Abstract: A plant for the continuous casting of metal strip (13) between two, internally cooled, counterrotating rolls (1, 1') with horizontal axes, the surfaces (2, 2') of which define a casting space (3) which is closed off laterally by two refractory side walls (4, 4') provided with means for pressing them, at least intermittently, against the ends (5, 5', 5", 5'") of said rolls (1, 1'), and having a shroud (6) which overhangs the casting space (3), horizontal clearances ".epsilon." being provided between said side walls (4, 4') and said shroud (6), wherein said side walls and/or said shroud include means for reflecting, throughout the casting run, the radiation emanating from the portions (16) of said liquid metal (9) which lie in the immediate vicinity of said side walls (4, 4') back onto the surface (8) of the liquid metal (9) present in said casting space (3), preventing said radiation from penetrating said horizontal clearances ".epsilon.".

Abstract: A side wall is provided for closing off the casting space of a plant for the continuous casting of metal strip between two counterrotating rolls which define a nip area and have horizontal axes, of the type including an upper edge, a lower edge, and a face that defines part of a casting space. The wall includes a lower part for preventing cracking in the side wall adjacent to the nip area that includes a recess filled with a refractory. Preferably, the refractory enclosed by the recess is a material having a lower hardness than the refractory forming the balance of the wall, and high thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: Process for the continuous casting of a fine metal wire, in which a jet of liquid metal is quenched and solidified in a layer of cooling liquid deposited on a surface in motion. The dispersal of the turbulence of the cooling liquid is accelerated upstream of the point of impact of the jet of metal on the liquid. The apparatus for carrying out the process comprises a grating arranged across the layer of cooling liquid between the outlet of the pipe feeding the cooling liquid onto the surface in motion and the point of penetration of the jet of metal into the cooling liquid.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of phosphuretted slag obtained by refining a molten bath, such as steel. The process according to the invention involves hot oxidizing the slag into which is blended, after refining, a pulverized solid adjuvant, strongly oxidizing and easily fusible upon contact with the slag. Among utilizable adjuvants, the carbonates of alkaline metals or alkaline earth metals are preferred, in particular sodium carbonate, which additionally, is a product currently utilized in the domain of the elaboration of metal, notably in iron metallurgy. The invention ensures a rapid passivation of the slag in stabilizing the phosphorus by forming phosphate and allowing in this manner the avoidance of the liberation of very toxic phosphenes which are produced naturally by cold hydrolysis.

Abstract: A composition for forming a protective layer or slag at the surface of molten steel in the mold during a continuous casting process. The composition is constituted by a mixture of a natural silicate of low melting point and an elevated contents of alkaline oxides, a basic compound, a flux and pulverulent carbon. The natural silicate is a feldspar, a nepheline or nepheline-syenite. The composition is intended for use in continuous steel casting processes.