Abstract: A process of continuous casting of liquid steel from a tundish having a plurality of casting holes through which liquid steel moves downwardly into a plurality of strands. The liquid steel is discharged into the tundish from a ladle and moves in opposite directions toward two adjacent holes from at least one node comprising a point from which liquid steel moves in different directions toward different holes. The liquid steel is subjected to the heating effect of a heat source at at least one such node. The heat source is a transferred arc plasma torch.

Abstract: Steel powders are added to steel in a stream of inert gas introduced into the ladle above the casting mold, at a point near the exit of the steel from the ladle. The powders are thus entrained in the metal entering the mold and dissolve therein. The lance that injects the powders may also plug the ladle outlet. The powders can be used not only to perform their cooling function but also to introduce alloying elements.

Abstract: Solid substances are introduced into a bath of molten metal by pushing a hollow metal tube filled with the solid substance, through a tubular former that imparts a spiral shape to the carrier tube. The spiral rotates about a vertical axis as it descends into the bath of molten metal.

Abstract: Substances such as deoxidizing and desulfurizing substances are introduced into liquid metal such as molten iron or steel, by forming layers of active material such as an alkali or alkaline earth metal or an oxide or halide thereof, is interlayered with inert material, in a metallic casing. The inert material may be iron or steel or a metallic oxide that is inert to the bath. The composite is immersed in the bath, thereby gradually to add the deoxidizing and/or desulfurizing materials to the bath.

Abstract: An addition agent for the inoculation of a molten metal bath consists essentially of 50 to 90% by weight of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal having a particle size greater than 3 mm. but no more than 10 mm., 5 to 49% by weight of an inert porous material selected from the group consisting of semi-coke, coke, coke breeze and graphite, the porous material having a particle size greater than 3 mm. but no more than 20 mm., and 1 to 10% by weight of a binder which secures the metal particles and porous material particles together in a briquette, and can be coal pitch, coal bitumen, petroleum pitch, petroleum asphalt, or phenolic or furanic resin.