Patent ID: 7097688
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: B22F,C01B

Abstract:
1. A method for producing an alloy in atomized form, wherein the alloy is comprised of between about 10% to about 100% of silicon or a silicon based alloy, comprising: obtaining a base silicon or base silicon-iron alloy mixture and an atomization unit having an atomization chamber and a plurality of nozzles; injecting an atomizing substance into said atomization chamber via said plurality of nozzles; introducing said base silicon or base silicon-iron alloy mixture into said atomization chamber as a molten metal stream such that said atomizing substance impinges on said base silicon or base silicon-iron alloy mixture to produce the alloy in atomized form; cooling the alloy in atomized form using a pool of water so as to produce a cooled alloy product, wherein the product is substantially spherical; retrieving said cooled alloy product; and drying said cooled alloy product to produce the alloy in atomized form.