A sealing system (10) for use with a dummy bar head (1) of a continuous casting plant includes a plate-shaped, head element (12), to the edge region (13) of which a peripheral seal (14) is attached. It further includes an adapter element (18) made from metal which can be fastened with its bottom side (19) to a top end surface (2) of the dummy bar head (1). The head element (12) can be fastened to a top side (20) of the adapter element (18) and can be connected to the dummy bar head (1) as a result.

A bottom block for use in direct chill (DC) casting that includes a flared base providing additional surface area for contact with coolant used in the DC casting process. The bottom block includes a first end that substantially fits within a DC mold while a second end has a larger cross-sectional area than the first end. A transition between the first end and the second end provides a surface for coolant to contact despite film boiling and air gaps between the ingot and the coolant.