Closure element and assembly of a slide closure for use in liquid melt containers

A closure element of a slide closure includes a refractory plate having a sliding surface, peripheral edges and at least one flow passage extending through the refractory plate from the sliding surface to an opposite surface spaced therefrom. A metallic sheath partially encompasses the refractory plate and includes an edge portion embracing the peripheral edges of the refractory plate about the entire periphery thereof and a bottom portion adjacent the opposite surface of the refractory plate. The bottom portion of the metallic sheath has formed therein a plurality of openings exposing therethrough a plurality of surface areas of the opposite surface of the refractory plate. The plurality of openings are separated from each other and from the edge portion of the metallic sheath by a plurality of strips which thus form the bottom portion. At least some of the exposed surface areas are aligned, preferably parallel, to the sliding surface and form surfaces for engagement with a metal support frame to support the closure element.