Large-Scale Laboratory Production of Ductile Zirconium

Abstract

On the basis of results obtained from small‐scale laboratory work, equipment for the production of 60 pounds of zirconium sponge a cycle has been placed in operation. Zirconium carbide, prepared from zircon and carbon in an electric arc furnace, is chlorinated in improved equipment capable of producing over 300 pounds a day. The raw zirconium chloride is purified in a unit which accommodates nearly 200 pounds. Reduction by magnesium is carried out in the same furnace as the purification. Excess magnesium and magnesium chloride are removed by a combination melting and vacuum distillation method. The zirconium sponge is pressed into briquets and melted in graphite crucibles in a new graphite resistor vacuum furnace capable of melting over 10 pounds of zirconium a charge.