Supersonic Gas Nozzle Pressure Ratio Optimization in Powder Metallurgy
Maintaining nozzle pressure ratio within supersonic design boundaries guarantees negative tip aspiration, eliminating melt reflux and maximizing fine powder yield.
Gas Consumption Velocity
Meaning
The volumetric flow rate of inert gas through an atomization nozzle determines the efficiency of droplet formation during metal spraying. In metal powder production, gas consumption velocity is measured in cubic meters per minute under standard conditions. This parameter determines the drag force acting on the liquid metal stream.
Higher rates of flow lead to finer mean particle sizes.
Process Influence
Adjustments to the gas delivery pressure alter the rate of gas mass flow and the kinetic energy available for metal sheet disintegration. In closed-nozzle setups, gas consumption velocity must be maintained within tight margins to avoid melt-back or nozzle freezing. This stability prevents premature run termination.
It ensures a consistent particle shape throughout the atomization batch.
Measurement Method
Differential pressure transmitters combined with thermal mass flow meters track the gas consumption velocity in real time. The resulting data feed into automated control systems that adjust the regulator valves dynamically. When the velocity drops below a predetermined safety threshold, the system triggers an automatic shutdown to protect the metal delivery tube from thermal shock.
These measurements also provide the baseline for calculating the specific gas-to-melt ratio of the run.
Economic Consequence
Process gas represents a high variable cost in powder production. Monitoring the gas consumption velocity helps operators optimize gas recycling system size.