Expandable, consumable stopper plug for steel making and handling vessels

An improvement in a stopper plug for sealing a tap hole in a molten metal receptacle for a predetermined time, the improvement comprising forming said plug in a hollow elongated blunt-nosed conical shape and means for expanding said conical shape within said tap hole, said hollow conical shape formed of a refractory material, a fibrous substance and a binder, said means for expanding said conical shape comprising a cross sectionally circular disc member positioned in said hollow conical shape, an opening in the center of said circular member, a rod having a disc thereon, said disc arranged to engage said cross sectionally circular disc member whereby movement of said rod in one direction moves said cross sectionally circular disc member toward said blunt nose and the disc on said rod holds said cross sectionally circular member in transverse relation to said conical shape so as to expand said conical shape into sealing engagement with said tap hole.