LITHIUM REFINING METHOD AND APPARATUS Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: metallurgy, in particular, production of high-purity metal lithium.

SUBSTANCE: method involves pouring metal in mixer crucible; providing for continuous vacuumizing; filtering; holding of melt; directed crystallization. Metal is filtered through strainer-type filter with mesh size of about 0.04 mm or through metal ceramic filter with average size of pore of 0.005-0.04 mm. Directed crystallization is provided by cooling of ingot molds filled with metal by forced supplying of cooling air into table top cooling radiator at volumetric rate of 2,000-2.500 nm³/hour. Apparatus has ingot molds arranged on distribution plate, vacuum-type heat-insulating hood, mixer equipped with detachable crucible and mounted on lifting cart, table top cooling radiator, suction pipe with removable filter, return valve arranged in upper part of suction pipe, and vacuum line. Table top cooling radiator is connected via air duct to fan. Free section area of radiator provides for turbulent mode of flow of cooling air supplied at the rate of 2,000-2,500 nm³/hour. Removable filter is formed from stainless steel strainer with mesh size of about 0.04 mm or is made in the form of metal ceramic filtering member with average size of pores of 0.005-0.04 mm. Distributing plate has electric contact heaters, such as electric rings fixed in its lower part.

EFFECT: improved quality of lithium, reduced refining process cycle and increased efficiency of apparatus.

5 cl, 1 dwg, 1 ex