Tube Changer Mechanism

Tube Changer Mechanism (TCM) is the safest and economic solution for long sequence Slab casters that demand high productivity with high steel quality. The system is used for quick change of Sub Entry Shroud (SES) without raising the Tundish or stopping the casting process.

Tube Changer Mechanism operate with optimized contact pressure for a metal tight SES change operation. The mechanism is capable for emergency strand shut-off with refractory blank plate.

IFGL offers customised Tube Changer solutions for Slab casters that are extremely safe, have long service life and require minimum running maintenance.

Features

• Safe, proven and user friendly design.
• Quick change of Sub Entry Shroud with adjustable time.
• Flow control with Monoblock Stopper.
• Simple tundish adaptation.
• Easy conversion from other systems
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic drive options.
• Cold start SES option.
• Spring cooling not required.

Depending on customer requirement, Tube Changer Mechanisms operate with a cylinder drive that can be with Bell Crank (TCM HY-1) or Direct Acting (TCM HY-2). The cylinder operation can be either hydraulic or pneumatic.

Twin double acting hydraulic cylinder fixed to the side of the mechanism parallel to the mould, with hydraulic cylinder distant from heat source force applied to tube/plank by bell crank; no manual positioning of cylinder.

Direct drive hydraulic cylinder, sequence actuated by a single switch.

Tube Changer Mechanism uses Mono-Nozzle with Sub Entry Shroud and Monoblock Stopper to ensure effective and safe flow control from Tundish to Mould. TCM refractories have efficient dual Argon purging arrangement in Nozzle seat and Sub Entry Shroud interface area to reduced Alumina clogging.

• Customised refractory design through CFD modelling.
• No gap SES design to prevent finning.
• Dual Argon purging arrangement
• Extended Shut-off Blank Plate (optional).