Abstract: A device for monitoring the temperature of a molten metal is disclosed. The device includes a probe for contacting the molten metal, a refractory support for mounting the probe within an aperture defined through a wall of a metallurgical vessel and a sensor for sensing the temperature of the probe means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for emptying metallurgical vessels, and in particular steelmaking converters containing metal and slag, whereby the slag is effectively separated from the metal during pouring. The apparatus includes at least on permeable refractory element located near the flow hole. An agitating gas is fed through the refractory element thereby creating a bubbling froth which effectively obstructs most of the slag from being carried along by the vortex which forms above the vertical flow hole.

Abstract: Apparatus for closing the discharge aperture of a metallurgical vessel is presented. This apparatus includes a closure element attached to a pivoted lever in order to prevent undesirable discharge of slag at the beginning and end of the casting process and during refining. The lever pivotally opens and closes the aperture by means of a piston rod and pressure cylinder. The closure element, preferably made from wood, is temporarily attached to the lever by a friction fit and is designed to be used only once.

Abstract: Pig iron is refined by top blowing with oxygen and injecting inert gas from the bottom. The slag formation is minimized by controlled addition of lime to match the formation of slag components as they are generated by the process. This increases the capacity of the melt to receive a cold charge, e.g. of scrap.

Abstract: A process for refining a steel melt in a furnace in which a steel melt is formed with a slag layer thereon, the thickness of which can be controlled by passing a stream of inert gas upwardly through the melt, while directing a first stream of oxygen into the melt from a lance positioned above the melt for the top-blowing refining thereof to produce carbon monoxide above the melt and feeding a second stream of oxygen from the lance for the post-combustion of the released carbon monoxide, while monitoring continuously the thickness of the slag layer, the height of the melt, the carbon monoxide post-combustion factor (%CO.sub.2 /%CO+%CO.sub.2) and the speed of decarburization of the melt and controlling the height of the lance above the melt and the discharge rates of total blown oxygen, the second stream of oxygen and the inert gas stream at any given time in accordance with a particular relationship.