A method and apparatus for continuous fabrication of homogeneous thin
flake or powder electrolyte material from inorganic salt, metallic or
similar materials or from mixtures of such materials for use in Carbonate
Fuel Cell ("CFC") power plants. Electrolyte precursor powders are fed to
a continuous blender type mixer using precision metering equipment that
controls material feed rates. The homogenous mixture of blended powders
is then fed into a high temperature melting tank in which the mixture is
melted, forming the desired molten eutectic composition. The liquid
eutectic melt drips from the melting tank through ceramic or metallic
nozzles and splat-cools on a rotating, water-cooled metal cylinder to
produce uniform size, thin flake material. The thin flake electrolyte
material can be used as-is, or it may be further processed using
continuous grinding and powder fabrication equipment.