish and between tundish and mould.
Secondary Mould powder can be drawn into the steel if SEN is not immersed
Cause (1) deeply enough below the meniscus.
Secondary Steelmaking - can generate or remove large numbers of inclusions.
Cause (2) Numerous factors exist. Accurate control of the entire secondary
steelmaking process is required to produce clean steel.
Other Refractory erosion can lead to inclusion problems. This can be from
Contributing anywhere in the system. Preheating of SENs and tundish must be
Factors excessive or material breaks down and is washed into steel.
Corrective Ensure no reoxidation occurs. Have correct SEN immersion depth.
Actions Ensure secondary steelmaking is correct.

Defect Off corners cracks

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 Primary Rhomboidity - This crack is an indication of uneven mould cooling and it
Cause is usually associated with depression or rhomboidity. If the crack
propagates to the surface during casting there will be a breakout. During
rolling cracks may be opened up in the roughing stands.
Secondary Uneven secondary cooling (upper zones) non symmetric section
Cause (1) spray cooling in the very first zones can provoke corner contraction hence
cracks starting from the hotter solidified steel below the solidification front
Secondary Uneven containment rolls gap containment rolls not properly set can
Cause (2) allows face bulging with subsequent arising of cracks in the off corner
area.
Secondary W/S unit low ductility at high temperature during bending and
Cause (3) ??? strengthening of the strand may give arise in this kind of cracks.
Secondary High casting temperature, high casting speed.
Cause (4)
Corrective Check mould tube for deformation and/or deposits if the crack is
Actions propagated very close to the surface and a pronounced depression on the
surface exists; change mould tube at once, risk of breakout and defective
blooms, if the cracks are propagated until the surface or connecting to a
diagonal crack.

Defect Diagonal cracks

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 Primary Rhomboidity - This is usually associated with a strong rhombic
Cause deformation of the bloom of more than 5 %. This long crack is an
indication of very uneven mould cooling. It is likely that the crack will
propagate to the surface. During rolling these cracks are more likely to
open up in the roughing stands.
Secondary Bad spray alignment the secondary cooling is not uniform an all 4
Cause (1) blooms sides.
Secondary Oscillation marks at the corners deeper than at the faces centre: the
Cause (2) bigger corner air gap developed by deeper marks in these position
reduces the heat transfer leading to thin shell formation.
Other Steel composition: Mn/S < 25-30
Contributing
Factors
Corrective If these long diagonal cracks ending close to the bloom corners the
Actions corrective action must be to immediately change the mould;
Check the secondary cooling system for correct alignment;
Reduce formation of deep oscillation marks around corners;
Steel composition with Mn/S > 25-30;
In low carbon steel with low Mn/S ratio, keep S<0.018%.

Defect Halfway cracks

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 Primary Secondary cooling is the main reason for these cracks. The change in
Cause cooling intensity between spray zones allows reheating which generates
stresses in the bloom. The solid shell cracks at the solid liquid interface.
The depth of the crack determines how far down the machine the stress
was first developed.

Secondary W/S unit pressure too high

Cause (1)
Secondary None
Cause (2)
Other Blocked spray risers or nozzles will allow reheating and crack generation.
Contributing
Factors
Corrective The cracks formed are normally far enough under the surface so they do
Actions not cause rolling problems. They are not oxidised and normally weld up
during rolling.
Use the correct cooling curve and avoid large changes of intensity
between zones.
Check all spray nozzles are unblocked.
Modify cooling curve in order to reduce reheating between cooling zones
or at the end of cooling.

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 Defect Center cracks

Primary Secondary cooling excessive secondary cooling reduces the skin

Cause temperature drastically, which is reheated up from the core still liquid
when the bloom exits from the cooling system
Secondary Low C steels (C < 0.10 0.12wt%) are very prone to this type of crack
Cause (1) even when the spry cooling is O.K.
Secondary Trace elements like S, P and Cu, Sn
Cause (2)
Other High casting speed, high tundish superheat
Contributing
Factors
Corrective Decrease the secondary cooling intensity;
Actions Decrease the casting speed;
Decrease the casting temperature.

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 Defect Segregation

Primary Superheat if high, extends the length of columnar grains growing

Cause towards the centre of the bloom. This causes more C, S and Mn to be
concentrated in the remaining liquid ahead of the solidification front.
Secondary Secondary Cooling Hard cooling will generate equiaxed grain growth
Cause (1) in the centre of the bloom, ahead of the columnar crystal growth front.
This will stop the concentration of solute in the remaining liquid and
spreads the final liquid to solidify over a wider area
Secondary Casting Speed A high speed leaves less time for heat removal and less
Cause (2) chance for equiaxed crystals to form in the centre
Other MEMS, FEMS can be used to reduce the effects of segregation but FEMS
Contributing is placed on the machine at a point of maximum affect for a given casting
Factors speed. Cannot therefore change the casting speed.
Corrective Reduce superheat, increase cooling, reduce casting speed. Use MEMS
Actions and FEMS if possible.

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 Defect V type center segregation

Primary High Superheat an high superheat promotes formation of columnar

Cause solidification structure at expense of the equiaxed one, promoting centre
segregation of alloy elements such as C, S, P and Mn.
Secondary Too low secondary cooling
Cause (1)
Secondary
Cause (2)
Other Steel chemistry: high S, P, C and Mn content
Contributing
Factors
Corrective Corrective actions, such as reduce the superheat, increase the water
Actions cooling and use EMS, should be taken if the size of the V segregates
exceeds the standard acceptable for the final application. High levels of C
can be found in V segregates and these can cause hard brittle phases in
the rolled product. Knowledge of what he end product can tolerate is
required before a decision can be made as to whether the blooms must
be scrapped or not.

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 Defect Ghost lines

Primary Rhomboidity /depressions - This crack is an indication of uneven mould

Cause cooling and it is usually associated with depression or rhomboidity. When
the crack propagates to the solidification front it can be partially or
completely filled from the low melting products, forming a structural
discontinuity in which MnS is highly concentrated.
Secondary Uneven secondary cooling (upper zones) non symmetric section
Cause (1) spray cooling in the very first zones can provoke corner contraction hence
cracks starting from the hotter solidified steel below the solidification front
Secondary Uneven containment rolls gap containment rolls not properly set can
Cause (2) allows face bulging with subsequent arising of cracks in the off corner
area.
Other Steel chemistry: high S, P, C and Mn content, high superheat
Contributing
Factors
Corrective Check mould tube for deformation and/or deposits if the crack is
Actions propagated very close to the surface and a pronounced depression on the
surface exists; change mould tube at once, risk of breakout and defective
blooms, if the cracks are propagated until the surface or connecting to a
diagonal crack.

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 Defect Haircracks

Primary Hydrogen content over 2-2.5 ppm

Cause
Secondary Wet Tundish the H contained in the H2O of a tundish lining not
Cause (1) completely dried can be picked up and cause the formation of hair line
crack
Secondary None
Cause (2)
Other
Contributing
Factors
Corrective Degassing
Actions

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