Abstract: Methods for increasing the stability of a slag using a source of silica and a source of boron ions, and compositions for use in said methods.

Abstract: Feed reservoir intended for retaining a molten metal and in particular a steel, which reservoir comprises a refractory bottom, refractory walls, at least one nozzle placed in the refractory bottom in order to feed at least one mold with molten metal, a refractory buffer having a buffer bottom and an approximately vertical partition defining a cavity, the buffer being arranged on the bottom of the reservoir in order, on the one hand, to receive a jet of molten metal coming from a ladle which is moved above said reservoir and, on the other hand, to ensure that said reservoir is separated into two spaces, a first space having at least one nozzle and a second space, the cavity of the buffer, confining the molten metal, which metal then flows out into the first space by spilling over the top of the partition, wherein the buffer, the partition of which defines the second space, is divided into two zones by a barrier, a zone receiving the jet of metal and a zone in which the metal rises, the latter zone being locate

Abstract: The side dam comprises a layer in contact with the molten metal constituted by a refractory material of fibrous structure and composed mainly of alumina and silica, and a second layer which is provided behind the first layer and composed of compact refractory material. The fibrous layer ensures the thermal insulation and the compact layer acts as a safety plate. The invention permits the construction of side dams which are capable of both durably ensuring the sealing of the molten metal and preventing untimely solidifications of the metal upon contact with these side dams. The invention is preferably applied to the continuous casting between rolls of hard metals having a high melting temperature, such as iron and its alloys.

Abstract: A device for the continuous casting of thin metal strips includes two parallel spaced rotatable rolls, side walls located at the ends of the rolls and defining with the rolls a casting space for liquid metal, a flat cover disposed above the liquid metal and in the immediate vicinity of the meniscus of the liquid metal so as to form a thermal screen which is so dimensioned as to cover the whole of the surface of the liquid metal. The cover is provided with a refractory lining on the side of the cover facing toward the liquid metal and bearing against the two rolls. This cover forms a thermal screen or shield preventing any surface solidification of the bath of liquid metal from starting. Advantageously, an inert gas may be injected between the meniscus and the cover through the latter.

Abstract: A closing wall for the lateral end of a casting space of an installation for continuously casting between moving walls which comprises two confronting cooled moving walls (1,2). The closing wall comprises a front part (65) defining a front surface (63) facing toward the casting space and at least one lateral part (66) defining a lateral surface (64) in the extension of the surface of one of the two moving walls and connected to said front surface. The invention is also applicable to the continuous casting of thin metal products between rolls.