A control pin for controlling the flow of molten metal through a down spout in a casting process is provided. The control pin comprises a body having an elongated shape, a lower portion insertable in the down spout, and a terminal end, opposite the lower portion. The body includes a central core, preferably a hollow tube or a rod of alumina or mullite; a heating element disposed around the central core, and an intermediate layer surrounding the central core and encasing the heating element, the intermediate layer being made of a solidified ceramic putty. Finally, an outer shell, preferably made of woven fiber reinforcing fabric in a matrix of ceramic, surrounds the intermediate layer.

Stopper rod (100) for controlling the flow of molten metal and for inducing a rotational flow of molten metal, said stopper rod (100) comprising a rod-shaped stopper body (101), said rod-shaped stopper body (101) extending along a central longitudinal axis (L) from a first end (105) to a second end (107), said rod-shaped stopper body (101) comprising a nose (103) at said second end (107), wherein said nose (103) provides an exterior surface; a chamber (109), said chamber (109) extending along said central longitudinal axis (L) within said stopper body (101) from said first end (105) towards said second end (107) and ending at a distance from said second end (107); at least one channel (111), preferably a plurality of channels (111), being provided on an exterior surface of said rod-shaped stopper body (101) and at least partially on said exterior surface of said nose (103), and at least partially running around said central longitudinal axis (L), and progressing along the direction of said central longitudinal axis (L); gas supply connecting means (123), said gas supply connecting means (123) connecting said chamber (109) and each of said at least one channel (111).

A stopper (1) is provided that includes ridges (12) in contact with the slag in a tundish (60). Each ridge (12) has a radial extension (21) that is less than half a radius (20) of the stopper (1) measured at the ridge (12). The ridges (12) decrease the creation of vortices by the stopper (1) and increase thus its lifetime. The ridges (12) are disposed in quincunx along the lateral wall (10).

A stopper (1) is provided that includes ridges (12) in contact with the slag in a tundish (60). Each ridge (12) has a radial extension (21) that is less than half a radius (20) of the stopper (1) measured at the ridge (12). The ridges (12) decrease the creation of vortices by the stopper (1) and increase thus its lifetime. The ridges (12) are disposed in quincunx along the lateral wall (10).