Process and apparatus for forming essentially spherical pellets directly from a melt
US4035116A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 1976 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2999/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Process and apparatus for forming essentially spherical solid pellets directly from a melt, and particularly solid metal pellets such as iron and lead. The melt from a column of a preset height is directed through one or more orifices in a way to form a jet which experiences an upwardly directed trajectory path and which under the influence of vibratory action breaks up to form pellets of a predetermined diameter. Adjustments of the column height and/or vibration frequency are used to control pellet diameter. The pellets may be formed and solidified in a controlled atmosphere; and in the case of iron pellets, the carbon content of the pellets may be adjusted, to attain a desired degree of hardness, either before or after pellet formation. Iron pellets thus formed are particularly suitable as substitutes for lead pellets in ammunition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.