Benjamin J Baltrukovicz

US Patent:

43394019, Jul 13, 1982

Filed:

Dec 5, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/857315

Inventors:

Ian S. R. Clark - Greenwood Lake NY
Benjamin J. Baltrukovicz - Oak Ridge NJ

Assignee:

The International Nickel Company, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

B01J 206

US Classification:

264 11

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for water atomizing molten metal to provide a low oxygen metal powder. A molten metal stream is introduced to an atomization vessel containing a pressurized inert gas. The metal stream is atomized by impingement of high pressure water within the atomization vessel. The atomization vessel has an exit aperture located so that the slurry of water and metal powder can exit from the atomization vessel only after deflection within the atomization vessel. Inert gas contained within the atomization vessel and entrapped within the slurry during atomization begins to leave the slurry during deflection, the inert gas returning to the atomization vessel atmosphere. The inert gas removal process continues after passage through the exit aperture and entrance into a closed degassing vessel. In this vessel, substantially all of the inert gas is removed from the slurry by gravity separation for return to the atmosphere of the atomization vessel, and the turbulent conditions initially present in the slurry are substantially dissipated prior to passage of the slurry from the closed degassing vessel.

US Patent:

40801268, Mar 21, 1978

Filed:

Dec 9, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/749113

Inventors:

Ian Sidney Rex Clark - Greenwood Lake NY
Benjamin Joseph Baltrukovicz - Oak Ridge NJ

Assignee:

The International Nickel Company, Inc. - New York NY

International Classification:

B22D 2308

US Classification:

425 7

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for water atomizing molten metal to provide a low oxygen metal powder. A molten metal stream is introduced to an atomization vessel containing a pressurized inert gas. The metal stream is atomized, by impingement of high pressure water within the atomization vessel. The atomization vessel has an exit aperture located so that the slurry of water and metal powder can exit from the atomization vessel only after deflection within the atomization vessel. Inert gas contained within the atomization vessel and entrapped within the slurry during atomization begins to leave the slurry during deflection, the inert gas returning to the atomization vessel atmosphere. The inert gas removal process continues after passage through the exit aperture and entrance into a closed degassing vessel. In this vessel, substantially all of the inert gas is removed from the slurry by gravity separation for return to the atmosphere of the atomization vessel, and the turbulent conditions initially present in the slurry are substantially dissipated prior to passage of the slurry from the closed degassing vessel.