Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic composite, in particular for use in secondary metallurgy, consisting of at least a first layer comprised of a carbon-containing, oxide refractory material, and a second layer comprised of a carbonless oxide refractory material bound with a binding agent.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle is employed for discharging material from a vessel to a mold and includes an upper section to be connected to the vessel and a lower section having a region to be immersed in material in the mold. The upper and lower sections have extending therethrough respective discharge channels that communicate and that enable material to be discharged from the vessel to the mold. The discharge channel of the upper section converges downwardly in a first vertical plane to join the discharge channel of the lower section. The discharge channel of the upper section also expands downwardly in a second vertical plane transverse to the first vertical plane to join the discharge channel of the lower section. Each of the upper and lower sections is formed by at least one respective separate member. The members have adjacent ends having mutually facing and fitting surfaces, and each pair of facing and fitting end surfaces has therebetween a seal.