Titanium Slag Production From Electric Arc Furnace
Titanium slag is a by-product of the production of titanium metal. The production of titanium metal is achieved via the Kroll process which involves reduction of titanium tetrachloride with magnesium or sodium. The by-product of this reaction is known as titanium slag. Although titanium slag is a waste material it can still be utilized in many industrial applications. It has numerous advantages over other materials such as its relatively lower price and higher purity. There are several different processes which can be used to produce titanium slag. One of the most common processes and often thought to be the most efficient, is the process of using an electric arc furnace.
At its simplest, an electric arc furnace is a device which utilizes an electric arc to heat up materials until they are molten and can then be further refined. Such arcs are generated by providing an orderly flow of an electric current between two electrodes. The electrodes themselves being made from graphite or capital and each having a different potential. By adjusting the distances and number of electrodes, different arcs can be generated for different materials.
In the process of producing titanium slag from an electric arc furnace, a mix of titanium ore, carbon, and other materials are placed into the main chamber of the furnace. An arc is then generated between the electrodes inside the furnace, heating up the materials until they reach temperatures of around 3000F. The molten materials then begin to react and form titanium dioxide, an intermediate compound which must be further refined until it can be utilized commercially.
The titanium dioxide is then cooled and then undergoes a series of processes such as partial oxidation and reducing with other agents such as sodium and/or carbon.
The by-product of these processes is a black, glassy and often chunky material which is referred to as titanium slag. This slag can then be further refined and compressed into a more uniform and commercially usable form.
Titanium slag is a valuable by-product of titanium metal production, and the process of using an electric arc furnace to create it is advantageous because of its efficiency. It can be sold for use in many industrial applications, such as for use in the production of pigments and coatings, for its brightness and reflectivity. Additionally, titanium slag has replace natural sands in foundry and casting industry, as it contains fewer impurities and allows for a better pourability of the casting material.
In conclusion, titanium slag is a useful and valuable industrial material due to its high purity, relatively lower cost and availability compared to other materials. It can be produced efficiently and conveniently through the use of an electric arc furnace, making it a valuable and environmentally beneficial material for any industry.
