Abstract: A coating for protecting constructions against fire and heat, comprises 10 to 80% by weight of aluminous and/or Portland cement and 5 to 20% by weight of hydrated trisodium phosphate (Na.sub.3 PO.sub.4.12H.sub.2 O). A small but effective amount of a flux can be included, which can be calcium borate and/or fluorspar, the amount being effective to assure superficial sintering of the refractory particles at a temperature between 850.degree. and 900.degree. C. This temperature range is selected because if sintering takes place below 850.degree. C., the cracks which form in the coating are filled too soon by fusion of the inorganic particles under the action of the flux; while if sintering takes place above 900.degree. C., the coating becomes detached from the supporting surface because the binder loses all of its adhesive power. The coating can also include inorganic particles, e.g. alumina, sand, perlite and/or vermiculite, and also organic particles.

Abstract: The device for removing inclusions and especially oxides of the molten metal which is poured into a casting tundish comprises elements which are placed within the interior of the casting tundish and immersed in the molten metal. The elements are formed of heat-insulating material which is sinterable at the temperature of the molten metal. A duct is formed within the interior of the elements and connected to a supply of gas such as argon which is inert with respect to the molten metal.

Abstract: The granular insulation product is intended more particularly for the insulation, protection or processing of metal baths during their manufacture or transport. The product comprises a solid phase having a certain mineral matter content and an organic binder comprising cellulose-based pulp, and preferably paper pulp. The granulation is carried out under conditions such that the granules being formed experience no appreciable compression likely to break the structure of the solid phase containing the mineral matter.

Abstract: The casting tube is constituted by a mixture of refractory particles and fibers embedded in a binder which is not capable of withstanding the temperature attained when liquid metal flows within the tube. The refractory particles are sinterable in a tube zone which is directly exposed to the heat of the liquid metal. At least in a zone which is not directly exposed to the heat of the liquid metal, the casting tube also contains a refractory binder which is capable of withstanding the heat in this zone.

Abstract: A tundish provided with at least one stopper which moves towards or away from a casting outlet formed in the bottom tundish wall and with a burner placed in the vicinity of the outlet essentially comprises at least one casing which is placed around the casting outlet in such a manner as to surround the stopper at least to a partial extent and which can be put into communication with the burner.

Abstract: The heat insulating lining of the metallurgical vessel includes a permanent layer in a refractory material and a consumable layer arranged in the interior of the vessel and intended to be in direct contact with the liquid metal. This layer consists of a mixture of inorganic particles and of mineral and/or organic fibers embedded in an organic and/or inorganic binder. Between the permanent layer and the consumable layer is fitted a relatively compressible layer of an inorganic and/or organic fibre base resistant to the temperature pertaining at the contact of the consumable layer, these fibres being partially embedded in an organic and/or inorganic binder.

Abstract: The lining for a metallurgical container comprises a series of removable plates of heat insulating material designed to be applied to the inside of the metallurgical container against the lateral walls and the bottom of the latter, at least a part of these plates being quadrangular and identical. The quadrangular and identical plates include on their two opposite edges a rib extending over a major fraction of the length of the corresponding edge, this rib defining a support surface designed to receive an identical rib formed along the adjacent edge of another plate. Each plate includes also, on the remaining fraction of the length of said edge, a protuberance defining a support surface oriented in the opposite direction with respect to that of the rib, the support surface of this protuberance being designed to receive an identical protuberance formed on the adjacent edge of another plate. The invention is particularly useful for the internal coating of casting distributors or tundishes.

Abstract: A blanket powder for covering a molten metal bath in order to prevent oxidation and to provide heat insulation contains, in addition to the ash of cereal hulls, approximately 5 to 50% by weight of non-calcined cereal hulls. The powder can thus be transported and handled without any attendant danger of contaminating dust formation and has enhanced heat-insulating power.

Abstract: A casting tube or nozzle is placed beneath the casting outlet of an upper vessel such as a casting ladle and immersed in the molten metal which is teemed into a lower vessel such as a casting tundish or directly into ingot-molds. A mechanism is provided for displacing the casting tube in pivotal motion between a vertical position in which it is applied against the casting outlet and a horizontal position of withdrawal in which it can also be displaced in a horizontal plane by means of a translational displacement mechanism.

Abstract: In order to unchoke the casting outlet of a vessel such as a casting ladle fitted with a casting tube for transferring molten metal to a tundish, a feed pipe is engaged in a lateral opening formed in the upper portion of the casting tube and guided within the tube until the end of the feed pipe opens in the vicinity of the casting outlet. The feed pipe is then connected to a supply of oxygen or similar oxidizing gas which is discharged in a jet onto the mass of solidified metal which obstructs the outlet. After the outlet has been cleared by melting of the mass of metal, the feed pipe is withdrawn and the lateral opening of the casting tube is sealed-off.