Method of sealing and repairing a refractory tap hole

A method of sealing a slag drain in a direct smelting vessel for containing a molten bath of slag and molten metal, the direct smelting vessel comprising at least one solids injection lance extending downwardly and inwardly through a refractory-lined side wall of the vessel for injecting metalliferous material and/or carbonaceous material, the slag drain comprising a slag drain channel extending from an inlet end at an inner surface of the refractory-lined side wall in the direct smelting vessel, the inlet end being exposed to the molten bath, to a location at or near an exterior of the direct smelting vessel, the method comprising locating a pre-formed refractory material at the inlet end of the channel, wherein the pre-formed refractory material is positioned substantially flush with the inner surface of the refractory-lined side wall so that it is exposed to the molten bath and sealing the channel with sealing material downstream of the pre-formed refractory material wherein the pre-formed refractory material has corrosion resistant properties that are similar to a surrounding refractory lining.