Method and apparatus for making alloy powder
US5120352A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2009/0856
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An improved method for making a metal powder employs improved apparatus comprising, in combination, a fluid-cooled hearth for receiving metallic material which defines an alloy and which is to be melted, a plasma heat source adapted to melt the metallic material, a powder metal producer, and means to introduce the molten metallic material from the hearth into the powder metal producer. The fluid-cooled walls of the hearth resolidify a portion of the molten metallic material to form a skull as a barrier between the hearth and additional molten alloy produced within the hearth. This method and apparatus restricts introduction of impurities into the molten alloy which is later introduced into the powder metal producer. In one form, a fluid-cooled pouring trough, as a stream control device, can be disposed between the hearth and the powder producer to receive molten metal from the hearth and to introduce it into the powder metal producer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.