METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF METAL GRANULES

摘要

Method and apparatus for the production of metal granules from a molten metal are disclosed. A molten metal stream (19) is directed against an impact element (8) located above the surface of water in a water tank. The impact of the molten metal upon the impact element causes the molten metal to disintegrate into drops (20) which spread out radially from the impact element. The drops fall down into the water below the impact element in an annular region a certain radial distance from the impact element. The radial distance is varied by varying the velocity of the molten metal stream relative to the impact element at the instant of impact, and/or by varying the height of the impact element above the water surface, in order to substantially continuously vary the radius of the annular region in which the molten metal drops hit the water surface. By using the method and apparatus of the present invention it is possible to granulate metals and metal alloys having a low sinking rate in water and a high enthalpy.