Abstract: The present invention concerns stopper rod system for use in a metallurgical vessel, comprising a stopper rod and a nozzle. At least one of the stopper rod nose and the internal surface of the nozzle bore comprise a plurality of ripples that are arranged such that the size of a flow channel between the stopper rod nose and the internal stopper rod when the stopper rod system is in an open position discontinuously increases in size as a function of the distance downstream from the point of contact between the stopper rod and the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a submerged entry nozzle for use in the continuous casting of liquid metal. The nozzle comprises a central bore and a plurality of pairs of discharge outlets. The cross-sectional area of the central bore decreases between pairs of discharge outlets, such that ratio of height to width of any outlet is one or less.

Abstract: A method for deciding objectively whether a refractory plate of a slide gate valve used to control the flow of a molten metal during the pouring of the metal from an upper vessel to a lower vessel can be reused or should be discarded. Values of parameters measured during pouring or proper to the plate are determined during successive uses of the plate. The values are compared to threshold values to reach a decision. Also, a device for making decisions according to this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to refractory composition consisting essentially of 40-90 dry weight % of amorphous silica aggregates, up to 40 dry weight % of alumina based compounds 10-15 dry weight % of clay, 0.2-2.0 dry weight % of a chemical binder and further containing 2 to 8% of water. These compositions are particularly useful for the repair of coke oven damaged wall in a gunning process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an element for the casting of a liquid metal, comprising a base body made from a refractory material, said body comprising an outer surface and an inner surface defining a pouring channel for the casting of the liquid metal. This element is characterized in that at least a part of the element inner surface is coated with an insulating coating forming, at the metal liquid contact, a gas impermeable layer. Such an element has an excellent thermal shock resistance which permits its use without preheating. Then a layer reducing advantageously the gas permeability is formed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mono-block stopper adapted to deliver gas during pouring of molten metal comprising a stopper body having an internal chamber (1) and a gas discharge port (2), a bore (3) connecting the internal chamber (1) to the gas discharge port (2), calibrating means (4) being provided in the bore (3) to provide a restricted path. This stopper is characterised by the fact that the calibrating means comprise a rod (4) having at least one axially-extending gas passages therealong, the gas passage(s) having a section such as to offer a predetermined resistance to flow. The stopper of the invention is far more reliable and can be easily adapted to various operational parameters.