Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the flow of molten metal from a holding vessel such as a tundish through a discharge orifice into a receptacle such as a mould; the method comprising (i) providing within the holding vessel a flow control chamber comprising a down-flow chamber separate from but in fluid communication with the interior of the holding vessel, the down-flow chamber having an outlet at its lower end, said outlet leading to or forming part of the discharge orifice, and an opening towards or at its upper end; (ii) creating a gas pressure within the flow control chamber sufficient to allow molten metal from the holding vessel to pass through the opening to establish in the lower end of the down-flow chamber a column of molten metal with a volume of gas occupying the upper end of the flow control chamber and serving to separate the column of molten metal from the opening, whereby an equilibrium is established between molten metal passing through the opening and molten metal passing out t