Stage 3. VESP – Vacuum Electrostatic Powder Separation System
AMT.VESP
The Vacuum Electrostatic Metal Powder Separation System (VESP) is a unique powder processing system enabling to remove up to 98% of non-metallic inclusions, such as ceramic particles, oxides, slag and similar non-conductive foreign matter particles from metal powders (mainly from Ni base alloys) and providing the enhanced fatigue properties of the consolidated material.
The process is performed in an enclosed system under inert gas atmosphere with preliminary evacuation of the installation. Separation is based on the difference in electrical conductivity between metallic powder particles and non-metallic inclusions after electrifying all powder via corona electrodes and flowing it through the system of metallic drums, enabling selective removal of contaminating non-conductive phases sticking to the drums, while preserving the valuable free falling metallic fraction.
The heat-resistant alloys, including nickel-based alloys, as well as stainless steels can be processed by this unit.
Key Technical Data
Equipment designation
Vacuum Electrostatic Powder Separation System (VESP)
Primary function
Dry removal of non-metallic inclusions from metallic granules / powders
Separation principle
Electrostatic separation based on the difference in electrical conductivity between metallic particles and non-metallic inclusions
Process atmosphere
Protective inert-gas atmosphere (argon, helium, or gas mixture) with preliminary evacuation of the installation
Typical contaminants removed
Non-metallic inclusions, including ceramic particles, oxides and slag
Applicable feed materials
Heat-resistant alloys and stainless steels, nickel and titanium alloy granules / powders
Particle size range
20-200 microns
Separation efficiency
Removal of non-metallic inclusions: more than 98%
Throughput performance
Not less than 150 kg/h, up to 300 kg/h
Material distribution
Uniform spreading / distribution of granules along the full length of the drums
Pressure control
Residual pressure up to 5x10-3 mmHg (approx. 0.67 Pa), positive pressure 0.1-0.4 atm above ambient
Power supply
380 V, 50 Hz, maximum 50 kW
Overall dimensions (estimated)
4095 mm H (without hoppers) x 5300 mm W x 4000 mm D
vacuum electrostatic separation of metal powders, metal powder purification, dry removal of non-metallic inclusions, inert-gas powder handling, vacuum pre-evacuation, fine powder conditioning, high-value alloy granules