초록 ▼

A Process for the electrolytic production of metals particularly titanium and alloys starting from the corresponding compounds is disclosed, by means of an apparatus for the electrochemical extraction including: (1) a cathode-crucible containing a mass of solidified metal, a liquid electrolyte with

A Process for the electrolytic production of metals particularly titanium and alloys starting from the corresponding compounds is disclosed, by means of an apparatus for the electrochemical extraction including: (1) a cathode-crucible containing a mass of solidified metal, a liquid electrolyte with a density which is lower than that of the metal and a pool of liquid metal produced; (2) one or more non-consumable anodes particularly immersed in the electrolyte with means for regulating their distance from the cathodic surface; (3) a feeding system to the electrolyte of the compounds of the metals, of the electrolyte constituents and of alloying materials; (4) a power supply which feeds direct current to the liquid metal, and through the electrolyte, to the anodes, and causes the cathodic reduction of the metal in liquid form and the evolution of anodic gas, with the heat generation which maintains the electrolyte in the molten state; and (5) an air-tight containment structure in which the anodic gases generated during the electrolysis are collected.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What we claim is:] [1.] A process for the electrolytic production of a metal or an alloy comprising:(a) providing an electrowinning apparatus which comprises a cathode-crucible with a solid metal skull covered by a liquid electrolyte containing the metal compound to be produced or alloy materials

[ What we claim is:] [1.] A process for the electrolytic production of a metal or an alloy comprising:(a) providing an electrowinning apparatus which comprises a cathode-crucible with a solid metal skull covered by a liquid electrolyte containing the metal compound to be produced or alloy materials and having a density lower than the metal and the alloy, and at least one non-consumable anode at a distance from the cathode and partially immersed in the electrolyte, wherein the metal compound is selected from the group consisting of metal fluorides, metal chlorides, metal bromides and metal iodides; and(b) supplying a direct current through the electrolyte to the anode in order to cause cathodic reduction of the metal in a liquid state to act as a liquid cathode and generate heat sufficient to maintain the electrolyte molten.