Abstract: Consumable recharging containers for re-introducing cooled molten metal having impurities into a furnace or vessel or producing molten metal. The containers are formed of consumable materials of compatible chemistry with the remelting of molten metal and can be used in single, multiple and central pour configurations.

Abstract: Containers formed of consumable materials of compatible chemistry with the remelting of molten metal are disclosed, the individual containers being capable of retaining molten metal having impurities and the like therein until the same is solidified and recharged into the furnace along with the individual consumable container.

Abstract: A modified manifold assembly for pocket blocks having fusto conical openings therethrough. The manifold assembly defines an interconnecting passageway from a central gas input supply to multiple formation of gas conveying passageways within the pocket block. The modified manifold assembly positions and holds synthetic resin nets which form the interconnecting passageways during use.

Abstract: A solid non-permeable pocket block for incorporation in a normal refractory lining of a ladle or other metallurgical vessel is provided with a plurality of passageways through which gas, such as argon, can be introduced into molten metal in a ladle or the like in desirable stirring and protective patterns.

Abstract: A device for placing a slag retaining device in a tap hole in a converter consists of a boom extensible into the converter, jaws on the boom detachably hold the slag retaining device, fixed base apparatus for manipulating the boom movably mounted on a fixed platform adjacent the converter to forcefully move the boom longitudinally vertically and horizontally so as to push the slag retaining device through the layer of slag in the converter and into the tap hole.

Abstract: A device for the separation of slag and its retention in a tapping converter, such as used in the steel industry, consists of a closure having a specific gravity lower than that of the steel produced in the converter, but higher than that of the slag, provided with an elongated guide member depending from the closure, the tip portion of the guide member having a configuration including pockets for the molten steel and an exterior shape against which the molten steel flowing into the tap hole of the converter engages to accelerate and align the guide member and the closure into registry with the tap hole.

Abstract: An elevated device suspended from an overhead support adjacent a converter adjustably positions a boom for relative vertical tilting and side to side motion. A carriage movable along the boom supports a boom extension and jaws on the boom extension releaseably hold a slag retaining device so that the same can be moved into a converter and positioned in the tap hole thereof.

Abstract: An air cooled refractory lance useful for either inert gas stirring or injection of oxygen into molten metal has an elongated refractory body having an axial bore terminating inwardly of one end in which several metal conduits are positioned with one of the conduits extending outwardly of the refractory body and forming a support and a conduit for air being introduced into the lance for cooling. Another of the conduits extends completely through the refractory body in coaxial relation and provides a path for a gas stream directed therethrough.