Abstract: The device for controlling a pour rate according to the invention, which comprises a stationary upper plate (8), a movable plate (10) carried by a carriage (9) and a pouring tube (2). Control of the rate takes place by gliding the movable plate (10) against the upper plate (8), the pouring tube (2) being immobilized against the movable plate (10), just beneath the pouring orifice (27) of the movable plate (10) which blocks the tap hole (15). The immobilization of the pouring tube (2) with respect to the movable plate (10) is obtained by means (31) for pushing upwards which are secured to the carriage (9).

Abstract: A pouring tube in the ingot mold of a continuous casting plant for producing thin slabs is replaced by arranging an auxiliary plate (4) on guide rails (9) next to an insert plate (3) of a pouring tube (12) in its operative position (14). A replacement pouring tube (2) is placed next to the auxiliary plate (4) so that the plates (3, 4) form a perfectly planar surface with abutting edges.

Abstract: An emergency blank shutting off device for conveying and exchanging pouring tubes sliding along guide-rails (6,7) determining a first trajectory is intended to ensure the immediate and tight stop of a casting operation in case of emergency. It comprises a carrier on which an emergency blank re-fractory plate (8) is set and actuated along a second trajectory which crosses over the first trajectory, from a readiness position (14), off the second trajectory to an alert position (15) on a zone overlapping the two trajectories adjacent to the operating position of a pouring tube (3) in the pouring axis.

Abstract: A belt for sealing a discharge device of a ferrous-metallurgical vessel is formed by two concentric grooves formed in one and/or the other of a pair of superimposed sliding plates. A first, outer, groove (8) is connected to a vacuum source and a second, inner, groove (1) is connected to an inert-gas source.

Abstract: A device (1) for inserting and replacing an insertable pouring tube (2) having a movable plate (3) and sliding on guide rails (9), which transmit thrust upwards, comprises a tilting member (20) which engages a lever (26) to impart a tilting motion to the movable plate (3) about a horizontal front edge thereof which engages a sealing area surrounding the pouring opening of a reference plate. This tilting motion makes the movable plate (3) completely parallel with the underside of the upper reference plate (6), improves the sealing contact between the two plates and prevents any infiltration of metal therebetween.

Abstract: A sealing device is mounted to slide against the underside of a fixed plate, to allow liquid metal contained in the container to flow out, or to block the casting passage. A fixed reference plate is mounted against the underside of the sealing device, the underside of the reference plate is placed against the upper surface of a bearing plate, and the reference plate comprises a casting opening placed coaxially to the casting channel of the external casting pipe. The whole device is held together by clamping means.