Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrolytic cells comprising cathodes having a non-uniform current distribution and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering the chlorine value from a particulate feed stream of metal chlorides wherein the total energy and reactant mass flow are managed to minimize the build up of deposits of solids on the reactor walls and maximize the conversion of the metal chlorides to metal oxides and chlorine.

Abstract: An illuminator for use in a refractometer having a body housing, a sample cover assembly, a prism assembly and measuring assembly for measuring the composition and density of a substance. The illuminator includes a light source, a power source for operating the light source and an operating means for selectively activating the light source. The illuminator is located in the refractometer housing such that the light source is in a position on or about the prism assembly to illuminate a fluid substance to be measured. Light from the light source is introduced at a grazing incidence to a measuring surface of the prism. Phosphorescent material in the sample cover provides reticle illumination.

Abstract: A container for a material, said container having a liner comprised of an equilibrated reaction product of the material. Preferably, the material is a molten aluminum-lithium alloy and the reaction product consists essentially of lithium aluminate. A method of making the container comprises shaping a substance into a vessel, said substance having sufficient porosity to react with the material and form a non-wetting reaction product without spalling; and introducing the material to the vessel. A method of making a container liner by applying a substance to the container inner surface and introducing the alloy to the inner surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for production of ZrB.sub.2 powder in a molten salt bath by reaction of ZrCl.sub.4 or ZrCl.sub.2 with a boron halide and Al or Mg. In a preferred embodiment the salt bath comprises ZrCl.sub.4, KCl and NaCl maintained at a temperature of about 540.degree. to 660.degree. C. and solid Al powder is reacted with ZrCl.sub.4 and BCl.sub.3. The ZrB.sub.2 powder produced in a particularly preferred embodiment has a median particle size of about 1.1 microns, is equiaxed, and has only a single phase.

Abstract: A metal such as aluminum is produced by electrolysis of a compound of the metal in a solvent such as a molten salt. Electrolysis is carried out by passing a current from an anode to a cathode between which the solvent bath is situated. The cathode or cathode member is composed of a graphite substrate coated with a refractory hard metal such as titanium diboride. The coating adhesion of the TiB.sub.2 is improved through control of the manufacture and structure of the graphite substrate to favor a higher coefficient of thermal expansion and to have the density of the graphite fall within a range of 1.6 to 1.85 grams per cubic centimeter. The steps in producing the graphite may include working it so as to provide a grain direction. One embodiment includes aligning the refractory hard metal coated graphite in the electrolytic cell with the graphite grain direction parallel to the direction of current flow from anode to cathode.

Abstract: Process for production of finely divided zirconium powder by reaction of solid magnesium with ZrCl.sub.4 in a molten salt bath maintained at a temperature below the melting point of magnesium. A preferred salt bath contains about 8 mole % ZrCl.sub.4 in an equimolar mixture of KCl and NaCl and is maintained at about 625.degree. C. Gaseous ZrCl.sub.4 and solid magnesium are continuously fed to a lower portion of the bath, the bath is continuously agitated, and bath containing MgCl.sub.2 is continuously removed. Zirconium powder recovered from the bath is generally spherical with a median particle size of about 2.2 .mu.m and is suitable for use in rapid rise time thermal batteries.

Abstract: A process for the production of aluminum chloride comprises providing a mixture of high purity activated carbon and alumina and bubbling chlorine gas therethrough, the mixture being kept at a temperature in the range of 500.degree. to 775.degree. C. Aluminum chloride is removed from the mixture as a vapor and condensed.

Abstract: A low temperature method of producing boron trichloride comprises reacting an oxide of boron and a reducto-chlorinating agent in a molten bath comprising a combination of metal chlorides having a melting point of not more than 600.degree. C, to form boron trichloride, and recovering the boron trichloride by vaporization from the bath.