A cooling system for a vacuum melted atomized metal alloy powder collection powder pot

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cooling system of vacuum smelting atomized metal alloy powder collection powder tank relates to atomized metal alloy powder cooling field, including collection powder tank, the inside of collection powder tank is provided with dispersion mechanism, the dispersion mechanism includes fixed post, the fixed post detachable mode's connection is in the jar bottom inboard of collection powder tank, the outer wall fixed connection of fixed post has the support, the top fixed connection of support has the support rod, the end face fixed connection of support rod away from support has the conical flow guide board, the inner ring of conical flow guide board is established with spiral guide groove, the lower surface fixed connection of conical flow guide board has the elastic suspension rope, and the utility model discloses a powder even dispersion is realized through dispersion mechanism, and the high -efficient heat exchange of cooperation spiral -shaped cooling coil is cooled to the high temperature powder under the closed inert environment and is greatly shortened, and the low problem of traditional standing cooling efficiency is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooling atomized metal alloy powder, and in particular to a cooling system for a powder collection tank for vacuum-melted atomized metal alloy powder. Background Technology

[0002] In modern metal powder preparation processes, vacuum melting-inert gas atomization (VIGA or PREP) is the core technology for producing high-quality spherical metal powders. It is widely used in 3D printing processes such as selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM), as well as metal injection molding (MIM). In this process, high-temperature metal droplets are rapidly solidified into micron-sized spherical powders after being impacted by high-pressure inert gas, and then collected in a closed system through primary and secondary cyclone powder collection tanks.

[0003] In the current technology, the mainstream practice in the industry is to let the powder collection tank filled with high-temperature powder cool down for 2-3 hours, and then open the tank for screening after the internal temperature naturally drops to close to room temperature (<10℃). Although this method can effectively control oxygen pollution, it greatly reduces the production cycle and limits the increase in production capacity. Some companies have configured multiple powder collection tanks for rotation, which alleviates the efficiency problem, but significantly increases equipment investment, floor space and operational complexity.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an active cooling system for powder collection tanks that is simple in structure, highly efficient in cooling, safe and reliable, and easy to integrate, so as to achieve rapid cooling in a closed inert environment while taking into account both product quality and production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooling system for a powder collection tank of vacuum melting and atomizing metal alloy powder, so as to solve the problems of long cooling cycle, easy oxidation, and low production efficiency of metal alloy powder after collection in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a cooling system for a powder collection tank of vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder, comprising a powder collection tank, wherein a dispersion mechanism is provided inside the powder collection tank;

[0007] The dispersing mechanism includes a fixed column, which is detachably connected to the inner side of the bottom of the powder collection tank. A bracket is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the fixed column, and a support rod is fixedly connected to the top of the bracket. A conical guide plate is fixedly connected to the end of the support rod away from the bracket. A spiral guide groove is formed on the inner ring of the conical guide plate. An elastic suspension rope is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the conical guide plate. A conical disk is fixedly connected to the end of the elastic suspension rope away from the conical guide plate. The support rod, conical guide plate, elastic suspension rope, and conical disk are all arranged inside the powder collection tank.

[0008] Preferably, the powder collection tank has a first sealing groove on the inner side of its bottom. A sealing cover is detachably connected inside the first sealing groove. There are two sealing covers. A water outlet pipe is fixedly connected to the inner side of one sealing cover, and a water inlet pipe is fixedly connected to the other sealing cover. A cooling coil is provided inside the powder collection tank. The two ends of the cooling coil are fixedly connected to the upper end faces of the water outlet pipe and the water inlet pipe, respectively.

[0009] Preferably, the upper surface of the powder collection container is detachably connected to a quick-release flange cover.

[0010] Preferably, a powder inlet pipe is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the quick-release flange cover.

[0011] Preferably, the side wall of the powder collection container is fixedly connected with a one-way valve for venting.

[0012] Preferably, a pressure relief valve is fixedly connected to the side wall of the powder collection tank, and the pressure relief valve is located below the gas outlet check valve.

[0013] Preferably, a pressure gauge is fixedly connected to the side wall of the powder collection container, and the pressure gauge is located below the pressure relief valve.

[0014] Preferably, a platinum resistance temperature sensor is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the powder collection container. Three platinum resistance temperature sensors are provided, and the three platinum resistance temperature sensors are respectively arranged in the middle, lower middle and bottom of the powder collection container.

[0015] Preferably, an air inlet pipe is fixedly connected to the side wall of the powder collection container away from the one-way valve.

[0016] The technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] 1. In this utility model, the powder is uniformly dispersed through a dispersion mechanism, and with the efficient heat exchange of the spiral cooling coil, the cooling time of high-temperature powder is greatly shortened in a closed and inert environment, which solves the problem of low efficiency of traditional static cooling.

