GB501233A - Improvements in or relating to processes for the manufacture of aluminium or aluminium alloys - Google Patents

Abstract

501,233. Distilling alaminium ; materials for making coke; aluminium, sulphide; alloys. GARDNER, D. March 31, 1938, No. 9878. [Class 82 (i)] [Also in Groups III and XII] Aluminium is obtained by first forming aluminium sulphide either by heating oxide or hydroxide compounds such as alumina or bauxite with low temperature coke in the vapour of sulphur or carbon bisulphide to over 1500‹ C., or by heating aluminium sulphate with low temperature coke to 900-1200‹ C., the aluminium sulphide so formed being then reduced by heating it with iron, ferro-titanium, ferro-silicon, ferro-chromium, or copper to a temperature above the distillation point of aluminium in a reducing or inert atmosphere such as hydrogen or argon, preferably with the addition of some carbon and a flux such as aluminium fluoride.. The metallic reducing agent is preferably present in large excess. The aluminium vapours are cooled in a suitable condenser and may be directly combined with a molten charge of a metal such as magnesium or beryllium or their alloys for the production of aluminium alloys. The reactions may take place in succession to render the process continuous. The low temperature coke may be obtained by heating material such as anthracite duff or brown coal to 400-500‹ C. for 1-3 hours.