FTIR process monitoring of metal powder temperature and size distribution

We have developed in-situ infrared sensors for on-line measurements of particle size distributions and temperatures during the manufacture of metal powders produced by the supersonic inert gas molten atomization technique. The sensors are based on novel applications of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and advanced numerical analysis techniques based on sound physical models. We have demonstrated the ability to measure the infrared transmission and emission of a hot molten particle stream. We have also identified a promising mathematical approach which deconvolves particle size distributions from extinction spectra.