Korean Journal of Metals and Materials (대한금속재료학회지)

The Korean Institute of Metals and Materials (대한금속재료학회)
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Effect of TiCl4 Feeding Rate on the Formation of Titanium Sponge in the Kroll Process

Kroll법에 의한 타이타늄 스펀지 생성에 미치는 TiCl4 투입속도의 영향

  • Lee, Jae Chan (Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Sohn, Ho Sang (Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Kyungpook National University) ;
  • Jung, Jae Young (Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology(RIST))
  • 이재찬 (경북대학교 금속신소재공학과) ;
  • 손호상 (경북대학교 금속신소재공학과) ;
  • 정재영 (포항산업과학연구원)
  • Received : 2012.01.10
  • Published : 2012.10.25
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Abstract

The Kroll process for magnesium reduction of titanium tetrachloride is used for mass production of titanium sponge. The present study was conducted in a lab scale reactor to develop a better understanding of the mechanism of titanium sponge formation in the Kroll reactor with respect to reaction degrees and the feeding rate of $TiCl_4$. The $MgCl_2$ produced during the initial stage of the reaction was not sunk into the molten magnesium, but covered the surface of the molten magnesium. As a result, subsequently fed $TiCl_4$ reacted with Mg exposed on the edge of molten $MgCl_2$ in the crucible. Therefore, titanium sponge grew toward the center of the crucible from the edge. The temperature of the molten magnesium increased remarkably with the increasing feeding rate of $TiCl_4$. Consequently, fed $TiCl_4$ reacted at the upper side of the crucible with evaporated Mg, and produced titanium on the upper surface of the crucible wall, which increased considerably with the feeding rate of $TiCl_4$.

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References

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