A method and an apparatus for the early recognition of ruptures when continuously casting steel using an oscillating mold constructed of copper plates, wherein the method includes continuously and comparatively measuring operating parameters, for example, the temperature distribution with respect to location and time in the copper plates, and analyzing the obtained measurement results. For increasing the probability of an accurate evaluation of indications of an acute tendency of ruptures, two measuring data to be compared are coupled with each other as well as with measuring data of at least one third measuring row, and the measuring data are preferably analyzed online.

A strand pulling-off method for a metal strip cast in a curved continuous casting plant and a curved continuous casting plant, wherein the metal strip is initially pulled vertically from a casting mold using a curved entry segment driven with an entry speed. A curved shape is imparted to the metal strip in the curved entry segment such that the metal strip travels in a circular arc. The metal strip is straightened after reaching a horizontal strip travel direction using a curved exit segment driven with an exit speed and conveying the metal strip out of the curved exit segment. The metal strip is guided between the curved entry segment and the curved exit segment initially over a reaction roller arranged at the circular arc and then over a guide roller underneath the circular arc and it is detected whether the metal strip is in contact with the guide roller or the metal strip is lifted off from the guide roller, wherein the exit speed is increased when the metal strip is in contact with the guide roller and the exit speed is decreased when the metal strip is lifted off from the guide roller.

In a breakout prediction system for predicting breakout in a mold of a continuous casting machine, a prediction deciding section is connected to one of temperature sensors located on the mold and at least three temperature sensors which are adjacent to the one of the temperature sensors. In the prediction deciding section, at least three cross-correlators are connected to the one of the temperature sensors and the at least three temperature sensors and carry out a predetermined normalization operation to produce operation results. A temperature variation pattern detector is connected to the one of the temperature sensors to detect a temperature variation pattern. At least three peak detectors are connected to the at least three cross-correlators, respectively, to detect peak values of the operation results. At least three breakout detection networks are supplied with the peak values and the temperature variation pattern to carry out decision on breakout prediction. An alarm producing unit produces an alarm when one of outputs of the at least three breakout detection networks exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

A method and a device for measuring and regulating the temperature and quantity of cooling water of a continuous casting mold which flows per unit of time through mold walls composed of copper plates which can be cooled by water, particularly independently of each other, wherein the cooling water temperature of a mold wall is measured at least at two locations in the areas of the outlet openings of a copper plate and the corresponding water box, a temperature profile is prepared from the values measured over the width of the copper plate, and the temperature profiles obtained in time intervals are compared to each other. Temperature sensors are arranged in the water discharge area between a copper plate and the cooling water outlet openings of the water box especially on each long side plate at least at two locations thereof, and the signal lines of the temperature sensors are connected to a computer, preferably with an on-line screen.

In a method and apparatus for withdrawing a strand in a horizontal continuous casting installation, the strand is withdrawn from a mold by a predetermined stroke and then retracted by a smaller stroke corresponding to shrinkage of the strand. This cycle of withdrawal and retraction is repeated intermittently. A strand withdrawing and retracting characteristic of a cycle is set in a control unit, and pinch rolls for withdrawing and retracting the strand are controlled based on the set characteristic. Actual withdrawing and retracting strokes of the strand are detected by a detecting device and the detected signal is compared with the set characteristic to produce an instruction signal which is fed back to the pinch rolls, so that the positional accuracy of the strand and the quality of the strand are improved.