Abstract: A shot tube for the introduction of molten metal into a die cavity has a casing with a first end, a second end and a bore extending through the casing. The first end is adapted to be connected to the die cavity and a sleeve protrudes from the second end of the casing. The sleeve has a pour opening for the introduction of molten metal. A hard lubricious coating may also be applied to the interior surface of the shot tube to reduce sticking of cooled metal within the shot tube. A method for producing the shot tube described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal conversion process for continuously producing hydrocarbon vapor and continuously removing a free-flowing coke. The coke, such as a shot coke, can be withdrawn continuously via, e.g., a staged lock hopper system.

Abstract: A method of blending delayed coker feedstocks to produce a coke that is easier to remove from a coker drum. A first feedstock is selected having less than about 250 wppm dispersed metals content and greater than about 5.24 API gravity. A second delayed coker feedstock is blended with said first resid feedstock so that the total dispersed metals content of the blend will be greater than about 250 wppm and the API gravity will be less than about 5.24.