Abstract: An improved apparatus for the production of particulate metal is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a containment vessel having a sidewall extending to a bottom plate, a source of metal external to said vessel and nozzle means carried by said bottom plate, said nozzle means including a central bore and providing communication between said vessel and said external source of metal, the sidewall and bottom plate cooperating with the nozzle means to seal off the interior of said vessel and the metal particles therein from the area adjacent said source of molten metal. Further, the apparatus comprises a source of atomizing gas flowing through said nozzle means into said vessel and means for redirecting said atomizing gas flowing into said vessel into said central bore to remove deposition in said bore.