METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SPONGE TITANIUM

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for producing sponge titanium where, at the time of producing sponge titanium by a quantity same as that by the conventional technique, the reduction of the time required for producing the sponge titanium and the quantity of electric power to be used is attained, thus reduction reaction can be efficiently performed. SOLUTION: Regarding the production method, at the time of reducing titanium tetrachloride using magnesium in a reaction vessel, the whole of the outer circumference in the reaction vessel is heated by a reduction furnace, and further, in the reaction vessel, at least the vicinity of the reaction region where magnesium and titanium tetrachloride are contacted is cooled. COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI