Abstract: In a horizontal continuous casting plant which includes a mold and an oscillatory withdrawal device downstream of the mold, the withdrawal device is positioned along the strand path, by a computer-controlled motor, at a point such that the strand will not be damaged or impaired by the pressure applied to it by the strand engagement elements of the withdrawal device. Preferably, the strand engagement elements comprises one or more pairs of rollers which also are adjustable, by computer-controlled motors, to a desired elevation and separation to accommodate a range of cross-sectional dimensions of the strand.

Abstract: In a horizontal continuous casting plant having a horizontally oriented discharge duct for conveying molten metal from a container to the casting mold, a closure assembly for selectively blocking the flow of molten metal is provided in the duct. The closure assembly comprises a stationary headplate and a vertically disposed slider plate, the latter movable across the headplate between positions blocking and unblocking the flow of metal. To prevent solidification of metal around the closure when in the blocked position, gas supply means are provided in the headplate and slider plate to create a flow of gas at the closure that inhibits solidification and keeps the molten metal from penetrating between the fixed and movable parts of the closure assembly. The gas supply means comprises a plurality of nozzle openings in either the headplate or slider plate or both, connected with a source of gaseous media, and oriented substantially tangentially of and at an angle to the juncture of the headplate and slider plate.