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

FIELD: non-ferrous metallurgy.

SUBSTANCE: method involves mounting reduction unit; melting and discharging condensate; charging magnesium; feeding titanium tetrachloride into retort-reactor with false bottom made in the form of supports composed of vertical rigidity ribs; providing reduction process for producing of sponge titanium while periodically draining molten magnesium chloride from retort-reactor; mounting vacuum separation unit; placing metal sheet; providing vacuum separation process for producing of condensate in retort-reactor; returning retort-condensator for reduction process; withdrawing sponge titanium block and metal sheet from retort-reactor and placing metal sheet into retort-reactor. Prior to mounting of vacuum separation device, metal sheet is positioned by means of wedge-like members made from low-melting point material and welded to vertical rigidity ribs of false bottom of retort-condensator and settling condensate thereon during vacuum separation process; directing metal sheet with condensate for reduction process and melting wedge-shaped members together with condensate for free lowering of metal sheet onto false bottom. Apparatus has reduction unit including retort-reactor with cover and branch pipes, false bottom made in the form of supports composed of vertical rigidity ribs, discharge unit, and separation unit including retort-reactor, heat shield, cooler made in the form of metal sheet equipped with slots. Apparatus is further provided with rings welded to supports composed of vertical rigidity ribs defining false bottom of retort-condensator. Wedge-shaped members of low-melting point material are passed through metal sheet slots and rings.

EFFECT: increased efficiency of process and improved quality of sponge titanium.

8 cl, 3 dwg, 1 ex