Abstract: Molten metal is poured from a melt container to a mold cavity defined by a molding material wherein the molding material in the region of the runner gate is of a higher density with respect to the rest of the molding material. A pouring lip protruding from the melt container seals in the region of the runner gate for delivering molten metal from the melt container to the mold cavity.

Abstract: A casting furnace is fed an inert gas under pressure through a feed line with the pressure being regulated by a melt level control device. When the pressure is reduced, the inert gas is exhausted from the casting furnace by an exhaust line, the feed line having a check valve to prevent gas which is contaminated by magnesium from entering the feed line. An oxidizing gas, preferably pressurized air, is periodically fed into the exhaust line by an oxidizing gas line for cleaning the drain line and the pressure-controlling aperture therein by oxidizing the magnesium.

Abstract: For introducing additives, such as inoculating agents, into a metal bath, the additive is held in a supply container. A slide device carries measured amounts of the additive from the supply container to an immersion pipe extending downwardly into a metal bath located in a vessel. A flow of gas is provided into the immersion pipe adjacent the point where the additive is introduced into the pipe. The gas carries the additive downwardly through the immersion pipe for mixture into the metal bath. The additive can be supplied continuously or in intermittent portions to the immersion pipe. The additive is introduced below the surface of the metal bath in accurately measured amounts in a safe reproducible manner.