Ladle Shroud for Steelmaking| High-Performance Refractory Long Nozzle

Name: China Refractory Ladle Shroud Manufacturer Manufacturers Suppliers Factory - Luming New Materials
Brand: Luming
SKU: 315470125

Tel/WhatsApp:0086-18905335290

Email:luming@lm-kiln.com

Long Nozzle, also known as a Ladle Shroud, is a tubular functional refractory product used to connect the steel ladle and tundish during continuous casting. When molten steel is transferred from the steel ladle to the tundish, the Long Nozzle is installed at the lower end of the ladle nozzle. Its upper end is connected to the ladle nozzle, while the lower end is immersed in the molten steel in the tundish to enable protected casting and minimize contact between molten steel and the surrounding atmosphere.

The main materials include Alumina-Carbon (Al-C), Zirconia-Carbon (Zr-C), and Alumina-Zirconia-Carbon (Al-Zr-C).

Main Functions:

1.Prevents secondary oxidation and nitrogen absorption, helping improve molten steel cleanliness and final steel quality.

2.Reduces molten steel splashing and slag entrainment, contributing to a safer and more stable casting process.

3.Helps stabilize molten steel flow and reduce turbulence during the transfer of molten steel from the ladle to the tundish.

4.Reduces the deposition of oxide inclusions and reaction products on the inner wall of the nozzle, helping maintain a smooth internal flow passage and extend nozzle service life.

5.Enhances operational safety by reducing molten steel exposure, splashing, and direct contact with the surrounding atmosphere.

6.Can be reused multiple times under suitable operating conditions, helping reduce refractory consumption and continuous casting costs.

Technical Data Sheet

Item	Unit	Alumina-Carbon ladle shroud

Al₂O₃≥	%	60
C≥	%	30
Bulk Density	g/cm3	2.65
Cold Crushing Strength ≥	MPa	16
Modulus of Rupture ≥	MPa	6
Apparent Porosity ≤	%	13
Thermal Shock Resistance >	Times	5

Advantages

1.High refractoriness

2.Good thermal shock resistance

3.Good molten steel corrosion resistance

4.Good erosion resistance

5.Low wettability to molten steel

6.Good resistance to rapid temperature changes

Applications

Ladle shrouds are widely used in:

1.Billet continuous casting

2.Bloom continuous casting

3.Slab continuous casting

4.Stainless steel casting

5.Carbon steel casting

6.Alloy steel casting

7.Clean steel production

8.High-speed continuous casting

They are suitable for continuous casting machines using different ladle and tundish configurations.

Ladle Shroud Structure:

The ladle shroud features an integral tubular structure and is generally divided from top to bottom into the bowl-shaped upper section (upper flange/bowl section), straight body section, slag-line section, and lower outlet.

1. Bowl Section (Upper Flange / Bowl Section):The bowl section is designed to fit closely with the ladle lower nozzle. It is generally integrated with an argon sealing ring, through which argon (Ar) gas is introduced to prevent air from entering through the joint. This section is critical to maintaining an effective sealing system and minimizing secondary oxidation of molten steel.

2. Straight Body Section:The straight body section forms the main tubular portion of the ladle shroud. It is exposed to molten steel flow and severe thermal shock during continuous casting, requiring excellent erosion resistance, thermal shock resistance, high-temperature strength and structural stability

3. Slag-Line Section:The slag-line section is the area of the ladle shroud that comes into contact with the tundish covering slag. Since this area is subject to relatively severe erosion, it is typically reinforced with a composite thickened structure or highly corrosion-resistant refractory materials, such as zirconia-based or magnesia-carbon materials to improve erosion resistance and service life.

4. Lower Outlet:The lower end of the ladle shroud is generally available in two configurations: a straight cylindrical outlet and a flared outlet.

The flared ladle shroud has an enlarged outlet designed to improve the flow characteristics during the start of casting and reduce the risk of molten-steel backflow. This design is commonly used in thin-slab continuous casting and clean-steel production, where stable molten-steel flow and reduced reoxidation are particularly important.

Typical Dimensions:The typical overall length of a ladle shroud is approximately 600–1,800 mm, with an internal bore diameter of approximately 100–180 mm. Exact dimensions can be customized according to the ladle capacity, casting flow rate, tundish configuration, and customer's equipment requirements.

Packaging and Shipping

1.All delivered goods are packaged in strict compliance with the buyer's requirements as well as relevant national and industry standards.
2.Shaped products such as refractory bricks and precast blocks are typically packaged on wooden pallets, wrapped with stretch film for sealing, and secured with plastic-steel strapping.
3.Unshaped refractory materials are packaged in 25-50kg plastic bags, with additional outer protection using bulk bags.
4.Our company provides customized packaging solutions including containers, wooden cases, metal boxes, and moisture-proof marine packaging, fully compliant with both local regulations and corporate requirements in your market.

FAQ

1.How should the right Ladle Shroud be selected?

Selection should consider ladle capacity, steel grade, casting temperature, casting speed, casting duration, tundish design, nozzle dimensions and required service life. The refractory material and internal bore should be matched to the specific casting conditions.

2.What causes Ladle Shroud failure during casting?

Common causes include thermal shock, mechanical impact, excessive erosion, slag attack, molten steel penetration, improper installation and air leakage at the connection. Proper preheating, installation and argon sealing can help reduce the risk of premature failure.

3.Why does a Ladle Shroud need preheating?

Preheating helps reduce the temperature difference between the refractory and molten steel when casting begins. This minimizes thermal shock and reduces the risk of cracking, spalling or sudden breakage.

4.What should be checked before installing a Ladle Shroud?

Before installation, operators should check the refractory body, internal bore, connection area, sealing components and overall integrity. Any visible cracks, severe damage or blockage should be addressed before use.

5.Can the same Ladle Shroud be used for every casting machine?

Not necessarily. Different casting machines and ladle systems may have different nozzle dimensions, connection configurations, casting rates and tundish designs. The Ladle Shroud should therefore be selected according to the specific casting system.

6.What information is required to manufacture a customized Ladle Shroud?

For customization, customers can provide drawings or dimensions of the ladle nozzle and connection, required overall length, internal bore diameter, ladle capacity, steel grade, casting temperature, casting speed and expected service life. Our technical team can recommend a suitable design and refractory grade based on the operating conditions.