GB775870A - Improved electrolytic process for preparing titanium metal - Google Patents

Abstract

775,870. Electrolytic production of titanium. SPENCE & SONS, Ltd., P. June 11, 1954 [June 13, 1953], No. 16337/53. Addition to 713.446. Class 41. Titanium is electrodeposited in an inert atmosphere from a fused bath consisting of an alkali metal fluotitanate-halide mixture with or without an alkaline earth metal halide in a cell having a barrier of inert porous material between the anode and the cathode. Electrolysis is effected at a cell voltage of 3.5 to 8 volts and a current density of 1 to 10 amps/sq. in. with a temperature of 400‹ to 900‹ C. As shown, a graphite crucible 1 serving as anode is covered by an annular lid 3 which in turn supports the flange 4a of a porous graphite barrier 4, the parts 1, 3, 4a being separated by asbestos pads 5, 6. The barrier 4 is closed at its outer by a lid 7 through which passes a refractory tube 8 closed by a rubber bung 9 through which passes a steel negative electrode carrier 10 supporting a molybdenum or titanium cathode 11. Argon inlets 15 keep the anode and cathode compartments air-free. In the anode compartment, bore 18 serves as an argon outlet and a sight hole, while in the cathode compartment bore 16 serves as an argon outlet and bore 17 serves as sight hole and for adding up to 20 per cent potassium fluotitanate to the cathode melt of 50: 50 NaCl/KCl, the same halide melt being contained in the anode compartment. The melt is heated to 660‹ C. and the electrolysis is performed at a cell potential of 8 volts and with a cathode current density of 8 amps/sq. in. The cathode deposit is removed and leached with water to yield metallic titanium.