Abstract: A method of constructing a refractory brick lining on a bottom tuyere plate for a vessel for refining or otherwise treating a metal melt comprises the improvement of constructing the lining in an imperforate manner on the bottom tuyere plate and then drilling tuyere ducts in the lining. The brick lining is preferably constructed with the bottom tuyere plate in an upright position and the ducts are then drilled while the plate and the lining are still upright. The bottom tuyere plate is preferably mounted in an assembly frame which is itself pivotally mounted to enable the frame together with the bottom tuyere plate to be swung from a horizontal position to the upright position.

Abstract: A process for producing steel in a convertor in which energy is supplied by introducing carbon containing materials into a pig iron melt in said convertor and oxygen is supplied to said melt, and the supply of carbon containing materials to said melt is discontinued when the carbon in said melt is not lower than 2%, and thereafter completing the refining of said melt with oxygen whereby the nitrogen content of the finished steel produced is lower than it would have been had the supply of carbon to said melt been continued to the end of refining.

Abstract: The lining of conically narrowing or widening walls with brick is facilitated by laying the brick in courses which are closed rings, the bricks subtending an angle of about 5.degree. to 30.degree. with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: A procedure is described for supplying thermal energy to a steel melt by burning a fuel in a melt containing at most 0.10% carbon, by means of oxygen. Both the fuel and the oxygen are introduced into the steel melt beneath the surface of the melt. The method permits an increase in the scrap or other iron carriers, (ore, pellets, etc.) which can be processed. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also described.