Titanium sponge production method by Kroll process at OTC

Abstract

Titanium sponge is industrially produced by the Kroll process. OTC has been manufacturing titanium sponge using the Kroll process since 1952 and now has the capacity to produce 40,000 ton of titanium sponge a year. Titanium sponge made by the Kroll process is widely used, but that used for aircraft parts is ranked Premium Quality (PQ) grade and only a few producers, including OTC, can make it because of the high reliability required. Demand for PQ grade titanium sponge is increasing, so cost reductions within the Kroll process are needed. OTC has reduced costs by using middle-to-low-grade raw materials, producing the world's largest sponge cake, and improving productivity.