Abstract: This invention relates to deicing compositions which contain alkali metal salts of (a) acetates and/or formates, (b) phosphates and (c) nitrites in aqueous solution and has a pH value in the range from 9.5-11.2. This composition is environment friendly and does not give rise to acute corrosion problems associated with compositions used hitherto.

Abstract: A system for delivering fluid lubricant to the surfaces of the sidewalls of a mold of a continuous casting machine is provided by a continuously surrounding lubrication gap connecting a manifold to the sides of the casting mold. The lubricating gap has substantially the same resistance to flow between the manifold and the adjacent side of the mold cavity of the mold around the complete perimeter of the mold cavity and has significantly higher resistance to flow of lubricant from the manifold to the mold cavity than the resistance to flow around the manifold and into the gap, whereby the lubricant is uniformly distributed to all the walls of the mold. Preferably the gap will be divided into discrete passages, one for each side of the mold cavity by means of a shaped spacer which also defines the height of the gap and thereby the height of each of the passages. Each passage will normally be of substantially constant width corresponding substantially to the length of the adjacent side of the mold cavity.