Tundish Nozzle — Zirconia-Based Flow Metering for Continuous Casting
High-performance zirconia nozzles that meter molten steel from the tundish into the mould.
FerrumX supplies hydraulic and manual quick-change, metering, and outlet nozzles built from high-purity zirconia and zirconia-composite materials for erosion resistance, thermal-shock stability, and long sequence life.
What it is
What a Tundish Nozzle Is & Where It Is Used
A tundish nozzle is a refractory component installed at the base of the tundish in the continuous casting process. It meters the molten steel flow from the tundish into the mould (crystallizer) and controls the casting speed. A stable bore and a consistent flow rate keep the steel stream aligned and the casting process stable.
FerrumX supplies several nozzle types for this function: hydraulic quick-change nozzles, metering nozzles, manual quick-change nozzles, and outlet nozzles. Each type seats in the tundish base (or in a well block) and works with a stopper rod or a slide-gate / quick-change system to meter the flow.
Where it is used
Continuous casting lines
Billets, slabs, blooms, and round sections in steel mills — metering the molten steel flow into the mould.
Molten steel distribution
From the ladle, through the tundish, to the mould — the nozzle is the final flow-control point before solidification.
All steel grades
Plants casting carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and special steel grades.
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Composition by nozzle type
FerrumX selects the refractory formulation per nozzle type to match the continuous casting duty. The following compositions are taken from the original product data:
| Nozzle type | Main components | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic quick-change nozzle | Zirconia + Silicon Carbide | Suitable for general continuous casting; straightforward operation; cost-effective. |
| Metering nozzle | High-purity Zirconia (ZrO2) | Suitable for general continuous casting; precise flow metering; cost-effective. |
| Manual quick-change nozzle | Zirconia + Corundum | Suitable for general continuous casting; manual exchange; cost-effective. |
| Tundish nozzle | Zircon Mullite + Magnesia | Suitable for various steel grades, including carbon steel and stainless steel. |
Physical properties (industry reference)
The original FerrumX page lists material composition but does not publish grade-specific physical property numbers. The table below shows typical, industry-standard values for zirconia-based metering-nozzle inserts and alumina-carbon outer bodies, compiled from published supplier reference data.
| Property | Typical value (industry reference) |
|---|---|
| ZrO2 content (insert) | ≥ 94% (high-purity grades up to 95–96%) |
| Bulk density (ZrO2 insert) | 5.0–5.2 g/cm³ |
| Bulk density (Al2O3–C outer body) | 2.9–3.5 g/cm³ |
| Apparent porosity (insert) | 6–12% |
| Cold crushing strength (insert) | ≥ 500 MPa |
| Thermal shock resistance | ≥ 10 cycles (1100°C → water quench) |
| Maximum service temperature | up to ~2400°C (ZrO2 melting point ~2700°C) |
| Inner bore diameter | Φ12–Φ25 mm (customizable per drawing) |
Material grades
FerrumX offers the following material grades for tundish nozzles:
High-purity zirconia (ZrO2) metering nozzle
High erosion resistance and bore stability.
Zirconia + silicon carbide
Hydraulic quick-change configuration.
Zirconia + corundum
Manual quick-change configuration.
Zircon mullite + magnesia
General tundish nozzle for carbon and stainless steel.
Material & Manufacturing
Material & Manufacturing
The refractory material of the nozzle determines its erosion resistance, thermal shock stability, and service life. FerrumX manufactures nozzles primarily from high-performance zirconia-based materials.
Erosion resistance
Zirconia resists the erosion of molten steel and slag, extending service life.
Thermal shock stability
The material withstands rapid temperature changes, reducing the risk of cracking and spalling.
Dimensional stability
The nozzle holds its shape under high temperature and high flow rate.
Chemical stability
Low impurity penetration helps maintain molten steel purity and ingot quality.
Manufacturing follows a fully controlled chain — raw material selection, formula optimization, moulding, sintering, and final inspection. Isostatic pressing and ultra-high-temperature sintering raise the density and erosion resistance of the nozzle. Raw material composition, forming, and firing are recorded per production batch for traceability.
