Abstract: A lining structure for a refractory vessel contains a first layer containing refractory material; a second layer, in communication with and parallel to the first layer, containing a metal layer or component; and a third layer, in communication with and parallel to the second layer, containing refractory material. The metal component in the second layer contains filled transverse passages, between the surface of the second layer in contact with the first layer and the surface of the second layer in contact with the third layer, producing support structures to maintain the structural integrity of the refractory vessel in use.

Abstract: A lining for a metallurgical vessel is configured to have an engineered porosity. The lining contains a plurality of regions, each extending in a primary plane of the lining, each region having a differing value of total pore or perforation area as measured in a primary plane of the lining. The lining may be used to form part or all of the working surface of the floors or walls of the vessel. In casting use the lining produces an oxidation buffering layer at an interphase of metal melt extending from the interface between metal melt and the walls and floor of the metallurgical vessel, such that when in casting use, the metal flow rate in said oxidation buffering layer is substantially nil, and the concentration of endogenous inclusions, in particular oxides, in said oxidation buffering layer is substantially higher than in the bulk of the metal melt.

Abstract: A lining structure for a refractory vessel contains a first layer containing refractory material; a second layer, in communication with and parallel to the first layer, containing a metal layer or component; and a third layer, in communication with and parallel to the second layer, containing refractory material. The metal component in the second layer contains filled transverse passages, between the surface of the second layer in contact with the first layer and the surface of the second layer in contact with the third layer, producing support structures to maintain the structural integrity of the refractory vessel in use.

Abstract: A lining for a metallurgical vessel is configured to have an engineered porosity. The lining contains a plurality of regions, each extending in a primary plane of the lining, each region having a differing value of total pore or perforation area as measured in a primary plane of the lining. The lining may be used to form part or all of the working surface of the floors or walls of the vessel. In casting use the lining produces an oxidation buffering layer at an interphase of metal melt extending from the interface between metal melt and the walls and floor of the metallurgical vessel, such that when in casting use, the metal flow rate in said oxidation buffering layer is substantially nil, and the concentration of endogenous inclusions, in particular oxides, in said oxidation buffering layer is substantially higher than in the bulk of the metal melt.