Abstract: A nozzle which is submerged in molten metal during steel casting comprises a nozzle body, a nozzle passage provided through the nozzle body such that a molten-metal-and-gas stream can be introduced into the nozzle body at a predetermined point, and at least one discharge port, wherein the discharge port is bordered by a projecting part that presents a surface that is inclined toward the introduction point for the metal/gas stream at a slanting angle, relative to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body, that is greater than 0.degree.. The nozzle has a substantially prolonged service life.

Abstract: An immersion nozzle for continuous casting includes a nozzle body and a conduit extending longitudinally through the nozzle body. At least a portion of the interior surface of the nozzle which surrounds the conduit is made of a refractory material including 40-92 wt. % ZrO.sub.2, 5-40 wt. % C and 3-20 wt. % of an oxide admixture of (1) RO and RO.sub.2, wherein RO is at least one member selected from the group consisting of CaO, MgO and MnO; and RO.sub.2 is at least one member selected from the group consisting of SiO.sub.2 and TiO.sub.2 ; or (2) RO, RO.sub.2 and R.sub.2 O.sub.3 wherein RO and RO.sub.2 are as defined above and R.sub.2 O.sub.3 is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3.