Patent ID: 6436356
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B01J,C01B

Abstract:
An apparatus for self-propagating high temperature synthesis of an inorganic compound from a combustible charge mixture of initial ingredients, said apparatus comprisingi) a feeding receptacle for storing the charge mixture therein, said feeding receptacle being in communication with ii) a closed reaction chamber, enclosed by a hot-insulated cylindrical housing provided with an inlet opening for entering the charge mixture thereinto, a combustion zone provided with igniting means for igniting the charge mixture to establish self-sustaining combustion reaction between the initial ingredients, an outlet opening for discharging a synthesized compound from the housing, said reactor chamber is provided with a forwarding means, which is mounted in the housing to be driven by a drive, said forwarding means is capable to advance continuously the charge mixture towards the combustion zone and to draw the charge mixture therethrough, said forwarding means is situated within the housing in such a manner that the charge mixture deposits on the forwarding means substantially as a layer displaceable by the forwarding means, when it is driven; iii) monitoring means for monitoring the current location of a combustion front established during said combustion reaction and to detect when said combustion front expands beyond the combustion zone; iv) extinguishing means for terminating the combustion reaction substantially automatically when the combustion front expands beyond the combustion zone; v) retaining means for preventing said layer from separating from the forwarding means; vi) compacting means for compacting said layer before it enters the combustion zone; and vii) comminuting means for disintegrating the layer after it has passed the combustion zone and to convert it into particulate synthesized compound.