Abstract: A chalcogenide compound synthesis method includes homogeneously mixing solid particles and, during the mixing, imparting kinetic energy to the particle mixture, heating the particle mixture, alloying the elements, and forming alloyed particles containing the compound. Another chalcogenide compound synthesis method includes, under an inert atmosphere, melting the particle mixture in a heating vessel, removing the melt from the heating vessel, placing the melt in a quenching vessel, and solidifying the melt. The solidified melt is reduced to alloyed particles containing the compound. An alloy casting apparatus includes an enclosure, a heating vessel, a flow controller, a collection pan and an actively cooled quench plate. The heating vessel has a bottom-pouring orifice and a pour actuator. The flow controller operates the pour actuator from outside the enclosure. The quench plate is positioned above a bottom of the collection pan and below the bottom-pouring orifice.

Abstract: A nozzle for discharging molten metal from a vessel includes a porous inner sleeve surrounded by an impervious outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is cast in-situ around the inner sleeve, and is bonded in-situ to the outer surface of the inner sleeve in bonding areas adjacent its opposite ends. A gas chamber is defined between the inner and outer sleeves for receiving pressurized gas which passes through the inner sleeve to inhibit clogging and deterioration of the inner sleeve by molten metal and impurities. The gas chamber is formed by placing a heat fluidizable material around a portion of the inner sleeve before the outer sleeve is cast thereon. After casting of the outer sleeve, the assembly is heated to a temperature for fluidizing the fluidizable material which then escapes through the porous sleeve to leave a hollow gas chamber.