Titanium refining is a process that is used to create pure titanium from its raw form. Titanium is a metal that is widely used in production of aircraft, automobiles, implants and surgical tools, and it has become increasingly important. It is extremely light yet strong, and can withstand extreme temperatures.
The process of refining titanium begins when very pure rutile ore is combined with chloride salts that are converted into titanium chloride gas. This gas is then fed into a reactor and heated at very high temperatures of over 2000°C. As the gas flows through the reactor, other elements such as nitrides, carbides and oxygen are removed, allowing only titanium atoms to remain in the gas.
The gas then passes through a condenser, where the titanium chloride gas is converted into titanium metal which is then collected at the bottom of the condenser. To remove any impurities, the metal is then washed with either hydrochloric acid, chlorine, or potassium hydroxide.
The next step in the refining process is to refine the metal further. It is heated to over 1700°C and then injected with oxygen, which combines with the titanium and forms a slag containing titanium oxide. This slag is removed and the remaining titanium is a very pure metal.
The final step in titanium refining is to shape the metal into usable products. This is done by using various techniques such as rolling, forge welding, cast moulding, and powder metallurgy. The various techniques used to shape the metal depend largely on the product that is being made.
Titanium refining is an important process in the production of titanium products. It is a complex process that requires expertise and experience, and it is not something that can be done by everyone. The process allows for the creation of products that are strong, light, and can withstand extreme temperatures, making it an invaluable process in the manufacturing of many items.
