NEW MELTING PROCESS FOR MAKING SPHEROIDS.

A process is described for preparing spheroids of metals and refractory materials such as uranium monocarbide, alumina, uranium dioxide and zirconia. A continuous feed is arc-melted in a rotating crucible and the melt is flung over the crucible edge and solidifies in flight as spheroids. By varying the crucible rotation speed, spheroids within the size range 200-2,000 mu m diameter can be produced. By melting in various atmospheres, some control of the stoichiometry of Al//2O//3, UO//2 and ZrO//2 can be obtained.