GB556663A - Improvements in or relating to high temperature reactions and furnaces therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

556,663. Distilling metals. MAGNESIUM ELEKTRON, Ltd., LOWE, F. ROPER-, and SANDISON. R. Feb. 13, 1942, No. 1959. [Class 82 (i)] [Also in Groups XII and XI] A high temperature reaction chamber cummunicating at its upper end with a condenser for volatile reaction products and supplied with inert gas to prevent the ingress of air is fitted at its base with means for withdrawing the reaction residues and maintaining the base substantially closed while preparation is made for the insertion of a new charge. In the apparatus shown, which is suitable for the production of magnesium by the reaction of magnesite, dolomite &c. with a reducing agent such as aluminium, ferrosilicon or silicon or for the sublimation of impure metallic magnesium, the reaction chamber consists of a refractory tube 3 surrounded by an induction coil 4 and fitted with a tubular iron condenser 1 containing staggered baffles 2 from which the molten magnesium will flow to an outlet 6. The reaction. charge 24 is arranged in layers between iron primer plates 25 supported around a rod 15 by a refractory block 18 on a plunger 16 carried by a hydraulically operated rod 17. The plunger 16 is shaped to extend around a depending skirt 13 on the furnace base plate 8 and is flanged to form a gas tight seal with a rubber packing ring 20 on a water-cooled chamber 22 welded to the base plate 8 and the skirt 13. Air is removed from the furnace through a tube 5 before switching on the current to the coil 4, a pipe 12 ensuring an equal reduction of pressure in the coil casing 11. After the reaction hydrogen or other inert gas is supplied through the pipe'5 to the furnace and the plunger 16 is lowered until a member 14 at the top of the rod 15 engages a conical seating surface on the skirt 13 to seal the furnace while a new charge is arranged on the block 18. Any escaping hydrogen can be ignited, the flame burning well below the sealing ring 20. An additional closure plate seating on a flange at the upper part of the reaction chamber may be provided on an extension of the rod 15 or, to avoid delay, two or more plungers may be provided for alternate insertion in the furnace.