Reduction of cobalt and nickel oxides by hydrocarbons in a high-enthalpy gas stream

Abstract

The processes of cobalt and nickel oxide reduction by propane were studied at gas stream temperatures of 5600, 5200, 5000, 4200, and 2000 degrees K. During the reduction of the oxides in propane with initial temperatures of 5600-5000 degrees K, heating by the ascending gas stream resulted in particles melting already at the entry into the reactor, which rapidly blocked its channel. Reduction of such powders should not be performed at these temperatures. Reduction of oxides with propane in a nitrogen stream at temperatures of 4200-200 degrees K and the stoichiometric ratio of the reactants followed by diffusional annealing of the resultant powders in hydrogen will produce cobalt and nickel powders of mean particle size 0.05-0.06 um.