An exemplary embodiment relates to a fireproof ceramic bottom in the connection region to at least one wall of a vessel for handling high-temperature melts.

The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.

The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.

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.

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.

An apparatus for containment of a molten substance using non-wetting materials comprising a crucible, and a layer of a non-wetting material deposited onto the crucible, wherein said layer of non-wetting material is deposited near the rim of the crucible and wherein the non-wetting material is deposited onto the crucible by one selected from the group consisting of RF magnetron sputtering, chemical vapor deposition, thermal spray, thermal evaporation, dip coating of precursors followed by thermal treatment, and spray coating of precursors followed by thermal treatment.

An apparatus for containment of a molten substance using non-wetting materials comprising a crucible, and a layer of a non-wetting material deposited onto the crucible, wherein said layer of non-wetting material is deposited near the rim of the crucible and wherein the non-wetting material is deposited onto the crucible by one selected from the group consisting of RF magnetron sputtering, chemical vapor deposition, thermal spray, thermal evaporation, dip coating of precursors followed by thermal treatment, and spray coating of precursors followed by thermal treatment.

The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.

The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.

A castable refractory material for use in the manufacture of refractory products including fused silica, ceramic fiber, microsilica and a bonding material comprising colloidal silica.