INFLUENCE OF SOME PROCESS VARIABLES ON PLASMA DISSOCIATION OF ZIRCON

Dissociation of zirconium silicate (zircon) into zirconia and silica h as been carried out in plasma chemical reactor. The extent of dissocia tion was estimated by treating the product with 50% solution of sodium hydroxide at 150-degrees-C, leaching the sodium silicate and weighing the residue after thorough washing and drying. Effect of process vari ables on the dissociation reaction has been studied. It is found that the reaction is strongly influenced by the input power to the plasma t orch, rate of flow of plasma gas and carrier gas and location of powde r feed port.