Slag-retaining plug for metal pouring operations

摘要

A refractory plug for blocking the tap hole of a steel making vessel or transfer ladle containing molten steel covered by a layer of slag and for minimizing turbulence caused by vortexing. The plug comprises a body having an inverted cone-shaped bottom and having an integral top portion projecting axially from a top base surface of the cone-shaped bottom portion. The plug is added to the melt just prior to or during the tapping operation to minimize vortexing and to plug the tap hole prior to egress of the slag.