Abstract: An improved system for the production of particulate metal is disclosed. The system comprises a containment vessel having a sidewall extending to an endwall, a source of metal external to said vessel and nozzle means carried by said endwall, said nozzle means including a central bore and providing communication between said vessel and said external source of metal, the sidewall and endwall 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 system 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.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the production of atomized metal comprising a containment vessel having a sidewall terminating in a bottom plate through which atomizing gas and molten metal from a molten metal source external to said vessel enter said vessel through nozzle means sealed thereto. An air ingress port is provided in the vessel spaced from said bottom plate; the sidewall and bottom plate cooperating with said nozzle means to seal off the interior of the vessel and the metal particles therein from the area adjacent the source of molten metal; thereby providing an essentially closed vessel, particularly with respect to the area in which the nozzle means are mounted.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the production of atomized metal comprising a containment vessel having a sidewall terminating in a bottom plate through which atomizing gas and molten metal from a molten metal source external to said vessel enter said vessel through nozzle means sealed thereto. An air ingress port is provided in the vessel spaced from said bottom plate; the sidewall and bottom plate cooperating with said nozzle means to seal off the interior of the vessel and the metal particles therein from the area adjacent the source of molten metal; thereby providing an essentially closed vessel, particularly with respect to the area in which the nozzle means are mounted.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of particulate metal utilizes a containment vessel having a cylindrical shell and an bottomplate, a source of metal external to the vessel, nozzle means carried by the bottomplate and providing communication between the vessel and the external source of metal, gas ingress port spaced from the bottomplate and an exit port, means provided downstream of the vessel for collecting the metal particles swept from the vessel, and aspirating means for drawing collecting gases into the vessel through the ingress port and for carrying the particulate metal from the vessel to the collecting means.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a metal article from an Al-Si-Mn powder alloy. The alloy is produced by alloying elements in a molten state and a powder of the alloy is produced by atomization. Powder is heated, worked into a finished article of at least 99% density.A metal article produced has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than 11.0 .times. 10.sup.-6 inch/inch/.degree. F and relatively high strength at temperatures greater than 400.degree. F (478.degree. K). Article produced is ideally suited for uses, such as piston, requiring limited thermal expansion while maintaining high temperature strength.An aluminum base powder alloy provided consists essentially of 10 to 25%, Si, 2 to 5% Mn, the balance essentially aluminum and incidental elements and impurities, and is substantially free of Mg, Zn and Ni. Additive elements may be Fe or Cu and Cr, V Zr and Ti. The powder alloy can be atomized in a temperature range of 1400 to 1600.degree. F (1033 to 1144.degree. K).