Abstract: An injection nozzle (10) is installed in the wall (13) of a liquid containment vessel (14) and comprises an assembly of refractory component bodies (18, 19, 20): injection passages (22) for receiving longitudinally movable lances (11) are provided in the nozzle and before injection commences, the passages are closed by cup-shaped refractory shells (30) embedded in one of the component bodies (18) adjacent a discharge end of the nozzle. Each shell has its base (31) united through a frangible shell portion (34) with the sidewall (32) and when injection is to commence, an associated lance (11) is forcibly driven at the base (31) to detach it by fracture of the shell portion (34) and from an opening through which an injectant can exit into the liquid. A push-out bung (26) may be incorporated in the nozzle body (18) between the base of the shell (30) and the discharge end of the nozzle (10).

Abstract: Flaring, splashing and spitting of the molten metal flow stream issuing from a flow control nozzle of the type forming the collector nozzle of a sliding plate valve is prevented by forming the flow passage through the nozzle with a flow-impeding constriction intermediate the ends thereof. The passage is also provided with a duct section downstream of the constriction and includes means for preventing recirculatory currents in the flow stream from entering and passing the constriction.

Abstract: Oxidation of a molten metal pour stream is prevented by enclosing the stream in a shroud formed by one or more jets of inert gas arranged to envelope the stream.