GB638840A - Improvements in the manufacture of metallic titanium - Google Patents

Abstract

638,840. Extracting titanium. BRITISH ALUMINIUM CO., Ltd., and SAUNDERS, L. July 8, 1948, No. 18423. [Class 82(i)] A process for the production of metallic titanium by reduction of titanium tetrachloride with molten magnesium at a temperature of about 750‹C in a vacuum or inert atmosphere is characterized in that a large part of the magnesium chloride produced is separated from the titanium, e.g. by draining, while the latter is still contained within the reaction vessel and the magnesium chloride is still molten. This separating operation may be accelerated by lowering the viscosity of the molten magnesium chloride, e.g. by raising its temperature to about 850‹C during the operation of draining. The remaining titanium metal may then be cooled and purified, e.g. by washing to remove any magnesium chloride adhering thereto. Apparatus for carrying out the reaction comprises a reaction vessel 1 having a flat base 1a and a tightly fitting lid 2 adapted to be clamped in position. A pipe 6 extends through the lid in a gas tight manner and is connected to a vacuum pump and a supply of inert gas. A second pipe 7 fitted in a gas tight manner in the lid has a cooling water jacket and means for supplying liquid TiCl 4 through a sight feed 11. A tube 13 passes through and is slidable in a gland 12 and contains a thermocouple in its closed lower end which is normally located in a cylindrical vessel 14. A collar 15, slidably mounted on tube 13, carries radial arms 16 which engage in bayonet slots 17 at the upper edge of vessel 14. Movement of this collar is restricted by a second collar 18 rigidly fixed to tube 13, thus ensuring that raising of the tube 13 will result in lifting of vessel 14. This lifting is effected by lever 21 which engages pins 19 on tube 13. Vessel 14 has a flat, perforated bottom which closely fits the bottom of vessel 1. After completion of the reaction, raising of vessel 14 allows draining of liquid magnesium chloride through the perforated base into the vessel 1.