Inert-Atmosphere Screening for Reactive Metal Powders

Overview

Reactive AM powders such as titanium and aluminum alloys need more than precise separation. The whole screening path, from feeding through classification to collection, often has to run under a controlled inert atmosphere.

TiERMAX supplies integrated screening systems that combine fine-powder classification, controlled feeding, inerting, oxygen monitoring and automatic control in one engineered package.

The Challenge

The system had to screen accurately while controlling the atmosphere around the powder, and feed powder to a fine mesh at a steady rate to avoid overloading it. Requirements included:

• Controlled powder feeding
• Fine particle classification
• Controlled inert atmosphere
• Oxygen concentration monitoring
• Powder containment
• Automatic process control
• Reliable transfer between containers and the screener

That makes the screener an integrated powder handling process, not a standalone sieve.

The Solution

Multifrequency screening is combined with controlled feeding and inert-atmosphere management. A vibratory feeder takes powder from the upstream container and meters it to the screen at a steady rate, preventing surges and keeping conditions stable across the deck.

The powder path is held under argon or nitrogen. An integrated oxygen sensor monitors oxygen continuously and raises an alarm if inert conditions are lost. Mirror-polished powder containers with manual or automatic valves handle transfer and inerting. A PLC coordinates feeding, classification and collection.

Equipment Supplied

• Multifrequency vibrating sieve (MLT Cuccolini technology)
• Controlled vibratory feeder
• Inert gas management system
• Oxygen monitoring and alarm
• Mirror-polished powder containers
• Manual or automatic container valves
• PLC control panel
• Custom support structure
• Preventive maintenance monitoring where required

The Results

• Controlled classification of fine metal powder
• Steady, continuous feeding
• Continuous atmosphere monitoring
• Lower risk of overloading the mesh
• Integrated containment and transfer
• Automatic process supervision
• Easier monitoring of equipment condition

The modular design also lets some existing screeners be upgraded with feeding, inerting and monitoring rather than replaced. See our metal powder sieving and recovery systems.