Abstract: The invention relates to a tapping channel (1) for draining iron and metal melts and liquid slags from metallurgical containers such as blast furnaces (2) and melt furnaces. The tapping channel (1) is formed by an outer pipe (3) and an inner pipe (4) disposed therein in an axially displaceable manner, wherein the outer pipe (3) is rigidly connected to the refractory lining (5) of the furnace (2) and wherein both pipes (3, 4) comprise a highly refractory material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for interrupting and restoring the melt stream of iron and metal melts in melt channels, in particular tap hole channels, of blast furnaces and drainage channels of melt furnaces. The method is characterized by a transition of the melt stream in the melt channels to the solidified state through cooling so that the melt stream can be interrupted, and by a melting of the solidified melt and a restoration of the melt stream through heating, in particular for re-establishing tapping of blast furnaces.