VAPOR-PHASE TITANIUM PRODUCTION

In this study, the vapour phase reduction of titanium tetrachloride co nforms to the traditional Kroll chemistry, but employs argon as an ine rt carrier gas and requires a higher reaction temperature of 1150 degr ees C To 1250 degrees C. A vapour phase reaction is advantageous becau se titanium is the only condensed phase present, and the metal can be collected free of magnesium or magnesium chloride, in marked contrast to the titanium sponge produced by the conventional Kroll process. The yield of metallic titanium from the reaction was determined as magnes ium additions ranged from 36% to 168% of the stoichiometric requiremen t. Yields of over 99% were obtained when an excess of magnesium was pr esent. Although the collection efficiency was low, metallic titanium w as collected al the reaction site, where all other species were presen t as vapours. Magnesium and chlorine concentrations in the collected t itanium were less than 0.3%.