Thermal Plasma in Extractive Metallurgy

Abstract

Thermal plasma applied to metallurgical processes produces the materials with new properties; simplifies the production cycle and equipment; falls in line with prospective energy consuming system (electrical energy and hydrogen). Plasma processes have been carried out for complex raw materials decomposition (Zirconium) and for beneficiation of ores and slags. Plasma reduction of tungsten and cobalt from oxides, molybdenite dissociation and iron reduction and ferrovanadium production have been developed on semi-industrial sclale. Plasma heating of industrial gases is promising for nuclear metallurgy. Arc and high frequency plasma generators, plasma jet reactors for processing gases and disperse materials and plasma melting furnaces are being built for extractive metallurgy. © IUPAC