A method for producing a feeder element is described. The method includes (a) producing composite particles having a particle size of less than 2 mm in a matrix encapsulation method with the following steps: (a1) producing droplets of a suspension from at least (i) one or more refractory substances, (ii) one or more of fillers having a bulk density in the range from 10 to 350 g/L, expandants, and pyrolysable fillers, (iii) as continuous phase, a solidifiable liquid, (a2) solidifying the droplets with the refractory substance(s) and density-reducing substance(s) are encapsulated therein, (a3) treating the hardened droplets to form composite particles, (b) mixing the composite particles with a binder and, optionally, further constituents to give a feeder composition, (c) shaping and curing the feeder composition to give a feeder element. Also described are a method for producing refractory composite particles and the use of the composite particles.

Method for producing ingots made of metal having cross-sectional areas of at least 0.10 m.sup.2 of a round, square or rectangular shape through casting of metal or molten steel either directly from the casting ladle (1) or using a fireproof lined intermediate vessel (3) in a short, water-cooled ingot mold open downwards (4) and withdrawing of the solidified ingot (6) from the same downwardly movable withdrawing tool (8), wherein the casting process is continued with a casting rate determined in accordance with the casting cross-section for as long as the desired or maximum ingot length determined by the height of lift of the withdrawing tool (8) is reached, and additional liquid metal is fed at the end of the regular casting process to an extent that at least the contraction of the metal and steel melt occurring during solidification is balanced during, and whereby after completion of the regular casting process and completion of the ingot withdrawal, the casting process is continued with a casting rate reduced by at least the Factor 10 from the heatable casting ladle (1) or the heatable intermediate vessel (3) or a distribution container, and is reduced progressively or continuously at the end of the solidification to 10% the rate at the start of the additional casting.

Method for producing ingots made of metal having cross-sectional areas of at least 0.10 m.sup.2 of a round, square or rectangular shape through casting of metal or molten steel either directly from the casting ladle (1) or using a fireproof lined intermediate vessel (3) in a short, water-cooled ingot mold open downwards (4) and withdrawing of the solidified ingot (6) from the same downwardly movable withdrawing tool (8), wherein the casting process is continued with a casting rate determined in accordance with the casting cross-section for as long as the desired or maximum ingot length determined by the height of lift of the withdrawing tool (8) is reached, and additional liquid metal is fed at the end of the regular casting process to an extent that at least the contraction of the metal and steel melt occurring during solidification is balanced during, and whereby after completion of the regular casting process and completion of the ingot withdrawal, the casting process is continued with a casting rate reduced by at least the Factor 10 from the heatable casting ladle (1) or the heatable intermediate vessel (3) or a distribution container, and is reduced progressively or continuously at the end of the solidification to 10% the rate at the start of the additional casting.

A method and apparatus used to achieve alignment during mold assembly and accommodate thermal expansion comprising employing a compressible region and a modified interface dimension.

A method and apparatus used to achieve alignment during mold assembly and accommodate thermal expansion comprising employing a compressible region and a modified interface dimension.

A method and apparatus used to achieve alignment during mold assembly and accommodate thermal expansion comprising employing a compressible region and a modified interface dimension.