A device for reducing the intake of air in the production of titanium sponge

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of magnesothermic process for producing sponge titanium, specifically to a device for reducing air intake during the production process. The device includes a large cover, a plug, a sealing cover, and a magnesium chloride tube. The sealing cover includes a transition flange and a buffer. The transition flange includes a lower end face, a middle channel, and an upper end face. The outer edge of the lower end face is sealed to the top of the buffer, and the inner edge is sealed to the top of the magnesium chloride tube. The middle channel communicates with the magnesium chloride tube. The plug extends into the middle channel and can seal it. The bottom end of the buffer is connected to the opening of the large cover. The magnesium chloride tube is located inside the buffer, with its bottom end passing through the opening of the large cover and located inside the reactor. The length of the magnesium chloride tube is extended so that its top end is exposed outside the reactor. A second cavity formed inside the magnesium chloride tube is separated from the first cavity formed between the magnesium chloride tube and the buffer. When discharging magnesium chloride, only the plug needs to be removed; during this process, the first cavity is not exposed over a large area, and the reactor maintains positive pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of magnesia-thermal sponge titanium production, and more specifically, to a device for reducing air intake during the sponge titanium production process. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the main method for producing sponge titanium is the Klauer process, which utilizes the reduction of titanium tetrachloride by metallic magnesium. Since the reduction of titanium tetrachloride to titanium is a continuous process within a closed container, the amount of magnesium chloride, a byproduct, increases continuously during the reduction. To ensure continuous production, it is necessary to periodically remove magnesium chloride from the magnesium chloride tube within the reactor. Due to the large number of titanium particles in the reactor, and the growth of titanium on the inner wall of the magnesium chloride tube due to electron-mediated reactions, titanium particles accumulate and clog the tube end during magnesium chloride removal, requiring unblocking. Unblocking this process creates a flat or negative pressure environment within the reactor, allowing air to enter and causing oxidation and nitridation of the sponge titanium. This not only results in high O and N content in the sponge titanium but also poses a risk of fatal defects (titanium nitride). Furthermore, the sealed casing of the magnesium chloride tube contains a large amount of low-valence materials. When the sealed casing is disassembled during routine unblocking of the magnesium chloride tube, these low-valence materials pose a flammable and explosive risk, resulting in safety hazards. Figure 1 The diagram shows a reactor commonly used in the prior art. A large cover 3 is positioned at the reactor opening to seal it. The magnesium chloride tube 2' passes through the large cover 3, and a straight-tube sealing cover 1' is positioned outside the magnesium chloride tube 2' to seal the gap between the tube and the large cover 3. When magnesium chloride needs to be discharged through the tube 2', the straight-tube sealing cover 1' is opened directly. This exposes the area between the large cover 3 and the tube 2' to air, allowing air to enter the reactor. Furthermore, the large amount of low-valence material between the large cover 3 and the tube 2' poses a fire risk. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a device for reducing air intake during the production of sponge titanium, in order to solve the problem in the prior art where, during the production of sponge titanium, the straight cylindrical sealing cover needs to be disassembled when discharging magnesium chloride or cleaning the magnesium chloride pipe, which easily causes the reactor to be excessively exposed to air and prone to air intake.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0005] A device for reducing air intake during the production of sponge titanium includes a large cover, a plug, a sealing cover, and a magnesium chloride tube. The large cover is fitted onto the opening of the reactor to seal the reactor. The sealing cover includes a transition flange and a buffer. The transition flange includes a lower end face, a middle channel, and an upper end face in sequence from bottom to top. The outer edge of the lower end face is sealed to the top of the buffer, and the inner edge of the lower end face is sealed to the top of the magnesium chloride tube. The middle channel communicates with the magnesium chloride tube. The plug extends into the middle channel through the upper end face and can block the middle channel. The bottom end of the buffer is connected to the opening of the large cover. The magnesium chloride tube is located inside the buffer and its bottom end passes through the opening of the large cover and is located inside the reactor.

[0006] Furthermore, the buffer component is an expansion joint, a connecting pipe is provided at the opening of the large cover, the bottom end of the expansion joint is connected to the connecting pipe, and the magnesium chloride tube is located inside the expansion joint.

[0007] Furthermore, one end of the intermediate channel is a lower end face, and the other end is an upper end face, with the area of ​​the lower end face being larger than the area of ​​the upper end face.

[0008] Furthermore, the top outer periphery of the buffer is connected to a first flange, the first flange is connected to the outer edge surface, and a sealing ring is provided between the first flange and the outer edge surface.

[0009] Furthermore, a first through hole is provided around the periphery of the outer edge surface, and the first through hole and the first flange are connected by a first fastener.

