Patent ID: 9039805
Filing Date: 2015-05-26
Classification: C22B

Abstract:
1. A method for reduction of metal oxides, hydroxides, sulfides or polyatomic compounds thereof including the steps of: conducting carbothermic reduction of magnesium oxide in the presence of carbon at an elevated temperature of from 1800 to 2600 degrees Kelvin, producing a mixture of magnesium vapor and carbon monoxide gas, passing said mixture of magnesium vapor and carbon monoxide gas through a filter maintained at said elevated temperature, and contacting said metal oxides, hydroxides, sulfides or polyatomic compounds thereof with said mixture at said elevated temperature, preventing said mixture of magnesium vapor and carbon monoxide gas from undergoing back-reaction to magnesium oxide and carbon, whereby said magnesium vapor effects reduction of said metal oxides, hydroxides, sulfides or polyatomic compounds thereof to metallic forms with the production of magnesium oxide where reduction of metal oxides has occurred or magnesium sulfide where reduction of metal sulfides has occurred, and whereby where reduction of metal oxides has occurred, said magnesium oxide is recovered and recycled to said carbothermic reduction.