Abstract: A refractory, ceramic, shaped member or nozzle. The shaped member is provided with a passage, preferably in the center. To prevent molten material that might penetrate the passage from penetrating therethrough and solidifying at such a later point, a cooling device may be provided in the passage.

Abstract: A device is provided for extracting a sheet-metal-encased gas-purge brick from a perforated brick or a perforated-brick sleeve simply, quickly and without causing any appreciable contamination. The device consists of a frame adapted to rest upon the exterior of the perforated brick, upon the perforated-brick sleeve, or upon the outer wall of a metallurgical vessel; a drawbar displaceable axially in the frame in relation to the metallurgical vessel and adapted to be set up in alignment with the centerline of the gas-purge brick; a device,provided on the drawbar, for coupling the end thereof to the gas-purge brick; and a driving means for displacing the drawbar in a direction away from the perforated brick. The coupling device consists of a coupling part seated upon the drawbar; a counter-coupling part secured to the gas-purge brick; and a coupling pin adapted to be passed through aligned holes in the two coupling parts.