Abstract: Placed in a box (1) is a ceramic shell (21) delimiting a casting space (22), the shell being surrounded by a mass of binder-free sand (23). The casting space is connected to a source (4) of liquid metal located underneath, in which are applied, in succession, a pressure (P1) bringing the liquid to the threshold of the casting space (22), a pressure (P2) slightly greater than that necessary for filling this space, and then a marked overpressure (P3); finally, the pressure is brought back down to the first value (P1). When the casting space has been filled, an underpressure is created in the space containing the mass of sand (23) in order to prevent any deformation of the shell (21) due to the overpressure (P3), at least until the formation of a metal skin against the shell and at most until the start of the reduction in the overpressure in the source (4) of liquid metal.

Abstract: A ladle (1) comprising a main portion (5), an outlet (3) and an inductor assembly (2) fitted onto the main portion. The main portion comprises a cavity (13) defined by a refractory lining, provided with at least one opening (21) and shaped so that no pockets of molten metal remain after pouring. Consequently, the metal flows more readily, and hot deslagging and metal temperature measurement are made easier. The ladle is useful for maintaining the temperature of high melting point metals such as steel or superalloys for processes requiring metal sampling.

Abstract: A liquid metal casting conduit (1) is shaped as a partial torus and has an inductor (3) embedded in concrete and whose turns are asymmetrical with respect to the axes (XX') and (YY') of the conduit. It is used for to the homogenization of the metal temperature when the conduit is secured to a low pressure casting ladle (7).

Abstract: A device for preheating a metal casting channel (3). The device is positioned in a rapidly removable manner by a frame (1) consisting of a stationary portion (12) and a movable portion (26). The channel (3) comprises a refractory part (5) surrounded by an insulating coating (7), an inductor (8) and refractory concrete (10) within a shell (11). The preheating device includes the inductor (8) and an element (2) made of a refractory and electrically conductive material. Said device is useful for evenly and uniformly preheating a metal casting channel (3).

Abstract: A heating assembly 1 for transferring liquid metal 28 has a closed cross-section and includes a refractory tube 4 wrapped in an insulating layer 5 which is in turn surrounded by an inductor 3 enclosed in refractory concrete within a metal shell, the insulating layer 5 consisting of an insulating refractory concrete layer 5a. The heating assembly 1 may be used in a liquid metal holding furnace 9 provided with a supply of pressurised gas Pr for producing metal parts.