Abstract: A refractory plate assembly includes a refractory base structure having therein a recess and a refractory wear and erosion resistant insert positioned within the recess. A frame surrounds the outer periphery of the base structure. The insert and the base structure together define a planar sliding surface. The base structure is formed of at least two components divided along at least one joint extending transverse to the planar sliding surface, each such component defining a respective portion of the recess and surrounding a respective portion of the circumference insert. The insert is elastically clamped within the base structure and may be removed from the base structure for replacement.

Abstract: A metal band is mounted about the periphery of a cover plate, particularly a ceramic sliding plate for use with a sliding gate nozzle for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a vessel, such that the cover plate can be mounted on a supporting frame by means of releasable clamps acting on the metal band. The peripheral surface of the cover plate is covered with a layer of thermally setting mortar, and a heated steel ring is positioned around the mortar layer. The steel ring is cooled, such that the steel ring shrinks about the mortar layer, while the mortar layer is heated and thereby set, such that the cooled steel ring is bonded about the peripheral surface by the mortar layer. Alternatively, the cover plate may be positioned within a mold having a peripheral rim such that there is defined between the mold rim and the peripheral surface a space surrounding the peripheral surface.

Abstract: The invention resides in a fastening means for a closure plate on a sliding shutter for the outlet of a vessel containing molten metal, whereby the closure plate can be fixed within a supporting frame by the action of releasable gripping means which are provided on the supporting frame and which act on a metal sheath which at least encircles the periphery of the closure plate. The closure plate's external periphery is provided with at least one recess into which the sheath is pressed as a result of the deformation produced by the gripping means. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sheath encircles the exterior periphery of the closure plate as a narrow tension band and is provided with at least one tightener. The desired pretensioning of the sheath and the fixing of the closure plate and sheath to the supporting frame is effected in combination with the tightener.

Abstract: A sliding closure unit for selectively discharging liquid melt from a liquid melt container includes a stationary refractory plate and a sliding refractory plate, the two refractory plates having complementary, abutting relative sliding surfaces. The stationary refractory plate consists essentially of a substantially non-wettable material having a Mohs' hardness of from 1 to 2, a thermal conductivity of greater than 40 W/km at 700.degree. C. and a crushing strength of not greater than 25 N/mm.sup.2 at about room temperature. The sliding refractory plate consists essentially of a substantially non-porous material having a Mohs' hardness of from 6 to 7, a thermal conductivity of less than 3 W/km at 700.degree. C. and a crushing strength of greater than 300 N/mm.sup.2 at approximately room temperature.