Abstract: A blended charge for use as a decarburizing addition to a steelmaking batch comprises 50 to 95% by weight of an iron-carbon alloy and 5 to 50% by weight oxide material. The oxide material includes free metal oxides in excess of 0.25% by weight having an affinity for oxygen less than or equal to carbon in the molten steel.

Abstract: A mandrel for continuous casting of hollow ingots comprising a hollow rod having a collar and a tapered portion thereof introduced into a mold cavity. Mounted on the collar is a protective sleeve axially movable along the rod under the hollow action of a drive mechanism. This makes it possible to eliminate the possibility of bridging formed in the continuously cast ingot in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: The withdrawal apparatus comprises a housing through which a cast ingot passes, said housing being mounted for reciprocating movement and for travelling in the direction along which the cast ingot is withdrawn and then back to its initial position. Mounted in the housing are shoes and wedge blocks with rollers arranged therebetween, said rollers being locked into position between the shoes and wedge as the housing travels in the direction of withdrawal of said cast section. The shoes are associated with a rod fitted with a compression spring bearing up against the housing and producing a force acting in the direction opposite to the movement of the housing during the withdrawal operation. When the withdrawal cycle is over, the shoes being spring-biased, release or unlock the rollers.