[0018] 2. Furthermore, by utilizing the synergistic effect of the exhaust check valve, pressure relief valve, pressure gauge, and platinum resistance temperature sensor, the system ensures safe and stable operation, accurately controls the cooling process, guarantees the quality of metal powder, and meets the needs of large-scale production of high-quality metal powder. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the cooling system of the powder collection can for vacuum melting and atomizing metal alloy powder of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2This is a front cross-sectional view of the cooling system of the powder collection can for vacuum melting and atomizing metal alloy powder of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling coil and connected components of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the dispersion mechanism of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a front cross-sectional view of the dispersing mechanism of this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Powder collection container; 2. Quick-release flange cover; 3. Powder inlet pipe; 4. Air outlet check valve; 5. Pressure relief valve; 6. Pressure gauge; 7. Water outlet pipe; 8. Cooling coil; 9. Water inlet pipe; 10. Sealing cap; 11. Dispersion mechanism; 12. Platinum resistance temperature sensor; 13. Air inlet pipe; 111. Fixing column; 112. Bracket; 113. Support rod; 114. Conical guide plate; 115. Spiral guide groove; 116. Elastic suspension rope; 117. Conical disc. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This utility model provides, for example Figures 1-5 The present invention discloses a cooling system for a powder collection canister of vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder, which aims to address the problems of long cooling cycles, easy oxidation, and low production efficiency of metal alloy powder after collection in the prior art.

[0026] The powder collection tank 1 is made of high-temperature and corrosion-resistant metal material to ensure stable operation in vacuum and inert gas environments. The bottom of the tank has a first sealing groove, and two sealing caps 10 are detachably connected in the groove. The sealing caps 10 prevent the leakage of cooling medium. One sealing cap 10 is fixedly connected to the inside of the water outlet pipe 7, and the other is fixedly connected to the water inlet pipe 9. Both the water inlet pipe 9 and the water outlet pipe 7 are made of high-strength metal pipes, and the connection between them and the sealing caps 10 is further reinforced by sealing rings to prevent inert gas leakage or the entry of external air.

[0027] A cooling coil 8 is installed inside the powder collection tank 1. The cooling coil 8 adopts a spiral structure design, which can maximize the contact area with the high-temperature powder and gas inside the tank and improve the heat exchange efficiency. The two ends of the cooling coil 8 are fixedly connected to the upper end face of the water outlet pipe 7 and the water inlet pipe 9, respectively. The connection is sealed by welding process to ensure that the cooling medium, such as cooling water or cooling oil, can circulate stably in the loop composed of the water inlet pipe 9, the cooling coil 8, and the water outlet pipe 7.

[0028] The upper surface of the powder collection tank 1 is detachably connected to the quick-release flange cover 2 by bolts. A high-temperature resistant sealing gasket is set at the contact point between the flange cover and the tank body to ensure the airtightness of the tank and facilitate subsequent opening and sieving of powder. The powder inlet pipe 3 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the quick-release flange cover 2. The powder inlet pipe 3 is connected to the discharge port of the secondary cyclone powder collection tank of the vacuum melting-inert gas atomization system to ensure that the atomized high-temperature metal powder can smoothly enter the powder collection tank 1.

[0029] A one-way valve 4 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the powder collection tank 1. This one-way valve only allows the gas inside the tank to be discharged outward to prevent external air from flowing back in. During the cooling process, when the inert gas inside the tank expands due to heat, it can be stably discharged through the one-way valve 4 to maintain the pressure balance inside the tank.

[0030] A pressure relief valve 5 is installed below the exhaust check valve 4. When the pressure inside the tank exceeds the safety threshold due to abnormal conditions such as leakage of cooling medium causing local high temperature vaporization, the pressure relief valve 5 will automatically open to release pressure, preventing the tank from exploding due to excessive pressure and ensuring the safe operation of the system.

[0031] A pressure gauge 6 is installed below the pressure relief valve 5. The detection end of the pressure gauge 6 extends into the tank to monitor the pressure value inside the tank in real time. The staff can intuitively grasp the pressure status inside the tank through the pressure gauge 6 and deal with abnormal pressure problems in a timely manner.

[0032] An air inlet pipe 13 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the powder collection tank 1 away from the exhaust check valve 4. The air inlet pipe 13 is connected to an inert gas supply device. Before the powder enters and during the cooling process, inert gases such as argon and nitrogen can be continuously introduced into the tank through the air inlet pipe 13 to maintain the inert environment inside the tank, prevent the high-temperature powder from oxidizing when it comes into contact with air, and ensure the quality of the powder.

