Abstract: A molten metal inclusion sensor probe which is immersed in the molten metal and detects inclusions therein by the electric sensing zone method comprises inner and outer steel tubes disposed one within the other to form an annular gas containing space, the tubes being spaced apart from one another by electrically insulating spacing rings between the two tubes at or adjacent to the opposite ends thereof. The space is vented to the exterior of the outer tube, or in the case of a one-shot probe to the interior of the inner tube. A sensing zone member, which may also act to space the tube lower ends, is mounted by the tubes at their lower ends and provides the sensing zone orifice. In some embodiments the seals between the sensing zone member and the tube lower ends are maintained despite differences in expansion coefficients of the materials.

Abstract: A molten metal inclusion sensor intended for "continuous" use in the testing of steel, i.e. a useful life of at least about 30 minutes, comprises a probe which is detachably connected to a water-cooled support member (35). The probe comprises a tube (30) of heat resistant material, preferably silica, having an inner electrode (31) mounted on its interior wall and an outer electrode (32) mounted on its exterior wall, the molten metal entering the tube interior through an orifice (33) upon its immersion in the molten metal, whereupon the flow of metal with entrained inclusions is monitored by measuring the voltage between the electrodes (31, 32). The electrodes (31, 32) are preferably of graphite and are shaped to fit closely against the walls of the part of the tube (30) that is immersed in the metal and are of a material that retains enough mechanical strength to support the tube (30) as the metal is pumped into and out of interior, the metal remaining hot enough for this pumping to occur.

Abstract: A molten metal inclusion sensor comprises a single use disposable probe which is detachably connected to a support member. The probe may comprise a tube of heat resistant material having an inner electrode mounted on its interior wall and an outer electrode mounted on its exterior wall, the molten metal entering the tube interior through an orifice in its wall past a jet-preventer insert upon its immersion in the molten metal, whereupon the flow of metal with entrained inclusions is monitored by measuring the voltage between the electrodes. Alternatively the tube may be of electrically-conductive heat-resistant material and constitute the inner electrode. The flow may be assisted by a reduced pressure established within the tube, or may be slowed by a positive pressure to maintain the Reynolds number of the flow below 2000.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous casting includes a tundish for containing molten metal and delivering the metal to a work zone where the metal solidifies as it is moved through the work zone in a continuous casting process. The tundish contains molten metal and includes an outlet and a pervious flow restricting element is positioned in the outlet. The element causes the flow of the metal to be distributed as it flows through the outlet and into the work zone to engage a growing shell of solid metal carried through the work zone by a chilled substrate. The molten metal acts to apply a pressure on the shell and to lubricate the moving shell. The arrangement minimizes exposure of liquid to air and minimizes opportunity for turbulence in the liquid contained in the work zone. A method of continuous casting is also described.