Abstract: A refractory shutoff assembly for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a refractory inner pipe to be fixedly mounted in a bottom of the vessel, such inner pipe having therethrough at least one opening at a position to be above the vessel bottom. A refractory outer pipe is mounted about the inner pipe and has therethrough at least one opening. The outer pipe has a lower end with an annular end surface. The outer pipe is movable relative to the inner pipe axially thereof between an open position, whereat the opening in the outer pipe aligns with the opening in the inner pipe, and a closed position, whereat such openings are isolated to block molten metal discharge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a lead calcium alloy for electrode grids, the alloy being substantially antimony-free. Copper and/or sulphur in small amounts are added to said alloy in order to significantly improve the casting properties, the mechanical and the corrosion properties.