Vaccum - A New Tool in Extractive Metallurgy

Abstract

Theoretical considerations involved in metal extraction reactions under vacuum have been discussed.The general advantages of carrying out reactions under vacuum are derived from the lowered temperature for reaction and the possibility of carrying reactions to completion, by the removal of one of the reaction products. The conditions for the reduction and dissociation of oxides, sulphides, halides, hydrides and nitrides are discussed and various examples cited of reactions of this type adopted for metal-winning.