Patent ID: 6569222
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: C22B

Abstract:
A process for the production of molybdenum metal powder from a feedstock powder selected from the group consisting of molybdenum trioxide, and ammonium molybdate salts, comprising reducing said feedstock to molybdenum metal powder by passing said feedstock through a thermally profiled rotating tube furnace in a reducing atmosphere, wherein said feedstock passes progressively throughA) a first furnace zone maintained at a temperature of about 400Â° to 640Â° Celsius and the resident time of the feedstock in said first furnace zone is sufficient to allow substantial conversion of feedstock powder to molybdenum dioxide in said first furnace zone; B) a second furnace zone maintained at a temperature of about 700Â° to 900Â° Celsius; C) a third furnace zone maintained at a temperature of about 900Â° to 1100Â° Celsius.