[0010] Furthermore, the top end of the magnesium chloride tube is connected to a second flange. The second flange is provided with an inner sealing groove, a second fastener, and an outer sealing groove in sequence from the inside to the outside. A second through hole is provided around the inner edge surface. Sealing rings are placed in the inner sealing groove and the outer sealing groove, respectively. The second flange and the second through hole are connected by a second fastener.

[0011] Furthermore, the top end of the magnesium chloride tube is provided with a plurality of second fasteners, and the periphery of the inner edge surface is provided with a plurality of second through holes.

[0012] Furthermore, the plug includes a sealing cap and an insert connected to the sealing cap. The insert is inserted into the middle channel, and the sealing cap covers the outer side of the upper end face. The sealing cap and the upper end face are detachably connected.

[0013] Furthermore, the upper end face is provided with a third through hole and a third sealing groove, the sealing cap and the third through hole are connected by a third fastener, and a sealing ring is provided in the third sealing groove.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the device for reducing air intake during the production of sponge titanium according to the present invention has the following advantages:

[0015] (1) The length of the magnesium chloride tube is extended, the top end of the magnesium chloride tube is exposed to the outside of the reactor, the top and bottom ends of the buffer are sealed and connected, and the top and bottom ends of the magnesium chloride tube are sealed and connected, which can separate the second cavity formed inside the magnesium chloride tube and the first cavity formed between the magnesium chloride tube and the buffer into two independent cavities, reducing mutual interference.

[0016] (2) When it is necessary to discharge magnesium chloride or unclog the magnesium chloride tube, only the plug needs to be removed. During this process, the first chamber will not be exposed to the outside in a large area, only the top of the magnesium chloride tube will be exposed. This effectively avoids the risk of the magnesium chloride tube and the cover being exposed to the air. Moreover, the reactor is still under positive pressure, which not only avoids the risk of low-valence materials in the sealed cover being exposed to the air and catching fire, but also avoids the risk of sponge titanium oxidation and nitriding caused by air entering the reactor. This makes the sponge titanium product in the reactor have quality stability and reduces safety risks.

[0017] (3) The expansion joint wrapped around the outside of the magnesium chloride tube can compensate for the axial stretching and shrinkage of the magnesium chloride tube caused by high temperature, as well as the deformation caused by radial offset, thereby avoiding the cracking and leakage of the sealing cover due to deformation, thus ensuring a good sealing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conventional reactor.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the air intake device for reducing the temperature during the production of sponge titanium as described in this invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plug, transition flange, expansion joint, and magnesium chloride pipe described in this invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the transition flange described in this invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view of the transition flange described in this invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the magnesium chloride pipe and the second flange described in this invention.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 1' Straight cylindrical sealing cover; 2' Magnesium chloride pipe; 3. Large cover; 4. Plug; 41. Sealing cap; 5. Sealing cover; 6. Magnesium chloride pipe; 7. Transition flange; 71. Lower end face; 72. Upper end face; 73. Intermediate channel; 711. First through hole; 712. Second through hole; 721. Third through hole; 8. Expansion joint; 9. Connecting pipe; 10. First flange; 11. First fastener; 12. Second flange; 13. Second fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the orientations involved in the following specific embodiments are briefly explained: the directions or positional relationships indicated by "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc. mentioned in the embodiments refer to the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and the term "on" means directly or indirectly supported by the element.

[0028] It should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows for communication; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] like Figures 2-6 As shown, a device for reducing air intake during the production of sponge titanium includes a large cover 3, a plug 4, a sealing cover 5, and a magnesium chloride tube 6. The large cover 3 covers the opening of the reactor to seal the reactor. The sealing cover 5 includes a transition flange 7 and a buffer. The transition flange 7 includes a lower end face 71, a middle channel 73, and an upper end face 72 in sequence from bottom to top. The outer edge of the lower end face 71 is sealed to the top of the buffer, and the inner edge of the lower end face 71 is sealed to the top of the magnesium chloride tube 6. The middle channel 73 is connected to the magnesium chloride tube 6. The plug 4 extends into the middle channel 73 through the upper end face 72 and can block the middle channel 73. The bottom end of the buffer is connected to the opening of the large cover 3. The magnesium chloride tube 6 is located inside the buffer and its bottom end passes through the opening of the large cover 3 and is located inside the reactor.

