Abstract: A system with a principal hopper having balances and discharge piping fitted with a valve and a flow sensor. The lower end of the piping extends into a secondary hopper which is connected to a pipe fitting powder to an ingot mold. The powder flows from the principal hopper into the secondary hopper and flows through the pipe into the ingot mould where it spreads over a cast metal surface. When the level of powder in the secondary hopper reaches the lower end of the piping, the flow is terminated and the flow sensor initiates valve closure. The valve is reopened after a specified time period or when another sensor indicates the absence of powder. In this way, it is possible to determine powder consumption by measuring the time between two successive valve openings or closures.