[0033] The dispersion mechanism 11 is used to evenly disperse the high-temperature metal powder entering the tank, avoiding powder accumulation that could lead to poor local heat dissipation. Its fixing column 111 is detachably installed on the inner side of the bottom of the powder collection tank 1 via a threaded connection, facilitating subsequent maintenance and replacement. The fixing column 111 has a fixing bracket 112 welded to its outer wall, and a support rod 113 is vertically welded to the top of the bracket 112. A conical guide plate 114 is welded to the end face of the support rod 113 away from the bracket 112.

[0034] The inner ring of the conical guide plate 114 is provided with a spiral guide groove 115. When the powder falls from the powder inlet pipe 3, the spiral guide groove 115 can guide the powder to spiral down along the surface of the guide plate, extending the powder falling path and breaking the powder agglomeration to achieve initial dispersion. The lower surface of the conical guide plate 114 is fixedly connected to an elastic suspension rope 116 by a hook. The elastic suspension rope 116 is made of high temperature resistant elastic material. The end of the rope away from the conical guide plate 114 is fixedly connected to a conical disc 117. The conical disc 117 is located directly below the conical guide plate 114, which can further block and disperse the powder sliding down from the guide plate, ensuring that the powder is evenly distributed in the tank and fully contacts the cooling coil 8 for heat exchange.

[0035] Three platinum resistance temperature sensors 12 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the powder collection tank 1, and are respectively set in the middle, lower middle and bottom of the tank. The platinum resistance temperature sensors 12 have the characteristics of high measurement accuracy and high temperature resistance. They can monitor the temperature at different heights in the tank in real time. The staff can accurately grasp the cooling progress of the powder in the tank through the data fed back by the temperature sensors, and make it easy to adjust the temperature and flow rate of the cooling medium.

[0036] During use, confirm that the sealing gaskets of the quick-release flange cover 2 and the powder collection tank 1 are intact and the bolts are tightened; check the fit of the sealing gland 10 and the first sealing groove, and ensure that there is no leakage at the connection between the water inlet pipe 9, the water outlet pipe 7 and the cooling coil 8; ensure that the exhaust check valve 4 and the pressure relief valve 5 are in normal working condition, and that the pressure gauge 6 and the platinum resistance temperature sensor 12 are calibrated correctly.

[0037] Inert gas is introduced into the powder collection tank 1 through the air inlet pipe 13. At the same time, the pressure gauge 6 is observed. After the pressure inside the tank reaches the set inert gas protection pressure and there is no significant pressure drop for 5-10 minutes, the gas supply is stopped, and the inert environment inside the tank is completed. During this process, the one-way valve 4 can discharge the original air inside the tank to ensure the purity of the inert environment and prevent subsequent powder oxidation.

[0038] The vacuum melting-inert gas atomization system is started. The atomized high-temperature metal powder enters the powder collection tank 1 through the powder inlet pipe 3. The powder first falls on the conical guide plate 114 and slides down the spiral guide groove 115. The design of the spiral guide groove 115 not only prolongs the powder falling time, but also breaks up the agglomeration by the powder's own gravity and the friction of the guide groove sidewall, achieving initial dispersion. Then the powder falls onto the conical disc 117 below. Under the impact of the powder, the conical disc 117 is slightly shaken by the elastic action of the elastic suspension rope 116, further dispersing the powder and making it evenly distributed in the tank space, increasing the contact area between the powder and the cooling medium.

[0039] Furthermore, the data of the components requiring automatic control mentioned above are connected to the PLC control system to automatically adjust the cooling water flow and start / stop time; a safety logic is set: when the temperature inside the tank is higher than the set threshold (e.g., >15℃), the tank cover is prohibited from being opened; the tank can only be unlocked and opened after confirming that the temperature has reached the standard and after the inert gas purging has been completed.

[0040] Simultaneously, the existing cooling medium supply device is activated. The cooling medium enters the cooling coil 8 through the inlet pipe 9. During the flow process in the spiral cooling coil 8, it exchanges heat with the high-temperature powder and inert gas in the tank. After absorbing heat, it flows out through the outlet pipe 7 and enters the external cooling equipment for cooling and recycling. The spiral structure of the cooling coil 8 increases the heat exchange area. Combined with the uniform distribution of the dispersed powder, it can quickly remove the heat from the powder, causing the powder temperature to drop rapidly from high temperature. The function of the cooling coil 8 is: as the core heat exchange component, it realizes the heat exchange between the cooling medium and the high-temperature powder, and accelerates the cooling.

