Optimizing Metallurgical Behavior in a Three‐Strand Induction Heating Tundish via Double‐Branch Port Channel

This study addressed the issues of uneven molten steel flow and low inclusion removal rate in a three‐strand induction heating tundish (IHT) by evaluating four optimized designs. The optimizations involved modifying the port diameter and upward angle of the double‐branch port channel (DPC) and were assessed based on flow patterns, residence time distribution (RTD) curves, temperature uniformity, and inclusion removal behavior. The results indicated that a design without diameter reduction and with a 15° upward inclination at Port 1 effectively eliminated short‐circuit flow, increased the average residence time by 10.57 s, reduced the dead volume by 1.1%, and ensured excellent flow consistency. The mass flow ratio among the strands remained stable at approximately 1.67:1, which is close to the theoretical value. In terms of thermal performance, the optimized DPC achieved the best interstrand uniformity, with outlet temperature differences of only 0.339 K without and 0.422 K with induction heating, respectively. It also delivered the highest inclusion removal rates: 55.88% for 10 μm particles and 60.63% for 20 μm particles, representing improvements of 9.39% and 8.72% over the original structure. Moreover, industrial trials confirmed that the optimized DPC enhances steel cleanliness by apparently reducing inclusion exceedance rates in the casting bloom.