Applications
Applications Across Continuous-Casting Lines
Flow metering in continuous casting
The metering nozzle sets the molten steel flow rate from the tundish into the mould. A stable bore keeps the casting speed constant, which supports uniform solidification and reduces surface and internal defects in the cast product.
Billet and slab casting
FerrumX nozzles are used on billet, slab, bloom, and round continuous casting machines. Zirconia inserts withstand long sequence times and high-speed erosion, supporting uninterrupted casting campaigns.
Clean and calcium-treated steel
For calcium-treated and clean-steel grades, nozzles can be supplied with an argon-purging option. Argon blown along the inner wall reduces alumina build-up and lowers the clogging rate, keeping the bore diameter stable over the cast.
Stainless and alloy steel grades
Zircon-mullite + magnesia formulations are applied where the steel grade range includes carbon steel and stainless steel. Zirconia compositions resist corrosion from stainless and alloy slags and limit impurity pickup.
Quick-change nozzle systems
Hydraulic and manual quick-change nozzles let an exchangeable lower nozzle be replaced during the cast without draining the tundish. This extends the tundish campaign and improves casting efficiency. FerrumX nozzles are produced to fit common quick-change systems.
High-end precision casting
Precision casting plants use the nozzles where steel cleanliness and flow stability are critical. Tight bore tolerances and consistent density help hold inclusion levels low for demanding steel specifications.
Quality & Support
Quality, Certifications & Engineering Support
ISO 9001
Quality management system covering production and inspection.
ISO 45001
Occupational health and safety management system.
Full-chain production control
Raw material procurement, formula optimization, moulding, sintering, and final inspection.
Batch traceability
Each batch is recorded and tested for physical, chemical, and high-temperature properties; test results accompany the shipment.
Engineering support
FerrumX customizes nozzle dimensions, material formula, and performance parameters to match the customer’s caster and steel grade.
FAQ
Tundish Nozzle — Frequently Asked Questions
A tundish nozzle is a refractory component at the base of the tundish that meters the molten steel flow into the continuous casting mould and controls the casting speed. It works with a stopper rod or a slide-gate / quick-change system.
The metering nozzle sits in the tundish base and controls the flow rate out of the tundish. The submerged entry nozzle (SEN) is the tube below it that carries the steel from the tundish through the mould powder and into the mould below the meniscus. Both are formed from zirconia-based materials and matched to the caster.
FerrumX produces nozzles mainly from zirconia-based materials. The composition varies by type: high-purity ZrO2 for metering nozzles, zirconia + silicon carbide for hydraulic quick-change, zirconia + corundum for manual quick-change, and zircon mullite + magnesia for general service.
High-purity zirconia does not readily react with molten steel, so slag adhesion and build-up are limited. For calcium-treated and clean-steel grades, an argon-purging version blows argon along the inner wall to keep the bore open and the diameter stable.
The nozzles are applied to carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and special steel. Zircon-mullite + magnesia grades cover carbon and stainless steel; zirconia grades cover the broader range including high-manganese, bearing, and pipeline steels.
Service life depends on the steel grade, casting speed, and system type. Zirconia inserts are used for extended sequence times; with a quick-change mechanism a single exchangeable insert can hold stable flow control through a multi-hour cast. Confirm expected life with FerrumX for your duty.
Yes. FerrumX customizes nozzle dimensions, material formula, and performance parameters to match the customer’s caster geometry, steel grade, and casting speed.
FerrumX operates under ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) certified systems. Each production batch is tested and traceable.
A quick-change system lets the exchangeable lower nozzle be replaced during the cast without emptying the tundish. This extends the tundish campaign and improves casting efficiency. FerrumX supplies hydraulic and manual quick-change nozzle types.
Provide the caster type (billet, slab, bloom, or round), steel grade range, target casting speed, inner bore diameter, overall dimensions, and whether argon purging or a quick-change system is required. FerrumX engineering uses these to select or design the grade, geometry, and purging option.
Get Started
Ready to Specify Your Tundish Nozzle?
Send your caster type, steel grade range, casting speed, required dimensions, and bore diameter to FerrumX. Engineering will review the duty and propose a grade, geometry, and purging option.
Related: Ladle Shroud · Stopper Rods · Nozzle Filling Compound · Tundish Well Block · Slide Gate Plate · Trough & Runners Refractory
