Transition plate

A direct chill (DC) casting system, comprising a distribution device, a thimble, a transition plate that extends radially outwards from a lower end of the thimble, and a casting ring that extends downwards from an outer periphery of the transition plate, wherein the transition plate comprises a substantially annular body having an upper face and a lower face, wherein the transition plate is configured to guide a flow of liquid metal outwards over the lower face during a casting operation, and wherein at least a lower part of the body adjacent the lower face comprises a gas permeable refractory material, whereby gas can pass through the gas permeable refractory material and escape from the transition plate through at least the lower face to form a gas layer between the liquid metal and the lower face of the transition plate.

A method of operating a DC casting system comprising a distribution device, a thimble, a transition plate and a casting ring, wherein the transition plate comprises a substantially annular body having an upper face and a lower face, and wherein at least a lower part of the body adjacent the lower face is made of a gas permeable refractory material, the method comprising supplying liquid metal to the distribution device so that the liquid metal flows through the thimble and then flows outwards over the lower face of the transition plate towards the casting ring, and feeding gas to the transition plate so that the gas passes through the gas permeable refractory material and escapes from the transition plate through the lower face to form a gas layer between the liquid metal and the lower face of the transition plate.

(canceled)