[0030] This invention extends the length of the magnesium chloride tube 6, allowing its bottom end to extend into the reactor, while its top and bottom end faces 71 are sealed together. Therefore, the top of the magnesium chloride tube 6 is exposed outside the reactor. Since the top of the buffer element is also sealed to the bottom end face 71, and the top portion of the magnesium chloride tube 6 is located inside the buffer element, the second cavity formed inside the magnesium chloride tube 6 and the first cavity formed between the magnesium chloride tube 6 and the buffer element can be separated into two independent cavities. The second cavity is used to periodically discharge the generated magnesium chloride through the magnesium chloride tube 6. The second cavity is connected to the intermediate channel 73, and the second cavity can be sealed and opened by inserting and removing the plug 4.

[0031] Therefore, when it is necessary to discharge magnesium chloride or unclog the magnesium chloride tube 6, only the plug 4 needs to be removed. During this process, the first chamber will not be exposed to the outside in a large area, and only the top of the magnesium chloride tube 6 will be exposed. This effectively avoids the risk of the magnesium chloride tube 6 and the large cover 3 being exposed to the air. Moreover, the reactor is still under positive pressure, which not only avoids the risk of low-valence materials in the sealing cover 5 being exposed to the air and catching fire, but also avoids the risk of oxidation and nitriding of sponge titanium caused by air entering the reactor. This makes the sponge titanium product in the reactor have quality stability and reduces safety risks.

[0032] The straight-tube sealing cover 1' used in the prior art is prone to dimensional deviations during thermal deformation of the magnesium chloride tube 6. As a preferred example of the present invention, the buffer element is an expansion joint 8, such as... Figures 2-3 As shown, a connecting pipe 9 is provided at the opening of the large cover 3, and the bottom end of the expansion joint 8 is connected to the connecting pipe 9. The magnesium chloride tube 6 is located inside the expansion joint 8. By using the expansion joint 8 wrapped around the outside of the magnesium chloride tube 6, the axial stretching and contraction caused by high temperature, as well as the deformation caused by radial offset, can be compensated, thereby avoiding cracking and air leakage of the sealing cover 5 due to deformation and ensuring a good sealing effect.

[0033] One end of the intermediate channel 73 is a lower end face 71, and the other end is an upper end face 72. The area of ​​the lower end face 71 is larger than the area of ​​the upper end face 72.

[0034] The larger lower end face 71 facilitates its sealing connection with the buffer and the magnesium chloride tube 6, while the smaller upper end face 72 facilitates the insertion of the plug 4 and the sealing of the intermediate channel 73 through the upper end face 72.

[0035] For the lower end face 71, the inner edge surface is located close to the middle channel 73, and the outer edge surface is located outside the inner edge surface.

[0036] The top outer periphery of the buffer is connected to a first flange 10, the first flange 10 is connected to an outer edge surface, and a sealing ring is provided between the first flange 10 and the outer edge surface.

[0037] The first flange 10 enables the connection between the top and outer edge of the buffer element. The sealing ring improves the sealing performance of the connection, which is beneficial to the sealing of the first cavity formed between the magnesium chloride tube 6 and the buffer element. The first cavity is connected to the inside of the reactor, preventing other operations from affecting the reactor and the first cavity.

[0038] Furthermore, a first through hole 711 is provided around the periphery of the outer edge surface. The first through hole 711 and the first flange 10 are connected by a first fastener 11 such as a stud to achieve the connection between the lower end face 71 and the buffer member. Multiple first fasteners 11 are provided around the periphery of the outer edge surface to better achieve a sealed connection between the buffer member and the lower end face 71.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, the top end of the magnesium chloride tube 6 is connected to a second flange 12. The second flange 12 has an inner sealing groove, a second fastener 13, and an outer sealing groove arranged sequentially from the inside out. A second through hole 712 is provided around the inner edge surface. Sealing rings are placed in the inner and outer sealing grooves respectively. The second flange 12 and the second through hole 712 are connected by the second fastener 13 to achieve the connection between the magnesium chloride tube 6 and the lower end face 71. The sealing rings further improve the sealing performance of the connection, thus facilitating the sealing of the second cavity formed inside the magnesium chloride tube 6 when it mates with the plug 4. Opening or closing the second cavity will not affect the first cavity.

[0040] Furthermore, multiple second fasteners 13 are provided at the top of the magnesium chloride tube 6, and multiple second through holes 712 are correspondingly provided around the inner edge surface to better achieve a sealed connection between the magnesium chloride tube 6 and the lower end face 71. Specifically, the second fasteners 13 are studs.

[0041] The plug 4 includes a sealing cap 41 and an insert connected to the sealing cap 41. The insert is inserted into the middle channel 73. The sealing cap 41 covers the outside of the upper end face 72, and the sealing cap 41 and the upper end face 72 are detachably connected.

