Abstract: A teapot ladle has an interior lining of low thermal capacity, low thermal conductivity refractory material which in contact with molten metal poured into the ladle forms an erosion resistant surface, and means for retaining the lining in place when the ladle is tilted.The lining material comprises inorganic fibrous material, particulate refractory material and an organic binder and the retaining means may be a refractory or metal ring which clips over the outer wall of the ladle and the inner wall of the lining, a series of clips or a rod shaped to fit over the top of the ladle and hold the lining in one place at one point on its perimeter.

Abstract: The invention provides, for use in desulphurizing molten steel or iron, a desulphurizing composition in compacted form comprising lime, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal fluoride or mixture thereof and sufficient ballmill dust to facilitate the compaction of the composition. The composition is preferably added to the molten metal in a ladle.