Metallothermal process and continuous drawing, in cold induction furnaces, of metals or alloys
US6409791B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 10, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A metallothermy method includes continuously withdrawing an ingot of a metal product such as uranium or a uranium alloy as it is formed from an oxide or salt of the metal. The method employs upper and lower communicating crucibles. The upper crucible contains a layer of reducing medium floating on a solvent medium. The metal oxide or metal salt is reduced as it is introduced into the layer reducing medium to form metal particles and slag. The settling metal is melted by further induction heating, collected in the lower crucible and withdrawn. The slag is absorbed by the solvent medium which is regenerated with the use of electrolysis.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.