Reduction of MoO3 and ammonium molybdates by ammonia in a rotary furnace

摘要

A method is disclosed for the intermediate reduction of a molybdenum compound selected from the group consisting of MoO3 and ammonium molybdate to MoO2. The molybdenum compound is fed to an indirectly fired inclined rotary calciner and uncracked ammonia caused to flow to the rotary calciner either concurrently or countercurrently to the flow of the molybdenum compound. The residence time and temperature are controlled to produce MoO2 at a conversion efficiency of at least about 80%.