A refractory block configured to surround an outlet modifies, within a refractory vessel, the flow of molten metal passing through the outlet. The block takes the form of a base through which a main orifice passes, and a wall extending upwards around the periphery of the base. Structural features that may be included in the block include a circumferential lip around the exterior of the wall, an interior volume in which the radius decreases downwardly towards the main orifice in a plurality of steps, and flow openings in the wall that are configured to induce swirling in the flow pattern in the interior volume of the block.

Submerged nozzle (1) through which molten steel can be poured from a tundish into a mould, said nozzle comprising: a substantially tubular body (2), extending from a first end (3) to a second end (4); a passageway (5), extending through the tubular body (2) along a longitudinal axis (A) from the first end (3) towards the second end (4); at least one inlet port (6), opening into the passageway (5) at said first end (3); a plurality of outlet ports (8), opening into the passageway (5) in a region (7) adjacent to the second end (4); and at least one rotatable insert (10); whereas the submerged nozzle (1) with the at least one rotatable insert (10) is configured that a molten metal entering the submerged nozzle (1) at the at least one inlet port (6) flows through the passageway (5) and around the rotatable insert (10) and exits the submerged entry nozzle (1) via the plurality of outlet ports (8), such that a rotation of the rotatable insert (10) is driven by the stream of molten metal.

Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.

Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.

A slab continuous casting apparatus according to this invention is configured to supply molten metal from a tundish to a slab water-cooled mold through at least an upper nozzle, a stopper, and an immersion nozzle and solidify the molten metal, and is provided with an immersion nozzle quick replacement mechanism. The slab continuous casting apparatus includes a discharge direction change mechanism that is provided between the stopper and the immersion nozzle and is capable of freely changing a discharge angle of the molten metal in a horizontal cross-section during casting.

Techniques are disclosed for reducing macrosegregation in cast metals. Techniques include providing an eductor nozzle capable of increasing mixing in the fluid region of an ingot being cast. Techniques also include providing a non-contacting flow control device to mix and/or apply pressure to the molten metal that is being introduced to the mold cavity. The non-contacting flow control device can be permanent magnet or electromagnet based. Techniques additionally can include actively cooling and mixing the molten metal before introducing the molten metal to the mold cavity.

A refractory block configured to surround an outlet modifies, within a refractory vessel, the flow of molten metal passing through the outlet. The block takes the form of a base through which a main orifice passes, and a wall extending upwards around the periphery of the base. Structural features that may be included in the block include a circumferential lip around the exterior of the wall, an interior volume in which the radius decreases downwardly towards the main orifice in a plurality of steps, and flow openings in the wall that are configured to induce swirling in the flow pattern in the interior volume of the block.

A pour tube for casting molten metal is adapted to reduce turbulence and mold disturbances, thereby producing a more stable, uniform outflow. The pour tube has a central longitudinal axis and includes a bore in communication with a port distributor having a greater radius with respect to the longitudinal axis than does the bore. Exit ports provide fluid communication between the port distributor and the exterior of the device. Each of a pair of larger exit ports has a larger cross-sectional area than does either of a pair of smaller exit ports.

A submerged nozzle for continuous casting of molten metal, wherein two or more discharge hole flow passages are provided on a cylindrical side surface of a submerged nozzle, and first and second inner surface side walls and first and second outer surface side walls of the discharge hole flow passages in a horizontal cross-section of the submerged nozzle when in use are composed by straight lines formed so as to be inflected at an inner side point of inflection and an outer side point of inflection.