Continuous production of finely divided zirconium powder
US4285724A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1979 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC22B34/14
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Process for production of finely divided zirconium powder by reaction of solid magnesium with ZrCl.sub.4 in a molten salt bath maintained at a temperature below the melting point of magnesium. A preferred salt bath contains about 8 mole % ZrCl.sub.4 in an equimolar mixture of KCl and NaCl and is maintained at about 625.degree. C. Gaseous ZrCl.sub.4 and solid magnesium are continuously fed to a lower portion of the bath, the bath is continuously agitated, and bath containing MgCl.sub.2 is continuously removed. Zirconium powder recovered from the bath is generally spherical with a median particle size of about 2.2 .mu.m and is suitable for use in rapid rise time thermal batteries.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.