Atomizing apparatuses, systems, and methods

Abstract

An atomizing system and method are disclosed. A system can include a tundish configured to hold a molten material and a nozzle in fluid communication with the tundish. The nozzle and / or the tundish can be comprised of a material having a composition that is substantially similar to the composition of the molten material. An internal channel can be defined in at least one of the tundish or the nozzle. Additionally, a pump can be configured to pump a molten heat transfer medium through the internal channel. A method of atomizing the molten material can include affecting heat transfer between the molten material and the tundish and / or the nozzle with a molten heat transfer medium in at least one internal channel in the tundish and / or the nozzle. The tundish and / or the nozzle can comprise a material that is substantially similar to the molten material.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY[0001]1.Field of Technology[0002]The present disclosure is directed to metal and metal alloy atomizing systems and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for producing clean atomized metal and metal alloy powders.[0003]2.Description of the Background of the Technology[0004]During an atomizing operation, a heat of a metal or metal alloy is heated to high temperature and subjected to high pressures. Typically, during atomization operations starting materials are heated to a molten state and subjected to high-pressure atomizing jets to produce a powder from the molten material. When subjected to such high-temperature, high-pressure conditions, the material being atomized may be subjected to contaminants that are within the system or which become entrained as a result of erosion from the molten material. For example, the molten material may react and / or combine with elements in the atmosphere or oth...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for producing atomized powder of metals and metal alloys. The system includes a tundish and a nozzle, with an internal channel defined in the nozzle. The system also includes a pump for pumping a molten heat transfer medium through the internal channel. The technical effect of this system is that it allows for the production of atomized powder with a specific material composition, by using a specific material in the nozzle and tundish that matches the material composition of the atomized powder. This ensures that the system produces consistent and high-quality powder. Additionally, the system allows for the regulation of temperature by pumping the molten heat transfer medium through the internal channel in the nozzle, which can be done to cool or heat the nozzle as needed.

Problems solved by technology

When subjected to such high-temperature, high-pressure conditions, the material being atomized may be subjected to contaminants that are within the system or which become entrained as a result of erosion from the molten material.

Despite efforts to isolate the molten material from other material(s) in the atomizing system, erosion and / or contamination can still occur.

For example, ceramic material in the nozzle can contaminate the molten material, which can produce inclusions or other defects in products formed from the powdered material.

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