Molten metal taphole design to improve yield and cleanliness

A taphole structure for refractory-lines vessels containing molten metal having an overlying slag layer and wherein the taphole extends through the sidewall of the vessel at the top portion thereof whereby rotation of the vessel from an upright position to an inclined position will cause molten metal to flow through the taphole;

• said taphole structure comprising:
• a refractory member of generally tubular configuration extending through the sidewall of said vessel and having a sealed closed-end portion impervious to the flow of liquid metal while extending into molten metal in the vessel during tapping, and
• sidewall openings in said tubular refractory member closely adjacent its sealed closed end which extends into the vessel whereby molten metal will not flow directly into the end of the tubular refractory member but rather will flow into the refractory member through said sidewall openings with an irrotational flow, whereby slag will not materially vortex into the taphole, the vessel can be rotated to a greater angle with respect to vertical during tapping, and a greater number of slag-free metal can be tapped from the vessel even when said sealed closed end touches a slag-metal interface in the vessel during tapping.