PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF SUBSTANTIALLY ANHYDROUS MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE FROM MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE HYDRATES

摘要

This invention relates to a process for preparing magnesium chloride pellets suitable for fusion electrolysis to produce magnesium metal. Solid particles of magnesium chloride hydrate, such as the dihydrate, are agglomerated with molten magnesium chloride hydrate, such as the tetrahydrate, to form a raw pellet product having a moderate moisture content, such as about 2.8 moles of H2O per mole of MgCl2. The raw pellets are further dehydrated in a shaft kiln to the extent desired. It is possible to prepare a raw-pellet product that can be dehydrated to substantially anhydrous magnesium chloride in a one-stage dehydration operation. The solid particles of magnesium chloride hydrate advantageously are prills, suitably of a size between 0.2 and 1.0 mm.