Analysis of the thermodynamic conditions of refining during electron beam melting of refractory metals

Abstract

The electron beam melting and refining (EBMR) decreases the concentration of an impurity element through evaporation, removal of dissolved gases, lessening the size and density of the particulate impurities complexes by either flotation, either sedimentation (due to the difference in component densities) as well as by its dissolution in the liquid metal. The paper is focused on the analysis of the thermodynamic conditions for EB refining of wastes of the titanium, zirconium and hafnium with high oxygen contamination and other refractory metals using 60kW and 250kW EBMR plants. © 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.