METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING OF SPONGE METAL Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: non-ferrous metallurgy, in particular, production of sponge titanium by magnesium thermal reduction of titanium tetrachloride.

SUBSTANCE: method involves mounting reduction unit; placing metal sheet; melting and discharging condensate; charging magnesium; feeding titanium tetrachloride while periodically discharging molten magnesium chloride from unit; providing vacuum separation of sponge titanium for producing of condensate in retort-condensator; returning retort with condensate for reduction process; withdrawing sponge titanium block and sheet from retort; placing metal sheet into retort-condensator onto supports and settling condensate thereon during vacuum separation process; directing metal sheet with condensate for reduction process. Apparatus has reduction unit including retort-reactor with cover and branch pipes, false bottom, discharge unit, and separation unit including retort-reactor, heat shield, cooler and metal sheet. Apparatus is further provided with supports made in the form of stepped holders and rigidly fixed on inner side of retort above false bottom. Metal sheet is mounted on supports at side adjoining false bottom. Slots are formed on outer side of metal sheet. One side of slot is made beveled to serve as wedge. Metal sheet is perforated along peripheral edge thereof.

EFFECT: increased efficiency by avoiding penetration of condensate into vacuum pipeline during vacuum separation of sponge, gas inclusions in sponge titanium block and, accordingly, improved quality of sponge titanium.

5 cl, 2 dwg, 1 ex