Abstract: Stopper rod having an elongate body with an inlet at an upper first end and an outlet at a lower second end. The second end of the body defines a nose for insertion into a tundish outlet. A continuous axial bore extends through the body from the inlet in the first end to the outlet in the second end. A restrictor having an inlet, an outlet and a passageway therebetween is positioned in the axial bore such that the inlet of the restrictor is closer to the first end than the second end. A gas supply conduit is arranged to supply gas into the axial bore above the inlet of the restrictor.

Abstract: Refractory cold start slag band including an admixture of partially stabilised zirconia and/or fully stabilised zirconia and monoclinic zirconia. The proportion of monoclinic relative to the total zirconia content is at least 50% by weight and the grain diameter of the monoclinic zirconia is from 0.25 to 0.5mm.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a refractory composition for use as a cold start slag band. The composition comprises an admixture of partially stabilised zirconia and/or fully stabilised zirconia and monoclinic zirconia, characterised in that the proportion of monoclinic relative to the total zirconia content is at least 40% by weight. The invention also resides in a slag band formed from the composition, a submerged entry nozzle incorporating the slag band and a method of forming such a submerged entry nozzle.

Abstract: A stopper rod comprises an elongate body having an inlet at an upper first end and an outlet at a lower second end. The second end of the body defining a nose for insertion into a tundish outlet. A continuous axial bore extends through the body from the inlet in the first end to the outlet in the second end. A restrictor having an inlet, an outlet and a passageway therebetween, is positioned in the axial bore such that the inlet of the restrictor is closer to the first end than the second end. A gas supply conduit is arranged to supply gas into the axial bore above the inlet of the restrictor.

Abstract: Seal, particularly for use with a ladle shroud in the casting of molten metal from a ladle, having an intumescent composition containing expandable graphite from which some, but not all, of interstitial water present therein has been removed. The interstitial water can be driven off from known expandable graphite by heating it to between approximately 230° C. and 280° C. for approximately 30 minutes. Once part of its interstitial water has been removed, the expandable graphite is used to produce the intumescent composition, which is then formed/shaped into the required seal.

Abstract: A seal, particularly for use with a ladle shroud in the casting of molten metal from a ladle, comprises an intumescent composition containing expandable graphite from which some, but not all, of interstitial water present therein has been removed. The interstitial water can be driven off from known expandable graphite by heating it to between approximately 230° C. and 280° C. for approximately 30 minutes. Once part of its interstitial water has been removed, the expandable graphite is used to produce the intumescent composition, which is then formed/shaped into the required seal.