A method of densification of refractory material in a gap between a tap hole sleeve of a furnace and a surround block of the furnace, the surround block surrounding the tap hole sleeve, the method comprising, includes positioning a tool in the gap, the tool including a support having opposing surfaces and a sidewall connecting the opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces having an arcuate shape, a plurality of elongated members extending from one of the opposing surfaces, and a connector arranged on the other of the opposing surfaces. The gap is filled with dry material, and vibration is applied to the tool to densify the dry material.

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation for vaginal administration, wherein the formulation comprises a pharmaceutical acceptable excipient and glucono δ-lactone, wherein the glucono δ-lactone is present in an amount of 5 to 99 wt % of the formulation. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention for use in the prevention or treatment of a urogenital fungal infection. Furthermore, the invention relates to glucono δ-lactone (formula (III)), for use in the in the prevention or treatment of a fungal infection.

An industrial furnace for melting materials is provided. The industrial furnace includes metal components, a refractory shell, and a fill. The refractory shell is positioned to cover an inner surface of the metal components such that one or more pockets are defined between the metal components and the refractory shell. The refractory shell has an inner surface that substantially defines a melting bath in which the materials are deposited for melting. The fill is disposed in each of the pockets. 90% to 99.5% of the fill is composed of one or more magnesia materials selected from the group consisting of dead-burned magnesia and fused magnesia.

In an aspect, a method of manufacturing a high purity copper-based alloy comprises providing in a melting furnace a feedstock and melting the feedstock. The method additionally includes bubbling an inert gas into the molten copper-based alloy to form the high purity copper-based alloy. Aspects are also directed to an apparatus and a method of fabricating an apparatus for manufacturing the high purity copper-based alloy.

A method for protecting an inner wall (12) of a shaft furnace, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one injection device (28) through the inner wall (12) of the shaft furnace, the injection device (28) being configured to inject protective material into the shaft furnace; and injecting on demand the protective material into the shaft furnace through the injection device (28), in such a manner that the protective material builds up to form a protection wall between the interior of the shaft furnace and the furnace wall (12).

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation for vaginal administration, wherein the formulation comprises a pharmaceutical acceptable excipient and glucono δ-lactone, wherein the glucono δ-lactone is present in an amount of 5 to 99 wt % of the formulation. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention for use in the prevention or treatment of a urogenital fungal infection. Furthermore, the invention relates to glucono δ-lactone (formula (III)), for use in the in the prevention or treatment of a fungal infection.

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical formulation for vaginal administration, wherein the formulation comprises a pharmaceutical acceptable excipient and glucono δ-lactone, wherein the glucono δ-lactone is present in an amount of 5 to 99 wt % of the formulation. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical formulation according to the invention for use in the prevention or treatment of a urogenital fungal infection. Furthermore, the invention relates to glucono δ-lactone (formula (III)), for use in the in the prevention or treatment of a fungal infection.

A replacement product for a portion of a castable refractory surface contains a precast refractory piece with accommodation for an adjustable positioning structure for conforming the working surface of the precast refractory piece to the castable refractory surface. A process for installing the precast refractory piece includes positioning the precast refractory piece with respect to the castable refractory surface, and introducing castable material into an interface volume between the precast refractory piece and the castable refractory surface.

Method and device for repairing the spout sleeve of a metallurgical vessel fitted securely within the refractory lining of the vessel in which the sleeve is repaired by applying mortar to the casting channel of the sleeve with a mortar dispenser inserted into the casting channel, which upon removing the mortar dispenser from the casting channel calibrates the latter over the entire length of the channel. The mortar dispenser is driven rotating coaxially to the casting channel during the mortar application and, after a defined time, is removed from the casting channel, still rotating. The method is particularly suitable for repairing the inner sleeve of a casting ladle with a slide closure adjoining the ladle spout, maintenance of which is automatically carried out in a maintenance station of the casting facility. Repair of the inner sleeve is also carried out automatically here during the maintenance of the slide closure.

In an aspect, a method of manufacturing a high purity copper-based alloy comprises providing in a melting furnace a feedstock and melting the feedstock. The method additionally includes bubbling an inert gas into the molten copper-based alloy to form the high purity copper-based alloy. Aspects are also directed to an apparatus and a method of fabricating an apparatus for manufacturing the high purity copper-based alloy.