MELT ATOMIZATION WITH REDUCED GAS FLOW AND APPARATUS FOR ATOMIZING

摘要

A method for generating prime powder from a material having a high melting point and apparatus for generating the powder is taught. The apparatus includes a melt delivery tube. The melt of the high melting material is introduced into the tube and exits from the tube into an atomization zone. Gas is delivered to the zone at high pressure as a stream to atomize the melt. Pursuant to the present invention, the atomizing gas is directed against the lower end of the melt delivery tube and it is deflected from the melt delivery tube into contact with the descending high temperature melt. A concave surface is provided on the end of the melt delivery tube to deflect the gas along the tube surface to minimize Eddy currents and provide better control of the atomization process.