Process and Apparatus for Producing Powder Particles by Atomization of a Feed Material in the Form of an Elongated Member

摘要

The present disclosure relates to a process and an apparatus for producing powder particles by atomization of a feed material in the form of an elongated member such as a wire, a rod or a filled tube. The feed material is introduced in a plasma torch. A forward portion of the feed material is moved from the plasma torch into an atomization nozzle of the plasma torch. A forward end of the feed material is surface melted by exposure to one or more plasma jets formed in the atomization nozzle. The one or more plasma jets being includes an annular plasma jet, a plurality of converging plasma jets, or a combination of an annular plasma jet with a plurality of converging plasma jets. Powder particles obtained using the process and apparatus are also described.

主权项

1. A process for producing powder particles by atomization of a feed material in the form of an elongated member, comprising:
introducing the feed material in a plasma torch; moving a forward portion of the feed material into an atomization nozzle of the plasma torch; and surface melting a forward end of the feed material by exposure to one or more plasma jets formed in the atomization nozzle, the one or more plasma jets being selected from an annular plasma jet, a plurality of converging plasma jets, and a combination thereof.