Abstract: An apparatus for producing metallic powders from molten feedstock includes a heating source for melting a solid feedstock into a molten feed, and a crucible for containing the molten feed. A liquid feed tube is also provided to feed the molten feed as a molten stream. A plasma source delivers a plasma stream, with the plasma stream being adapted to be accelerated to a supersonic velocity and being adapted to then impact the molten stream for producing metallic powders. The feed tube extends from the crucible to a location where a supersonic plasma plume atomizes the molten stream. The plasma source includes at least two plasma torches provided with at least one supersonic nozzle aimed towards the molten stream. The multiple plasma torches are disposed symmetrically about the location where the supersonic plasma plumes atomize the molten stream, such as in a ring-shaped configuration.

Abstract: The present application relates to a plasma atomization process and apparatus for producing metallic powders from at least one wire/rod feedstock. In the process, an electric arc is applied to the at least one wire/rod feedstock to melt the same. A plasma torch is employed to generate a supersonic plasma stream at an apex at which the electric arc is transferred to the at least one wire/rod feedstock to atomize the molten wire/rod feedstock into particles. A downstream cooling chamber solidifies the particles into the metallic powders. An anti-satellite diffuser is employed to prevent recirculation of the powders in order to avoid satellite formation. In an apparatus where two wires are fed, one wire serves as an anode, and the other as a cathode.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing metallic powders from molten feedstock includes a heating source for melting a solid feedstock into a molten feed, and a crucible for containing the molten feed. A liquid feed tube is also provided to feed the molten feed as a molten stream. A plasma source delivers a plasma stream, with the plasma stream being adapted to be accelerated to a supersonic N velocity and being adapted : to then impact the molten stream for producing metallic powders. The feed tube extends from the crucible to a location where a supersonic plasma plume atomizes the molten stream. The plasma source includes at least two plasma torches provided with at least one supersonic nozzle aimed towards the molten stream. The multiple plasma torches are disposed symmetrically about the location where the supersonic plasma plumes atomize the molten stream, such as in a ring-shaped configuration.

Abstract: The present application relates to a plasma atomization process and apparatus for producing metallic powders from at least one wire/rod feedstock. In the process, an electric arc is applied to the at least one wire/rod feedstock to melt the same. A plasma torch is employed to generate a supersonic plasma stream at an apex at which the electric arc is transferred to the at least one wire/rod feedstock to atomize the molten wire/rod feedstock into particles. A downstream cooling chamber solidifies the particles into the metallic powders. An anti-satellite diffuser is employed to prevent recirculation of the powders in order to avoid satellite formation. In an apparatus where two wires are fed, one wire serves as an anode, and the other as a cathode.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing metallic powders from molten feedstock includes a heating source for melting a solid feedstock into a molten feed, and a crucible for containing the molten feed. A liquid feed tube is also provided to feed the molten feed as a molten stream. A plasma source delivers a plasma stream, with the plasma stream being adapted to be accelerated to a supersonic N velocity and being adapted : to then impact the molten stream for producing metallic powders. The feed tube extends from the crucible to a location where a supersonic plasma plume atomizes the molten stream. The plasma source includes at least two plasma torches provided with at least one supersonic nozzle aimed towards the molten stream.

Abstract: A high temperature process is provided, which can melt, atomize and spheroidize a coarse angular powder into a fine and spherical one, it uses thermal plasma to melt the particle in a heating chamber and a supersonic nozzle to accelerate the stream and break up the particles into finer ones.

Abstract: A metal powder plasma atomization process and apparatus comprises at least one plasma torch, a confinement chamber, a nozzle positioned downstream of the confinement chamber and a diffuser positioned downstream of the nozzle. The nozzle accelerates liquid metal particles produced by the at least one plasma torch and also plasma gas to supersonic velocity such that the liquid metal particles are sheared into finer powders. The diffuser provides a Shockwave to the plasma gas to increase temperature of the plasma in order to avoid stalactite formation at an exit of the nozzle. The process increases both production rate of the metal powder and the yield of ?45 ?m metal powder.

Abstract: Methods for producing coatings on substrates are provided. These methods comprise the steps of introducing the substrate in a photo-initiated chemical vapor deposition reactor, introducing a gas precursor in the reactor, irradiating said gas precursor with UV radiation at a given wavelength, thereby at least partly photodissociating the gas precursor, until the coating is formed. In one method, the gas precursor is a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In another method, the pressure in the react or is between about 0.75 and 1.25 atm and the gas precursor has an absorption cross section of about 5×10?16 cm2/molecule or less at said given wavelength. In another aspect, the substrate is ash.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for the production at high capacity of high purity powders from a wire using a combination of plasma torches and induction heating are disclosed. The process has good productivity by providing a preheating system. A mechanism is included in the apparatus, which allows adjusting the position of the plasma torches and their angle of attack with respect to the wire, permitting to control the particle size distribution.

Abstract: Methods for producing coatings on substrates are provided. These methods comprise the steps of introducing the substrate in a photo-initiated chemical vapor deposition reactor, introducing a gas precursor in the reactor, irradiating said gas precursor with UV radiation at a given wavelength, thereby at least partly photodissociating the gas precursor, until the coating is formed. In one method, the gas precursor is a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In another method, the pressure in the react or is between about 0.75 and 1.25 atm and the gas precursor has an absorption cross section of about 5×10?16 cm2/molecule or less at said given wavelength. In another aspect, the substrate is ash.