Abstract: A holder for a molten metal sampling device includes a pipe having a guidance chamber in a lower portion and a molten metal sampling device in an upper portion. The pipe is open downwardly and a closure element closes the opening. The closure element has a density such as to cause it to float upwardly in the molten metal being samples. A protective cover, preferably of two parts, encloses the closure element and a lower portion of the pipe. A retaining device such as a spring clip holds the separate parts of the protective cover together around the closure element and the lower part of the pipe. The retaining device is adapted to fail upon contact with the molten metal, thus releasing the portions of the protective cover so that they will separate and float upwards, whereupon the closure element also separates and floats away, allowing molten metal into the guidance chamber and the sampling device. The pipe and the closure element are both cylindrical and coaxial, and have substantially the same diameter.

Abstract: A holder for a molten metal sampling device includes a pipe having a guidance chamber in a lower portion and a molten metal sampling device in an upper portion. The pipe is open downwardly and a closure element closes the opening. The closure element has a density such as to cause it to float upwardly in the molten metal being sampled. A protective cover, preferably of two parts, encloses the closure element and a lower portion of the pipe. A retaining device such as a spring clip holds the separate parts of the protective cover together around the closure element and the lower part of the pipe. The retaining device is adapted to fail upon contact with the molten metal, thus releasing the portions of the protective cover so that they will separate and float upwards, whereupon the closure element also separates and floats away, allowing molten metal into the guidance chamber and the sampling device.

Abstract: A holder for a molten metal sampling device includes a thick-walled metallic pipe having a lower portion defining an internal guidance chamber, and an upper portion receiving an retaining a sampling device. An opening is provided in the pipe such as to make it define an angle with respect to the axis of the pipe. A closure element is provided, having a density such that it will seek to float upwardly in molten metal being sampled. A retaining element urges the closure element against the opening to close it. The retaining element is located and has a composition such that it will readily melt upon contact with the molten metal.