Patent ID: 7753986
Filing Date: 2010-07-13
Classification: C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for forming metallic titanium in purified form comprising the steps of: providing an inert atmosphere in an electric induction cold crucible surrounded by one or more induction coils; placing magnesium in the electric induction cold crucible; adding titanium tetrachloride to the magnesium; supplying a stirring ac current to at least one of the one or more induction coils to induce circulation of the magnesium and titanium tetrachloride in the electric induction cold crucible; reducing the titanium tetrachloride to titanium sponge and producing one or more byproducts including magnesium dichloride; removing the one or more byproducts from the electric induction cold crucible; purging the inert atmosphere from the electric induction cold crucible; supplying a heating ac current to at least one of the one or more induction coils to release one or more impurities from the titanium sponge to form a purified titanium sponge in the electric induction cold crucible; removing the one or more impurities from the electric induction cold crucible; drawing a vacuum in the electric induction cold crucible; and supplying a melting ac current to at least one of the one or more induction coils to inductively melt the purified titanium sponge.