Method and apparatus for making rapidly solidified particulate

US5032172A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Ruel A. Overfelt · Murfreesboro, US
• William H. Hofmeister · Nashville, US
• Robert J. Bayuzick · Nashville, US
• Michael Robinson · Huntsville, US
• David A. Dillard · Diamond Bar, US
• Mark Stephen Wells · Huntsville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 28, 1989
• Grant date: Jul 16, 1991
• Expiry date: Sep 28, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B22F9/008
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A stream of molten material free falls through a drop tube and impinges on a chill surface adjacent the bottom of the drop tube to form rapidly solidified particulate. The chill surface is so inclined and moved relative to the stream of molten material as to have an upward component of motion counter to the downward direction of fall of the stream to significantly enhance shearing and rapid quenching of molten material striking the chill surface. The resulting solidified particulate is discharged from the chill surface for collection in a particulate collection chamber beneath the chill surface. Production quantities of rapidly solidified particulate can be continuously made.