A method for producing granulates, particularly for use as thermal insulation for a metal melt may include mixing a powdery mineral with a binder, and the mixture may be granulated in order to produce a semi-finished product. The granulate mixture or the semi-finished product may be heated rapidly to a temperature above the melting temperature or decomposition temperature of the binder, which may be in the form of a salt, so that the binder decomposes, whereby gas is released and the volume increases. The apparent density of the granulate mixture may decrease, and therefore the apparent density of the finished product may decrease with respect to the semi-finished product.

The invention relates to a refractory dry vibratable mix which sets at room temperature when water is added, for use in metallurgical vessels and comprising a refractory main component, a binder and a retarder.