Apparatus and method for filling the well of a molten metal ladle or like vessel with a pre-selected charge of disposable refractory sand is disclosed. The apparatus includes a disposable can positioned above and in the blocking and at the top of the well. The can includes a plurality of apertures spaced around said can. The apparatus includes a unit hopper that is filled with a preselected charge of sand and is suspended from an overhead crane and maneuvered by crane controls from a safe distance. The hopper unit includes latches for releasably holding the can at its bottom and a trigger mechanism for discharging the sand in response to the seating of the can on a surface and the lowering of the hopper unit through the can. The operator may charge the hopper with sand, latch the can to the bottom of the apparatus, maneuver it into and over the ladle to the well and lower it so that the can is seated above the well. By continuing to lower the crane, the unit automatically releases the can therefrom and triggers the discharge of the sand from the hopper through the unit and into the well. The sand flows therein to fill the well and the bottom of the can. The sand continues to mound in the can and to flow out through its apertures to crown the outside of the can. The operator then raises and withdraws the hopper unit from the ladle.

A method of opening tapholes in a phosphorus furnace through which molten slag and metal are periodically removed comprises shooting one or more slugs into the taphole to fracture and break out the solidified material.