Control method for large scale batch reduction of zirconium tetrachloride

摘要

This is a control method for large scale batch reduction of zirconium tetrachloride to zirconium metal. Solid zirconium tetrachloride is fed at least periodically into a sublimer and the sublimer heated to vaporize the zirconium tetrachloride. The vaporized zirconium tetrachloride is fed from the sublimer to a reduction vessel and a measurement is made indicative of this feed (e.g., the flow rate or the pressure in the reduction vessel). A condenser is used to conjunction with said sublimer and the temperature of the condenser is controlled to control the feed of the vaporized zirconium tetrachloride. Preferably, a flow restriction is used between the sublimer and the condenser to provide improved control.