Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for producing discontinuous streams of an inorganic substance, such as a metal, an alloy, a molten salt, slag or matte, or a slurry of ceramic particles, wherein the substance, in the form of a melt or slurry, is maintained in a container at the bottom of which at least one nozzle is provided containing at least one opening having a thickness that is large enough to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses and the melt or slurry is pushed through such opening(s) by means of an impulse applicator positioned over the opening(s) and operating in a periodic manner.