Apparatus and method for viewing an industrial process such as a molten metal atomization process
US5520371A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22F2999/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus, system and method for viewing an industrial process in an obscuring environment, such as molten metal atomization, is disclosed. An enclosure defining a chamber for containing a particulate form from atomized liquid metal has a nozzle for atomizing liquid metal mounted thereon in communication with the chamber whereby particles recirculate throughout the chamber. The nozzle being comprised of a cylindrical plenum means and a melt guide tube extending axially therethrough to an exit orifice. The plenum means is configured to provide a jet of atomizing gas converging in an atomizing zone extending from the exit orifice. A viewing means extends through the enclosure to a viewing orifice adjacent the atomization zone, the viewing means being configured to extend a field of view through the chamber to the atomization zone. A purging gas flow is provided in the viewing means to minimize atomized particles from contacting the window, and an image of the atomization zone is generated by viewing through the window.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.