Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a protective gas shroud around molten metal being teemed from a ladle having a slide gate secured to the bottom. The apparatus comprises a plenum box sealed to and extending downwardly from the sliding part of the slide gate. A hood is arranged to telescope over the plenum box and form a rough sliding seal therewith. The hood has a skirt flange at the bottom thereof. The width of said skirt flange in the direction of movement of the slide gate is greater than the maximum slide gate movement. Means are fixed relative to the plenum box to raise and lower the hood. Means are provided for introducing a protective gas into the plenum box. The method comprises aligning the ladle with the mold into which hot metal is to be teemed. The means for raising and lowering the hood is activated to lower the skirt flange to rest upon the top of the mold or hot top. Thereafter the slide gate is opened dragging the hood over the top of the mold or hot top into alignment with the mold.

Abstract: Nozzle apparatus and method for controlling molten metal flow in a bottom pour casting system whereby a fluid passage is defined wherein the flow is controlled to minimize splashing of the molten metal in the molds and the flow distribution is better equalized among a plurality of molds which are being simultaneously charged.