Spherical Titanium Powder Processing for Submicron Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing titanium or titanium alloy powder through centrifugal atomization face challenges such as low yield of submicron-sized fine powder, oxidation, contamination, and inefficiencies in particle size control, leading to high costs and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A method involving hydrogenation, coarse and fine grinding, granulation with a binder, and post-treatment processes to produce spherical titanium or titanium alloy powder, utilizing a sand mill and two-fluid atomization to achieve uniform particle sizes and high purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugal atomization is used to prepare titanium powder, then the powder can be produced efficiently, but the yield of submicron-sized fine powder is low and particle size control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the atomization process into multiple stages with different nozzle configurations. The first nozzle group creates initial droplets while the second nozzle group further atomizes them into finer particles, enabling better particle size control and higher yield of submicron powder while maintaining production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses variable parameters during the atomization process, including adjustable nitrogen flow rates, plasma power, and rod rotation speed. This dynamic control allows optimization of particle size distribution to increase submicron powder yield while maintaining efficient production
2Productivity
If centrifugal atomization is used, then powder production is efficient, but oxidation and contamination of titanium droplets occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces nitrogen gas as a protective atmosphere during the entire atomization and cooling process. The nitrogen flow from nozzles and the inert environment prevent oxygen contact with molten titanium droplets, eliminating oxidation while maintaining efficient production
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses nitrogen gas as an intermediary medium that separates the molten titanium droplets from the oxidizing atmosphere. The nitrogen protective layer prevents direct contact between titanium and oxygen, eliminating contamination while preserving production efficiency
3Productivity
If high-speed rotation is used to atomize droplets, then powder production increases, but motor speed decreases due to sealing problems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical centrifugal atomization method with a plasma-based atomization system. This substitution eliminates the high-speed rotation requirement and associated sealing problems, allowing stable operation while maintaining high powder production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental atomization mechanism from mechanical centrifugal force to plasma thermal arc and gas flow. This parameter change eliminates the need for high-speed rotation, resolving the motor speed stability issue while preserving productive output
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed-length electrode rod is used, then atomization can be performed, but continuous atomization cannot be guaranteed and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements continuous feeding of titanium material into the plasma arc zone, ensuring uninterrupted atomization. The continuous supply of material and sustained plasma energy input maintain constant production efficiency without the limitations of fixed-length rods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method significantly improves the yield and quality of submicron-sized powder, enhancing fluidity and molding accuracy for applications like 3D printing and MIM, while reducing environmental impact and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
step S1. hydrogenation: hydrogenating metal titanium or a titanium alloy to form a hydride
Implementation Method 2
melted under the action of a plasma thermal arc
Implementation Method 3
melted under the action of a plasma thermal arc
Implementation Method 4
Molten metal droplets diverge into small droplets in a tangential direction under the action of centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the technical field of preparation of titanium and titanium alloy powder and, in particular, to a method for forming a spherical titanium or titanium alloy with a small particle size and an application thereof. The method for forming a spherical titanium or titanium alloy with a small particle size includes the preparation steps of hydrogenation, coarse grinding, fine grinding, granulation, and aftertreatment. The application of the method for forming a spherical titanium or titanium alloy with a small particle size includes: applying the spherical titanium or titanium alloy with a small particle size produced by the method to a 3D printing powder base material or MIM.