Abstract: A high temperature vessel, such as a ladle for containing molten metal, comprises a metal outer shell and a refractory inner lining. The interior of the vessel has a curved cross-section in a plane transverse to the center line of the vessel, and there is an opening at one end of the vessel. There can be forces which urge the refractory lining toward the open end, and structure is provided at the open end to retain the refractory lining in place against the urging of those forces. The retaining structure comprises an end course of refractory retaining bricks and metal retaining member thermally protected by the end course. The metal retaining member holds the end course in place, and the end course cooperates with retaining member to hold the vessel's refractory lining in place. The metal retaining member has a protrusion preferably with a curved outer surface, and each retaining brick has a recess with a curved inner surface, devoid of sharp angles or corners, for receiving the protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful for the removal of inclusions from a molten ferrous-based alloy in a continuous casting process. The apparatus includes a replaceable barrier to flow, that has numerous perforations. The individual perforations disturb molten alloy flow sufficiently to enhance inclusion agglomeration. As a result, molten alloy exiting from the perforations is agglomerated inclusions-enriched, compared to molten alloy entering the perforations. The agglomerated inclusions are enabled to float to the molten alloy surface prior to exiting from a tundish in which the replaceable barrier is used. Also provided by the present invention is an improved continuous casting process.