Abstract: The invention concerns a casting spout for assisted opening. It is comprised of an upper part at least partially permeable to gas and a means for bringing a gas to the said upper part. Application to transport for continuous casting feed.

Abstract: An insulative coating for the thermal protection of ceramic refractory bodies, such as submerged pouring nozzles, and like pieces used in continuous casting of molten steel and other metals. The coating is prepared as a slurry having a preferred composition comprising (by weight %) fused silica grains (30-85%); ceramic fibers (0-10%); binders (0-7%); frits (0-40%); and water (15-30%). A refractory body, which preferably has a previously applied anti-oxidation glaze thereon, is employed at either ambient temperature or preheated to a temperature within the range of about 70.degree.-120.degree. C., and dipped into the slurry composition for a controlled time period of between 5 to 60 seconds to achieve a desired coating thickness of between about 1 to 6 mm. The coated refractory body is then dried and ready for service. Pouring nozzles coated with the insulative compositon may be used in a cold start-up continuous casting mode without the need for preheating.