[0042] The insert is inserted into the intermediate channel 73, allowing the plug 4 to connect to the second cavity via the intermediate channel 73. This facilitates sealing or opening the second cavity using the removable plug 4. Specifically, when it is necessary to discharge the generated magnesium chloride, the plug 4 is removed, opening the second cavity. At this time, the first cavity remains relatively sealed, and the first and second cavities are independent and do not interfere with each other. Even when the second cavity is open, the first cavity can still maintain positive pressure due to the small area of ​​the upper end face 72. When it is not necessary to discharge magnesium chloride, the plug 4 extends into the intermediate channel 73, thereby sealing the second cavity and preventing adverse effects caused by long-term exposure of the magnesium chloride tube 6.

[0043] Furthermore, the upper end face 72 is provided with a third through hole 721 and a third sealing groove. The sealing cap 41 and the third through hole 721 are connected by a third fastener, and a sealing ring is provided in the third sealing groove. The third fastener and the sealing ring ensure that the plug 4 can seal the intermediate channel 73.

[0044] Specifically, the third fastener is a stud, and the plug 4 can be detachably connected by screwing the third fastener.

[0045] The device for reducing air intake during the production of sponge titanium according to the present invention pre-measures the thickness of the expansion joint 8 and the large cover 3 during assembly to determine the length of the magnesium chloride tube 6. When clearing or discharging magnesium chloride through the magnesium chloride tube 6 during the production process, only the plug 4 needs to be opened, preventing the low-value material from igniting due to exposure to air and preventing air intake into the reactor. Production results show that using the device for reducing air intake during the production of sponge titanium according to the present invention, the climbing titanium at the magnesium chloride tube 6 does not exhibit blackening or yellowing caused by air intake, and the appearance qualification rate of climbing titanium is improved by 10%~15%, which is beneficial to improving product quality and reducing safety risks.

[0046] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A device for reducing the intake of air in the production of titanium sponge, characterized in that, The reactor includes a large cover (3), a plug (4), a sealing cover (5), and a magnesium chloride tube (6). The large cover (3) covers the opening of the reactor to seal it. The sealing cover (5) includes a transition flange (7) and a buffer. The transition flange (7) includes a lower end face (71), a middle channel (73), and an upper end face (72) in sequence from bottom to top. The outer edge of the lower end face (71) is sealed to the top of the buffer. The inner edge of the lower end face (71) is sealed to the top of the magnesium chloride tube (6). The middle channel (73) is connected to the magnesium chloride tube (6). The plug (4) extends into the middle channel (73) through the upper end face (72) and can seal the middle channel (73). The bottom end of the buffer is connected to the opening of the large cover (3). The magnesium chloride tube (6) is located inside the buffer. The part can separate the second cavity formed inside the magnesium chloride tube (6) and the first cavity formed between the magnesium chloride tube (6) and the buffer into two independent cavities. The bottom end of the magnesium chloride tube (6) passes through the opening of the large cover (3) and is located inside the reactor. The top end of the magnesium chloride tube (6) is connected to the second flange (12). The second flange (12) is provided with an inner sealing groove, a second fastener (13) and an outer sealing groove in sequence from the inside to the outside. The periphery of the inner edge surface is provided with a second through hole (712). Sealing rings are placed in the inner sealing groove and the outer sealing groove respectively. The second flange (12) and the second through hole (712) are connected by the second fastener (13). The top end of the magnesium chloride tube (6) is provided with multiple second fasteners (13), and the periphery of the inner edge surface is provided with multiple second through holes (712).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer is an expansion joint (8), and a connecting pipe (9) is provided at the opening of the large cover (3). The bottom end of the expansion joint (8) is connected to the connecting pipe (9), and the magnesium chloride pipe (6) is located inside the expansion joint (8).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the intermediate channel (73) is the lower end face (71), and the other end is the upper end face (72). The area of ​​the lower end face (71) is greater than the area of ​​the upper end face (72).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top outer periphery of the buffer is connected to a first flange (10), the first flange (10) is connected to the outer edge surface, and a sealing ring is provided between the first flange (10) and the outer edge surface.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first through hole (711) is provided around the periphery of the outer edge surface, and the first through hole (711) and the first flange (10) are connected by a first fastener (11).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plug (4) includes a sealing cap (41) and an insert connected to the sealing cap (41). The insert is inserted into the middle channel (73). The sealing cap (41) covers the outside of the upper end face (72), and the sealing cap (41) and the upper end face (72) are detachably connected.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The upper end face (72) is provided with a third through hole (721) and a third sealing groove. The sealing cap (41) and the third through hole (721) are connected by a third fastener. A sealing ring is provided in the third sealing groove.

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