Ladle Nozzle Clogging in Vacuum Induction Melting Gas Atomization: Influence of the Melt Viscosity

During the production of fine metal powder using vacuum induction melting gas atomization (VIGA) technology, problem nozzle clogging is often encountered. The viscosity melt one key factors causing nozzle. To visualize mechanism nozzle, volume fluid (VOF) model combined with large eddy turbulence was used to simulate nozzle-clogging process an alloy in primary zone. results show that, increase viscosity, flow rate delivery-tube decreased, heat dissipation increased, and crushing resistance increased. In addition, that not broken time hanged at tip delivery-tube, resulted nozzle-clogging. simulation were also verified by experiments. When 5.24–5.45 mPa s, continuous, particle size distribution uniform, yield high. However, when continued decrease, a larger mass had opposite effect, particles became coarser. This research guiding significance for understanding continuity VIGA technology.