Abstract: A submerged nozzle change device has a slide valve unit 3 which is provided in a molten-metal outlet formed in a lower portion of a molten-metal containing vessel 1 for controlling the outflow of a molten metal. A pair of guide rails 26 for slidably suspending and supporting a holding case 6 mounted on an upper end of a submerged nozzle 5 are swingably supported on the slide valve unit 3 so that one end of each of the guide rails can be pivotally moved upwards and downwards about a shaft 21 while being biased upwards. On the free ends of the guide rails 24, there is provided a pushing cylinder 30 for pushing a new submerged nozzle 51 set on the guide rails 26 to push an old submerged nozzle 52 to the opposite side.

Abstract: A engageable joint having male pipe end and a female pipe end. The male and female pipe ends are removably engaged with gaskets. The gaskets are inflatable and arranged in a plurality of stages in the axial direction to inflatably seal a clearance between the pipe ends, and the joint has a clamp device for clamping the two pipe ends so that the pipe ends can be engaged and disengaged readily and reliably.