Inventors:
A. David Booz - New Kensington PA
Daniel R. Barch - Natrona Heights PA
Ray A. Kuchera - Rockdale TX
David D. White - Rockdale TX
Assignee:
Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA
International Classification:
B29B 900
Abstract:
An improved apparatus is disclosed for the production of particulate metal comprising a containment vessel having a sidewall extending to an endwall, a source of metal external to the vessel, nozzle means carried by the endwall, the nozzle means including a central bore and providing communication between the vessel and the external source of metal, the sidewall and endwall cooperating with the nozzle means to seal off the interior of the vessel and the metal particles therein from the area adjacent the source of molten metal, a source of atomizing gas flowing through the nozzle means into the vessel, and means for removing depositions in the bore including a source of purging gas directable into the bore.