GB777829A - Electrolytic method and means for production of refractory metal - Google Patents

Abstract

777,829. Electrolytic production of refractory metals. TITAN CO., Inc. Dec. 11, 1953 [Dec. 13, 1952], No. 34631/53. Addition to 734,094. Class 41. In the electrolytic production of the refractory metals of Groups IVa, Va, and VIa by the method of the parent Specification wherein the refractory metal halide is fed into the cell electrolyte through a pipe the lower end of which is enveloped by a basket attached thereto and submerged in the electrolyte, so that the reduced halides of the refractory metal flow through the cathodic mass of refractory metal formed in the basket, the flow of current from the anode is directed to a part only of the outer surface of the cathodic basket by the construction and arrangement of the basket in the cell. As shown, the basket 24 rests over an aperture in an insulating partition 26 so as to confine the current to the bottom and inner surfaces of the basket, which may be of iron or steel but is preferably of titanium. The sides of the basket may be imperforate and may be insulated from the bottom and the feed pipe. Electrolysis may be effected in a fused bath of a 50 : 1 mixture of sodium and lithium chlorides at 900‹ C. using an applied voltage of 10.5 and anode and cathode current densities of 30 and 60 amps/sq. dm. respectively. Specification 678,807 is referred to.