Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a casting comprises: pouring molten material into a mould for forming the casting; allowing the molten material to solidify; removing the mould at least in part from the resulting solidified casting; and locating the solidified casting in a chamber 10 that completely surrounds and facilitates a controlled rate of cooling of the casting.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for enabling a coating to be applied to an internal surface of a pipe elbow or bend C comprises a flexible body (2) adapted for location to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and a bendable core (3) extending through the body. Bending of the core causes the flexible body to be bent in a similar manner. A method for applying the coating to the internal surface of the pipe elbow or bend (C) comprises the steps of shaping the flexible body (2) and locating it to extend within the pipe elbow or bend, and introducing a coating material so as to flow around and into a space defined between the flexible body and the internal surface of the elbow or bend.