Abstract: The detection device comprises at least two electrically conductive elements (2, 4) arranged outside the refractory brick (1), at least one (4) of the two conductive elements from the rear face of the brick to a predetermined distance from the front face, in contact with the liquid metal, and the two conductive elements being connected to an electrical detection circuit (8, 9), in such a way that when the wear of the brick (1) reaches the end of the conductive element (4) the two conductive elements (2, 4) are put into contact with one another by the liquid metal, and this can be detected on the indicator instrument (9).The invention is used especially in steel metallurgy.

Abstract: Method for controlling and opening casting holes in containers holding liquid metals, characterized by providing a pressure fluid supply conduit (6), which opens out at the base of a spout (3), a variable speed distributor (7) and a pressure tank (8) being arranged on the supply conduit, and by providing successive pulses to propel inside the container a solidified metal plug.

Abstract: The slide-valve throttle of the invention is intended to continuously regulate the output of high-temperature molten products from metallurgical vessels, notably from the bottom of casting ladles of the type currently used in foundry, and also for occluding the tap-hole thereof. This throttle comprises essentially an assembly of two slide plates adapted to move towards and away from each other and towards and away from the tap-hole axis, and arranged for uncovering or occluding the tap-hole while preserving for the casting passage formed through the nozzle and the slide plates at least two orthogonal planes of symmetry.