Abstract: An apparatus for centering a tap drill is provided herein. The device includes a body made of a refractory material that has a tapered shape and a connector secured to body configured to permit connection of the body to a tap drill bit. In addition, a method of operating a blast furnace is provided herein. The method includes providing a blast furnace plug having a refractory body having a tapered configuration. Securing the blast furnace plug to a tap drill bit. Aligning the blast furnace plug with a tap hole plugged with mud, and inserting the blast furnace plug into the mud to create an indentation in the mud having a tapered configuration. Removing the blast furnace plug from the tap drill bit, aligning the tap drill bit with the indentation and tapping the blast furnace.

Abstract: A mud gun cap is provided. The mud gun cap includes a flame resistant outer face, a ring and a mounting device wherein the mud gun cap connects to a mud gun nozzle to protect the mud gun nozzle from deterioration because of contact with molten iron and slag. The mud gun cap also prevents, or at least reduces the amount of, mud falling out of the nozzle while the mud gun nozzle is rotated into operation position. In some embodiments, the mud gun cap has a selectively movable circular barrier that at least partially prevents the mixture of mud and iron/slag in the tap hole.

Abstract: A mud gun cap is provided. The mud gun cap includes a flame resistant outer face, a ring and a mounting device wherein the mud gun cap connects to a mud gun nozzle to protect the mud gun nozzle from deterioration because of contact with molten iron and slag. The mud gun cap also prevents, or at least reduces the amount of, mud falling out of the nozzle while the mud gun nozzle is rotated into operation position. In some embodiments, the mud gun cap has a selectively movable circular barrier that at least partially prevents the mixture of mud and iron/slag in the tap hole.