Water atomizer for low oxygen metal powders

摘要

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.