Powder treatment for enhanced flowability
US8859035B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2916
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of enhancing the flowability of a powder. The powder is defined by a plurality of particles having an initial level of inter-particle forces between each particle. The method comprises: treating the powder, wherein the level of inter-particle forces between each particle is substantially decreased from the initial level; fluidizing the treated powder; flowing the treated powder into a plasma arc chamber; the plasma arc chamber generating a plasma arc; and the plasma arc chamber operating on the treated powder using the generated plasma arc. Preferably, the inter-particle forces are decreased by coating the particles with an organic surfactant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.