Abstract: An apparatus for making metal powders has a supply tank (2) for the molten starting material, at least one exchangeable pouring funnel (11, 13), at least one atomizing nozzle (12, 14) and at least one fall shaft (7) disposed thereunder for the solidification of the metal powder product. A chamber (1) enveloping the supply tank and the pouring funnel is disposed on the fall shaft (7). To be able more easily to change the pouring funnel or funnels, the chamber (1) has in the area of the pouring funnel a closable lateral opening (15), at which a lock chamber (16) for the introduction of the at least one pouring funnel (11, 13) is placed. A car (24) is held on tracks (18, 19) and can be driven into the chamber (1) and fully retracted into the lock chamber (16), and on its bottom is fastened a number of atomizing nozzles (12, 14) corresponding to the number of the pouring funnels (11, 13). The pouring funnels (11, 13) can be set downwardly onto the cars.

Abstract: A plant for producing metal powder from metal melts includes a first chamber with a device for converting a melt stream initially into liquid and then solid metal particles in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, a tundish with a closable floor opening that can be mounted on the first chamber and discharged thereinto, and a melt device for filling the tundish with molten metal. The metal melt is continuously protected against oxidation or absorption of gas, the structural height of the plant is reduced and the capacity of the melt device is utilized to a greater degree by enclosing the melt device by a second chamber separated from the first chamber for maintaining a nonoxidizing atmosphere. The second chamber is equipped with at least one lock into which the tundish can be brought and from which it can be removed.