Method for mixing particles into a liquid medium
US6547850B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC22C1/1047
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for mixing particles in a liquid or semi-liquid medium, such as ceramic reinforcing particles in a molten metal or metal alloy matrix for the production of stir-cast metal matrix composite (MMC) materials. The particles can be introduced under the surface of the matrix by feeding the particles through the inner passage of a rotatable hollow impeller tube. The impeller tube is terminated at its lower end by an impeller head that includes teeth positioned proximate to an impeller base. The particles enter the matrix through a shear region in and around the volume between the impeller base and the impeller head. The rotating impeller and the high shear force thereby created wet the particles in the composite matrix and effect homogenization of the composite matrix. The present invention may be practiced either under vacuum or atmospheric pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.