Creusot-loire

Jean G Morlet

Gerard D Raisson

Yves C Honnorat

Pierre J Leroy

Jean Saleil

A device for the manufacture of spherical metallic powder comprising a vertical cylinder-conical vessel having in an upper part, means for introduction of a stream of liquid metal and for atomizing said stream using jets of gas and, in a lower part, gas inlet means for producing upwardly inclined tangential jets of gas for generating vortices along an ascending spiral centered on the axis of the vessel. The device also comprises a gas outlet connected to a cyclone dust remover whereby metal powder carried by the gas is separated from the gas, the gas outlet of the cyclone dust remover being connected to the gas inlet means and the dust outlet of the cyclone dust remover being connected to a duct opening into the vessel in the immediate vicinity of the jets produced by the gas inlet means.

Device for the manufacture of spherical metallic powder

Nickel-containing mattes are desulphurized down to low sulphur levels (less than 1%) in a multi-stage process effected in a single converter vessel. In the first stage, an oxidizing gas is blown into the molten matte to reduce the sulphur level to about 4 to 7% and in one or more subsequent stages, oxygen and a diluent are blown into the matte, with a peripheral flow of protective fluid to protect the tuyeres against wear. The diluent, which may be argon or steam for example, dilutes the sulphur dioxide in the matte.

Method of refining mattes containing nickel

In the manufacture of metal and alloy powders in the form of small diameter spheres whose shape and diameter must be maintained within narrow limits, a substantially cylindrical solid electrode of the material from which the powder is to be made is rotated at high speed about its longitudinal axis and one end of the electrode is heated to fusion point, the molten material being sprayed therefrom under centrifugal forces in the form of small diameter spheres, wherein fusion of the one end of the electrode is obtained by means which produce a local fusion zone on the end surface of the electrode and means for causing the local fusion zone to move along a spiral path on the end surface of the electrode as the electrode rotates.

Machines for manufacture of powders

In the production of metallic powder by atomization, using jets of inert gas, of a stream of molten metal entering a receiver, the atomized stream of molten metal is subject to the action of vortices produced within the receiver by a tangential flow of inert gas in the lower part of the receiver in order to increase the number of impacts between the atomized metal and the receiver walls to increase the rate of cooling of the atomized metal.

Apparatus for the manufacture of spherical metallic powder

A ferrous substance such as iron scrap, powder or sponge, carbon, and a substance forming slag are heated in a rotary converter having an inclined axis and an upwardly facing opening. The charge thus formed in the converter is heated by a burner pointing towards the interior converter base. A complementary injection of industrially pure oxygen is provided in the zone of the flame, the total quantity of oxygen injected being such that the ratio ##EQU1## in the fumes is at least equal to 0.8.

Growing community of inventors

Nevers, France

Jean G Morlet