Abstract: An arrangement for connecting an elongated stopper rod made of a refractory material for a metallurgical vessel to a lifting device for the stopper rod is provided. The arrangement includes a stopper rod having an upper front side and an internal longitudinal recess extending therefrom, a support having one end for engaging the lifting device an another end for engaging the stopper rod in the internal longitudinal recess. The stopper rod includes a housing that laterally widens a portion of the longitudinal recess, the housing having an upper boundary surface transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stopper rod and having side walls that taper from the upper boundary surface into the longitudinal recess.

Abstract: The arrangement (100) has a retaining rod (10) that is divided into an upper part (18) that is capable of being attached to a lifting device and a lower part (1) that projects into a plugging rod (2), that comprises a rapid connection device for the firm gas-tight connection of the lower part (1) to the upper part (18) whereby this permits easy exchange of a worn plugging rod. The region of the lower part (1) of the retaining rod (10) that projects into the plugging rod (2) is provided with means for engagement (3, 4, 35) that, as a result of communal isostatic compression engage with the ceramic material of the plugging rod (2) and generate a gas-tight, non-detachable connection of the lower part (1) of the retaining rod (10) to the plugging rod (2).