[0041] During the cooling process, the inert gas inside the tank expands due to heat, and the pressure gradually increases. When the pressure exceeds the opening pressure of the outlet check valve 4, the gas is discharged through the outlet check valve 4 to maintain the pressure inside the tank. If the pressure inside the tank rises suddenly due to insufficient cooling medium flow or abnormally high powder temperature, when the pressure exceeds the safety threshold of the pressure relief valve 5, the pressure relief valve 5 will automatically open to release pressure and protect the tank from damage. Function of the pressure relief valve: safety protection to prevent the tank from overpressure explosion.

[0042] Workers use platinum resistance temperature sensors 12 to monitor the temperature changes in the middle, lower middle and bottom of the tank in real time. When the temperature detected by the three sensors drops to close to room temperature, it indicates that the powder cooling is complete. Compared with traditional static cooling, this process can shorten the cooling time and improve the production cycle. The function of platinum resistance temperature sensors 12 is to monitor the temperature at different locations in the tank in real time and accurately judge the cooling progress.

[0043] Turn off the cooling medium supply device and the vacuum melting-inert gas atomization system, stop the powder conveying, and supplement a small amount of inert gas through the air inlet pipe 13 to restore the pressure inside the tank to slightly higher than atmospheric pressure for subsequent tank opening. Then close the air inlet pipe 13.

[0044] Loosen the fixing bolts of the quick-release flange cover 2, open the flange cover, and take out the internal dispersion mechanism 11 fixing column 111. The detachable design makes it easy to remove. Then, take out the cooled metal powder in the tank for sieving. After sieving, clean the residual powder inside the powder collection tank 1 and the surface of the cooling coil 8. After checking that there is no damage to each component, reassemble the dispersion mechanism 11, cover the quick-release flange cover 2, and you can start the next batch of powder collection and cooling work. This eliminates the need to configure multiple powder collection tanks for rotation, reducing equipment investment, floor space and operation complexity.

Claims

1. A cooling system for a powder collection container of vacuum-melted atomized metal alloy powder, comprising a powder collection container (1), characterized in that: The powder collection container (1) is equipped with a dispersion mechanism (11) inside; The dispersing mechanism (11) includes a fixed column (111), which is detachably connected to the inner side of the bottom of the powder collection tank (1). A bracket (112) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the fixed column (111). A support rod (113) is fixedly connected to the top of the bracket (112). A conical guide plate (114) is fixedly connected to the end face of the support rod (113) away from the bracket (112). A spiral guide groove (115) is opened in the inner circle of the conical guide plate (114). An elastic suspension rope (116) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the conical guide plate (114). A conical disc (117) is fixedly connected to the end of the elastic suspension rope (116) away from the conical guide plate (114). The support rod (113), the conical guide plate (114), the elastic suspension rope (116), and the conical disc (117) are all arranged inside the powder collection tank (1).

2. The cooling system for a vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder collecting powder can according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder collection tank (1) has a first sealing groove on the inner side of the bottom. A sealing cover (10) is detachably connected inside the first sealing groove. There are two sealing covers (10). One sealing cover (10) is fixedly connected to the inner side of the water outlet pipe (7), and the other sealing cover (10) is fixedly connected to the water inlet pipe (9). The powder collection tank (1) is equipped with a cooling coil (8). The two ends of the cooling coil (8) are fixedly connected to the upper end face of the water outlet pipe (7) and the water inlet pipe (9), respectively.

3. The cooling system for a vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder collecting powder can according to claim 2, characterized in that: The powder collection container (1) is detachably connected to a quick-release flange cover (2) on its upper surface.

4. The cooling system for a vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder collecting powder can according to claim 3, characterized in that: The powder inlet pipe (3) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the quick-release flange cover (2).

5. The cooling system for a vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder collecting can according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side wall of the powder collection tank (1) is fixedly connected to an exhaust one-way valve (4).

6. The cooling system for a vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder collecting powder can according to claim 5, characterized in that: A pressure relief valve (5) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the powder collection tank (1), and the pressure relief valve (5) is located below the gas outlet check valve (4).

7. The cooling system for a vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder collecting can according to claim 6, characterized in that: A pressure gauge (6) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the powder collection tank (1), and the pressure gauge (6) is located below the pressure relief valve (5).

8. The cooling system for a vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder collecting powder can according to claim 1, characterized in that: A platinum resistance temperature sensor (12) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the powder collection container (1). There are three platinum resistance temperature sensors (12), which are respectively arranged in the middle, lower middle and bottom of the powder collection container (1).

9. The cooling system for a vacuum melting atomized metal alloy powder collecting can according to claim 5, characterized in that: An air inlet pipe (13) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the powder collection tank (1) away from the exhaust one-way valve (4).

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