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 present invention provides a crucible for melting and casting a metal fuel, which includes a reaction preventing layer including: LaYO.sub.3; or ZrO.sub.2 containing a Y.sub.2O.sub.3 stabilizer at 5 to 10 wt %, and a method of melting and casting a metal fuel using the same.

The present invention provides a crucible for melting and casting a metal fuel, which includes a reaction preventing layer including: LaYO.sub.3; or ZrO.sub.2 containing a Y.sub.2O.sub.3 stabilizer at 5 to 10 wt %, and a method of melting and casting a metal fuel using the same.

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.

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.

A molten metal furnace capable of preventing or suppressing the molten metal leakage and controlling the leakage direction. A molten metal furnace including an outer wall in an outer peripheral portion and a molten metal storage part holding a molten metal, in which a plurality of lining material layers are arranged on an inner wall of the molten metal furnace forming the molten metal storage part; of the lining material layers, a first lining layer constituting a surface in contact with the molten metal is made of a refractory material; and a sealing material is provided on at least one boundary between the first lining layer and the outer wall.

A molten metal furnace capable of preventing or suppressing the molten metal leakage and controlling the leakage direction. A molten metal furnace including an outer wall in an outer peripheral portion and a molten metal storage part holding a molten metal, in which a plurality of lining material layers are arranged on an inner wall of the molten metal furnace forming the molten metal storage part; of the lining material layers, a first lining layer constituting a surface in contact with the molten metal is made of a refractory material; and a sealing material is provided on at least one boundary between the first lining layer and the outer wall.

Processes of forming or repairing a structure for use in high temperature applications may include intermixing a sodium nitrite (NaNO.sub.2) additive with a refractory material; and applying the refractory material to a structure surface.

A refractory composition for forming a working lining in a metallurgical vessel contains a coarse-grain refractory particle fraction and a fine-grain refractory particle fraction, or at least 0.25% additive calcium oxide, or at least 0.25% titanium dioxide. The coarse-grain refractory particles can include alumina particles, magnesia particles, magnesium aluminate spinel particles, zirconia particles, or doloma particles, or a combination of any of these particles. The fine-grain refractory particles can be comprised of any low-magnesia refractory oxide. The refractory composition can be applied to a metallurgical vessel by spraying, gunning, shotcreting, vibrating, casting, troweling, or positioning preformed refractory shapes, or a combination of any of these techniques. When contacted by molten metal, the molten metal penetrates into the refractory material, wetting the coarse-grain refractory particles, and forming a refractory-metal composite barrier layer that decreases or blocks oxygen transport through the refractory lining.

A refractory composition for forming a working lining in a metallurgical vessel contains a coarse-grain refractory particle fraction and a fine-grain refractory particle fraction, or at least 0.25% additive calcium oxide, or at least 0.25% titanium dioxide. The coarse-grain refractory particles can include alumina particles, magnesia particles, magnesium aluminate spinel particles, zirconia particles, or doloma particles, or a combination of any of these particles. The fine-grain refractory particles can be comprised of any low-magnesia refractory oxide. The refractory composition can be applied to a metallurgical vessel by spraying, gunning, shotcreting, vibrating, casting, troweling, or positioning preformed refractory shapes, or a combination of any of these techniques. When contacted by molten metal, the molten metal penetrates into the refractory material, wetting the coarse-grain refractory particles, and forming a refractory-metal composite barrier layer that decreases or blocks oxygen transport through the refractory lining.