Abstract: The invention relates to preformed, shaped, refractory, heat-insulating articles for use in an expendable sidewall lining of a molten metal handling vessel. The lining has a face at part of which is exposed a zone of matter of high resistance to erosion by molten metal and accompanying slag. The vessel may be e.g. a tundish for use in the continuous casting of molten metal e.g. steel.

Abstract: A tundish for continuous casting of molten metal having an outer metal casing and, adjacent the casing, a permanent refractory lining is provided with an inner, expendable lining comprising refractory, heat-insulating slabs having an erosion resistant backing layer and an inward facing layer of lower density than that of the backing layer.The density of the facing layer is at least 0.2 g/cm.sup.3 but not more than 85% of the density of the backing layer. The presence of the inward facing layer exerts less chilling effect on the molten metal poured into the tundish than if the slab consisted of the backing layer alone.

Abstract: An induction furnace has an inner discardable lining formed from one or more preformed shapes of refractory, heat-insulating material. The discardable lining is easily replaceable using a minimum of time and effort. The lining provides more efficient furnace operation, as less electrical energy is consumed and less time is required to melt down the solid metallic charge. In addition the molten metal is cleaner i.e. it contains fewer deleterious inclusions compared with a conventional refractory, inner lining.

Abstract: A molten metal handling vessel has an inner, expendable, refractory, heat-insulating lining containing particulate zircon and a binder. The vessel may be used for handling molten ferrous metals e.g. steel, including high manganese steel. The inner lining may be in the form of a shaped article and the vessel may be a tundish for use in continuous casting.

Abstract: A refractory, heat-insulating slab for use in an inner, expendable lining of a tundish has a facing comprising magnesium oxide, inorganic binder but substantially no organic matter and a different backing. The facing has a combined water content not exceeding 2% by weight and the backing has a permeability of at least 10 AFS units. The facing and backing are joined together during formation of the facing or the backing. In the continuous casting of steel, the slabs have the advantage that there is little or no tendency for a significant amount of hydrogen to be picked up by the steel.

Abstract: A hot metal car is used for the transport of molten pig iron from a blast furnace to a steel making plant, the car having an opening through which it is filled and emptied. To restrict heat loss from the car, the opening is closed during at least one of (a) the journey from the blast furnace station to the steel making plant and (b) the journey from the steel making plant back to the blast furnace by a disposable cover which is at least partly lost into the molten iron during the course of the emptying or filling of the car at the end of the journey concerned.

Abstract: Apparatus for protection of graphite electrodes of electric arc furnaces e.g. for steelmaking to reduce loss of graphite from sides of the electrode by oxidation has at least one generally arcuate spray unit and means for moving the spray unit towards and away from a side of the electrode. The spray unit has means for spraying protective matter towards the center of its arc. The apparatus permits protection of the part of an electrode between the electrode clamp and the furnace roof without removing the electrode from the roof.

Abstract: Matter for protecting graphite electrodes of electric arc furnaces, e.g. for steelmaking, to reduce loss of graphite by oxidation, comprises particles containing both a graphite-wetting fusible matrix material and a refractory filler. Methods of making and using the particulate matter are disclosed.

Abstract: A teapot ladle has an interior lining of low thermal capacity, low thermal conductivity refractory material which in contact with molten metal poured into the ladle forms an erosion resistant surface, and means for retaining the lining in place when the ladle is tilted.The lining material comprises inorganic fibrous material, particulate refractory material and an organic binder and the retaining means may be a refractory or metal ring which clips over the outer wall of the ladle and the inner wall of the lining, a series of clips or a rod shaped to fit over the top of the ladle and hold the lining in one place at one point on its perimeter.

Abstract: Formation of skull in the nozzle zone (11) of a metallurgical pouring vessel base (8) is inhibited by placing in the nozzle zone (11), while that is horizontal, an elongated container (1) longer than the length of the nozzle zone (11) and extending inside the vessel (8), the container (1) being filled with anti-skulling material (14) and having a hole (3) in its sidewall (2), and moving the vessel (8) into a position with the nozzle zone (11) vertical thereby causing anti-skulling material (14) to pass through the hole (3) into the nozzle zone (11). The invention also provides a container (1) for use in the method. The invention is especially useful for ladles for pouring steel and permits easy application of optimum amount of anti-skulling material.

Abstract: A tundish has a metal casing, an inner permanent lining, e.g. of refractory brick, an inner expendable lining within the permanent lining and formed of slabs of refractory heat-insulating material, and lining at the impact area of erosion resistant or sacrificial material.

Abstract: The invention provides shaped, refractory, heat-insulating articles, for use in a metallurgical vessel, comprising particulate refractory material, binder and particulate de-fibred bagasse or the like. The articles may be made by mixing the ingredients, pressing them in a former and causing or allowing the binder to set. The articles may be slabs for lining the head of a mould for steel ingots.

Abstract: The invention provides a body for introducing a treatment agent into a metal melt e.g. a ferrous metal melt, the body comprising a volatile treatment agent e.g. magnesium dispersed in a matrix comprising refractory, heat-insulating material, a particulate material of high thermal conductivity and a binder. The body enables metal to be treated quickly, reliably and safely.

Abstract: The invention is for a method of pouring molten metal from a ladle to another vessel e.g. a mould, via an intermediate vessel e.g. a tundish, and to an intermediate vessel for us in such a method. Before pouring two refractory heat-insulating slabs are positioned in the intermediate vessel spaced apart and extending downwardly into the vessel. The slabs are pivotally mounted at an upper edge or in a wall portion of the intermediate vessel and positioned so that, on pouring the molten metal from the ladle into the space between the slabs, the slabs contain splash of the metal on initial pouring. As pouring is continued the slabs are raised by the molten metal and pivot about their pivotal mounting until they reach a generally horizontal position on top of the molten metal in the intermediate vessel when they form a heat-insulating cover.

Abstract: A tundish has a metal casing, an inner permanent lining, e.g. of refractory brick, an inner expendable lining within the permanent lining and formed of slabs of refractory heat-insulating material, and at least one nozzle including a highly refractory nozzle ring set into the base of the tundish by means of a sealing compound which remains unhardened during the use of the tundish for continuous casting of molten metal.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with improving the properties of refractory supports used in the manufacture of ceramic articles such as setters, batts, saggars, cranks, stilts, thimbles, saddles and spurs, and resides in the provision on an article-supporting surface of such supports of a coating comprising comminuted plasma dissociated zircon. Also provided is a method of coating refractory supports and a coating composition comprising a dispersion of comminuted plasma dissociated zircon in a carrier liquid.

Abstract: A thermit composition useful for repairing ingot mould base plates is described. It comprises a particulate oxidizable metal, particulate iron oxide and a particulate refractory filler consisting wholly or partly of zircon, the refractory filler material being present in a proportion of 18 to 35 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of easily oxidizable metal and iron oxide.

Abstract: There is disclosed a material and method for preventing heat loss from molten metal, one side of this material being impregnated with heat insulating refractory or exothermic material. The impregnated side has a porosity of less than about 50 AFS units and contains a binder.