ABB Ability™ Optimold Control for continuous slab casting
Real-time closed-loop mold flow control using electromagnetic stirring and braking with high‑resolution temperature feedback to stabilize meniscus behavior and enhance slab quality and productivity across thin and thick slab casters.
Overview
ABB Ability™ Optimold Control combines electromagnetic stirring and braking devices such as EMBR and FC Mold with high‑resolution mold temperature measurement to automatically regulate mold flow speed, symmetry and stability in real time. Backed by 40+ years of slab‑casting innovation and experience from 140+ slab mold installations, it enables steadier meniscus conditions, higher slab quality and more consistent, productive casting.
Key benefits
Optimal, stable mold flow conditions
<p>Automatic closed‑loop control continuously adjusts electromagnetic stirring and braking to maintain target meniscus speed, symmetry and stability.</p>More consistent, higher slab quality
<p>Detects and counteracts casting deviations such as meniscus fluctuations, biased flow and irregular flow patterns to reduce defect formation.</p>Higher productivity with fewer downgrades
<p>By stabilizing mold flow in real time, casters can maintain desired speeds with fewer interruptions and quality‑related slowdowns.</p>Reduced manual intervention and safer operation
<p>Automated process reactions lower operator workload and exposure around the mold.</p>Energy‑ and resource‑efficient casting
<p>Stable mold conditions help reduce unnecessary adjustments, improve process efficiency and support more economical use of mold powder and downstream resources.</p>Better long‑term performance through stabilized casting
<p>Enhanced flow control contributes to improved process consistency across heats and campaigns, reducing variability that leads to defects or equipment stress.</p>FEATURES
Continuously regulates stirring and/or braking currents based on high‑resolution temperature‑derived flow indicators to maintain optimal mold conditions.
Works with fiber‑optic mold temperature measurement devices such as ABB Ability™ Optimold Monitor or equivalent systems to capture key thermal and flow events near the meniscus.
Identifies and responds to events such as meniscus fluctuations, biased flow, irregular flow patterns, and other disturbances not captured by traditional deterministic approaches.
Enhances performance of ABB’s electromagnetic stirring and braking devices such as EMBR for thin slab casting and FC Mold for conventional slab casting by adding automated, real‑time control.
Algorithms translate mold temperature‑derived flow data into updated electromagnetic parameters every few seconds, ensuring dynamic response to changing casting conditions.
High‑resolution thermal and flow data, combined with automated control actions, gives operators deeper process insight and supports smarter operational adjustments and optimization decisions.
ABB’s broad metallurgical experience underpins Optimold Control’s design and lifecycle performance, offering proven reliability and deep application knowledge.
Delivered through ABB’s global service organization with extensive slab‑casting knowledge to support commissioning, optimization, remote support and upgrades.