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.

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.

A method for hot repair of a region to be repaired (301, 302, 303) inside a glass melting furnace (10), the region to be repaired being at a temperature higher than 300 C., said method comprising the following steps: a) installing an interior shuttering (32i) in a use position, so as to produce a mold around the region to be repaired; b) filling the mold with a repair product (41). The interior shuttering has components that come into contact with the repair material during the repair, referred to as shuttering elements. All the shuttering elements are made of a ceramic. The region to be repaired is located on the side wall of the tank or in the superstructure.