US4347199A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for rapidly freezing molten metals and metalloids in particulate form
Assignee: Dow Silicones Corp
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Filing: 1981-03-02
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Granted: 1982-08-31
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Expires: 2001-03-02
Abstract
Abstract Described are a method and apparatus for freezing molten metals and metalloids in particulate or flake form at very rapid cooling rates. A volatile coolant liquid is fed to the center of a rapidly rotating disc-like member to create an outwardly flowing film of coolant across the surface of the member. The material to be processed is fed to the coolant film at a location spaced from the center and is thrown outwardly by centrifugal forces while being cooled by vaporization of the liquid. The rotating member may include upwardly projecting vanes for collision with the outwardly flowing material to produce a higher surface area product.
Inventors
- 👤 John L. Speier
- 👤 Thomas M. Gentle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 04:38
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22F; B22F9/00; B22F9/02; B22F9/06; B22F9/08; B22F9/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for rapid freezing of metals and metalloids in particulate form from a melt of such materials, the method comprising: rotating a substantially horizontally mounted disc-like member at high speed, introducing a stream of volatile liquid coolant at the center of rotation of said disc-like member in sufficient quantity to provide an outwardly flowing film of coolant liquid over substantially the entire upper surface of the disc-like member, and introducing molten material into the film of liquid coolant on the rotating disc-like member at a distance spaced from the center of rotaion of the member, whereby said molten material is cooled to the solid state by vaporization of the liquid coolant and dispersed by centrifugal forces acting upon the coolant and material.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for rapid freezing of metals and metalloids in particulate form from a melt of such materials, the method comprising: rotating a substantially horizontally mounted disc-like member at high speed, introducing a stream of volatile liquid coolant at the center of rotation of said disc-like member in sufficient quantity to provide an outwardly flowing film of coolant liquid over substantially the entire upper surface of the disc-like member, and introducing molten material into the film of liquid coolant on the rotating disc-like member at a distance spaced from the center of rotaion of the member, whereby said molten material is cooled to the solid state by vaporization of the liquid coolant and dispersed by centrifugal forces acting upon the coolant and material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
Particulate material made by a process as defined in claim 1.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
140 words
Apparatus for rapid freezing of metals and metalloids in particulate form from a melt of such materials, the apparatus comprising: a disc-like member mounted substantially horizontally on a centrally located shaft connected to a high rotatable speed power source, means for introducing a flow of volatile liquid coolant to the center of rotation of the disc-like member in sufficient quantity to create an outwardly flowing film of coolant liquid over substantially the entire upper surface of the disc-like member as it is rotated, and means for introducing the molten material into the film of liquid coolant on the rotating disc-like member at a distance spaced from the center of rotation of the member, whereby the molten material is cooled to the solid state by vaporization of the liquid coolant and dispersed by centrifugal forces acting upon the coolant and material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
140 words
Apparatus for rapid freezing of metals and metalloids in particulate form from a melt of such materials, the apparatus comprising: a disc-like member mounted substantially horizontally on a centrally located shaft connected to a high rotatable speed power source, means for introducing a flow of volatile liquid coolant to the center of rotation of the disc-like member in sufficient quantity to create an outwardly flowing film of coolant liquid over substantially the entire upper surface of the disc-like member as it is rotated, and means for introducing the molten material into the film of liquid coolant on the rotating disc-like member at a distance spaced from the center of rotation of the member, whereby the molten material is cooled to the solid state by vaporization of the liquid coolant and dispersed by centrifugal forces acting upon the coolant and material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the disc-like member has a smooth upper surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the disc-like member has around its peripheral portion a plurality of vanes protruding above its primary upper surface whereby the outwardly flowing material collides with the vanes thereby producing a flattened particulate product.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein one surface of each of said vanes is substantially a vertical planar surface positioned radially with respect to the center of rotation of the disc-like member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-08-30 | 1986-03-01 | 1986-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-08-30 | 1990-03-01 | 1990-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-08-30 | 1994-03-01 | 1994-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |