Extractive Metallurgy of Titanium: A Review of the State of the Art and Evolving Production Techniques

Abstract

This paper reviews and compares the three major processes for producing titanium metal sponge: the Kroll process which uses magnesium for the reduction of TiCl4 to titanium metal, the Hunter process which uses sodium for the reduction, and electrowinning which is a direct reduction using electrical energy. The paper also discusses the production of TiCl4 from ore and explains the various techniques for purifying the sponge metal. Cost and quality comparisons are shown, including capital and operating costs. Current production capabilities and projected usages are tabulated.