Distributor device for use in metal casting

A distributor device for use in an aluminium casting operation to direct the flow of molten aluminium into an associated mould, the distributor device comprising:

• a rigid, substantially bowl-shaped receptacle (2) of a refractory material having a base member (4) and a peripheral wall (6) that extends upwards from the base member, said receptacle having an inlet opening (8) towards the upper end thereof and at least one outlet opening (14) towards the base member, and a porous element (38), the distributor device being constructed and arranged such that, in use, molten aluminium poured into the distributor device through the inlet opening (8) is redirected by the distributor device and flows through said porous element and outwards into the mould through said at least one outlet opening (14), said porous element (38) comprising a substantially bowl-shaped mesh of woven material that fits into and is supported by said receptacle (2).