Abstract: A refractory pouring-assembly component for use with a tube changer mechanism, the component having a throughbore for pouring of molten metal during continuous casting from a tundish into a mould and being isostatically pressed from different heat- and wear-resisting reffactories to form a one-piece composite body having at one end a smooth, flat plate surface in which there is defined an aperture, at least the peripheral edge around said aperture being formed of a hard refractory material to provide a cutting edge around the through-bore, whilst the remainder of said body is formed from a thermal shock-resistant material to provide for pouring of melt.

Abstract: A refractory pouring-assembly component for use with a tube changer mechanism comprises an elongate tubular body having a throughbore for pouring of molten metal during continuous casting from a tundish into a mould wherein the refractory pouring component is an isostatically pressed, heat- and wear-resisting refractory one-piece composite body which is shaped to provide at one end a smooth, flat plate surface in which there is defined an aperture, the peripheral edge around said aperture being formed of a hard refractory material to provide a cutting edge around the throughbore, whilst the remainder of said body is formed to a tubular shape from a thermal shock-resistant material to provide for pouring of melt. The compositions of said component may be uniform blends of refractory material bonded by silicon nitride or silicon oxy-nitride or an annulus of selected hard materials within a graphite/alumina host body.

Abstract: A tundish (11) has located alongside it an upright support member (20). A cross arm (22) is pivotally mounted on the member (20) with one end of the cross arm (22) overlying the tundish (11). A hydraulic or pneumatic ram (25) is mounted in the member (20) for applying a downward force on the overlying end of the cross arm (24) which mounts a drive means (27) connected to the stem (14) of a rotary valve (12) for controlling the exit of hot or corrosive liquid from the tundish (11).

Abstract: A stopper comprising a monoblock refractory body having a gas duct formed longitudinally within the body wherein the said duct extends through the nose of the stopper to an intermediate region within the length of the stopper at which region the duct is sealed by a gas-impermeable plug to prevent gas leakage from the duct through the stopper beyond said region, and wherein said duct and an integral narrow gas supply channel extending from said port to a gas supply inlet on the outside surface of the stopper adjacent the opposite end of the stopper from the nose.

Abstract: A composite refractory product, for example a subentry nozzle for use in the pouring of molten metal comprises a body of refractory material having therein or thereon a flexible gas-impermeable membrane formed from a compatible refractory material preferably flexible graphite to render at least a portion of said body impermeable to gas. Such a product is manufactured by providing within an isostatic pressing mould a flexible gas-impermeable membrane and particulate refractory materials, said membrane being formed from a refractory material compatible with the particulate refractory material and being suspended or supported in the mould such that following packing of the particulate refractory materials in the mould and isostatic pressure upon the mould a refractory body having the said flexible membrane in or on the body at a predetermined location is provided.