Metallurgical apparatus

A metallurgical apparatus comprising:

• a vessel for holding a body of liquid metal, and
• a circulating apparatus for circulating the body of liquid metal within the vessel,
• wherein the vessel has a peripheral wall and a base, and
• wherein the circulating apparatus comprises:
• a launder that provides a flow channel, and
• a pumping device for pumping liquid metal through the launder,
• wherein the launder has an inlet end connected to a first opening in the peripheral wall and an outlet end connected to a second opening in the peripheral wall, each of the inlet end and outlet end being selectively opened and closed by moveable dams, adjustable between an open configuration in which the flow of liquid metal between the vessel and the launder is permitted, and a closed configuration in which the flow of liquid metal between the vessel and the launder is prevented, and
• wherein the pumping device is configured to pump liquid metal through the launder so that liquid metal flows out of the vessel through the first opening and into the vessel through the second opening, thereby causing the body of liquid metal within the vessel to circulate and further including means for dispensing metal at a higher level, said means comprising a second vessel positioned in the launder and rising above said launder walls, wherein closing of one said dams allows molten metal to rise in the vessel for discharge above the launder walls.