Abstract: A ladle of the type having a bottom wall, sidewall and opposite trunnions extending outwardly from an upper portion of the sidewall is provided with a refractory lining by positioning a mandrel inside of the ladle in spaced relationship to the walls thereof to define a castable space. The mandrel is attached to an elongated horizontal support which extends over the top of the ladle. The elongated horizontal support is supported by the ladle trunnions and is also locked thereto against upward displacement. At least a portion of the mandrel which cooperates with the ladle sidewall is expandable and collapsible toward and away from the ladle sidewall. After the castable space is filled with castable refractory material, such material is allowed to solidify, and the elongated horizontal support is released from the trunnions so that the support and mandrel attached thereto can be lifted upwardly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus useful in a cast lining process. In the cast lining process, a mandrel is positioned inside a vessel to be lined, so as to form a casting space, and a castable is delivered into the casting space to produce the cast lining. The novel apparatus of the present invention includes a rotatable and horizontally movable belt conveyor arranged above the casting space. The preferred apparatus also includes a contractable and expandable mandrel. Also provided by the present invention is an improved cast lining process.