GB847119A - Method and apparatus for condensing the vapours of metal chlorides - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for condensing the vapour of a metal chloride that can be converted directly from the vapour to the solid state introducing <PICT:0847119/III/1> the metal chloride vapour into a cooled condensation chamber through a supply conduit which projects into the interior of the chamber and which is heated to a temperature above the solidification temperature of the metal chloride vapour, the velocity of the incoming metal chloride vapour and the dimensions and temperature of the chamber being so related that the vapour condenses to the solid state in the free space within the chamber. In a preferred embodiment the product obtained by chlorinating a mixture of columbite ore and soot was introduced at a velocity of 40 cms. per second through a conduit 17 having a diameter of 15 mms. the conduit having been electrically heated to 450 DEG C. by an electric coil 19 into a condensation chamber 16 which is 250 mms. in height and has an internal diameter of 120 mms., the walls 18 of the chamber being maintained at a constant temperature by means of a jacket 20 through which cooling air or a liquid transfer medium is passed. The solid chlorides deposit in the base 22 of the chamber and the gases pass out through a conduit 24. In a modification Fig. 2 (not shown) a cold invert gas such as nitrogen, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, or a liquid chloride such as silicon tetrachloride, titanium tetrachloride or carbon tetrachloride is introduced along the inside of the condensation chamber and removed through a conduit. The process may be applied to the condensation of ferric chloride, aluminium chloride, tantalum pentachloride or niobrium chloride. The condensation chamber may be of nickel, steel, or nickelcoated or enamelled steel. If the walls are to be maintained below 100 DEG C. the chamber may be made of aluminium.