Process and apparatus for the production of powders, in particular metal powders by atomisation.

摘要

Device for the production of metal powders by atomisation, comprising means (B) for melting the material to be atomised, an atomisation chamber (C) in which is disposed a dispersion head (9) rotating at high speed in order to diffuse the molten material in atomised form, means (9) for cooling the atomised material and the head (9) and means (17) for collecting the cooled powdered material thus obtained, the said melting means (B) comprising at least one inductive plasma tower furnace (4) producing an envelope of plasma-producing gases (12) containing the upper face of the dispersion head and the said cooling means comprising a first series of members (15, 16) for dispensing a coolant fluid arranged in the upper part of the atomisation chamber in order to create a cold zone (13) at the periphery of the envelope (12) and a second series of members (11) for circulating a coolant fluid arranged in the lower part of the chamber (C) in order to create a cold zone at the lower face of the head (9). <IMAGE>