Abstract: This invention relates to a method for electrowinning of titanium metal or titanium alloys from electrically conductive titanium mixed oxide compounds in the liquid state such as molten titania slag, molten ilmenite, molten leucoxene, molten perowskite, molten titanite, molten natural or synthetic rutile or molten titanium dioxide. The method involves providing the conductive titanium oxide compound at temperatures corresponding to the liquid state, pouring the molten material into an electrochemical reactor to form a pool of electrically conductive liquid acting as cathode material, covering the cathode material with a layer of electrolyte, such as molten salts or a solid state ionic conductor, deoxidizing electrochemically the molten cathode by direct current electrolysis. Preferably, the deoxidizing step is performed at high temperature using either a consumable carbon anode or an inert dimensionally stable anode or a gas diffusion anode.

Abstract: An upgraded titania slag product is described. A TiO2 containing product which includes rutile, pseudo-brookite and ilmenite is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed including: (a) sizing a titania slag to a particle size range of from 75 microns to 850 microns; (b) oxidizing the sized titania slag by contacting the sized titania slag with an oxygen containing gas at a temperature of at least about 950.degree. C. for a period of at least about 20 minutes such that a substantial portion of the iron oxide is converted to a ferric state, such that the reduced titanium oxides are converted to a tetravalent state, and such that at least a major portion of the glassy silicate phase is decomposed; (c) reducing the oxidized titania slag in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of at least about 700.degree. C. for a period of at least about 30 minutes such that the ferric state iron oxide is converted to a ferrous state; (d) leaching the reduced titania slag with mineral acid at a temperature of at least 125.degree. C.

Abstract: Synthetic rutile is prepared from titaniferous slags containing alkaline-earth metal impurities, such as magnesium oxide, by a method comprising contacting the slag with chlorine at a temperature of at least about 800.degree. C., and then leaching the chlorine-treated slag with hydrochloric acid at a temperature of at least about 150.degree. C.

Abstract: Synthetic rutile is prepared from titaniferous slags containing alkaline-earth metal impurities, such as magnesium oxide, by a method comprising contacting the slag with chlorine at a temperature of at least about 800.degree. C., and then leaching the chlorine-treated slag with hydrochloric acid at a temperature of at least about 140.degree. C.

Abstract: A synthetic rutile is prepared from a titaniferous slag, typically containing at least about 1.0 weight percent magnesium oxide and at least some portion of its titanium values as Ti.sub.2 O.sub.3, by a method comprising contacting the slag with chlorine gas at a temperature between about 400.degree. C.-800.degree. C., such that the magnesium oxide and chlorine gas react to form magnesium chloride, and then removing the magnesium chloride from the slag, typically by washing the slag with water. In one embodiment, the synthetic rutile can be further upgraded by subjecting it to either a caustic or acid leaching treatment.

Abstract: An electric furnace electrode seal assembly includes a seal ring mounted on the furnace adjacent the electrode opening. The seal ring is stationary and supports a telescoping arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical sealing glands which can be air or convection cooled and extend upwardly along the electrode from the seal ring. The largest diameter gland can be located on top of the seal ring and the uppermost gland can be the smallest diameter and is supported by the electrode holder. Seals are interposed respectively between adjacent glands and these seals permit vertical telescopic movement as well as lateral movement of and slight tilting of the glands relative to each other. The bottom gland can slide on the seal ring to provide for additional lateral movement of the electrode and seal assembly. The assembly prevents leakage of gases and acts as a heat shield.

Abstract: An electric furnace electrode seal assembly includes a seal ring mounted on the furnace adjacent the electrode opening. The seal ring is stationary and supports a telescoping arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical water cooled sealing glands that extend upwardly along the electrode from the seal ring. The largest diameter gland can be located on top of the seal ring and the uppermost gland can be the smallest diameter and is supported by the electrode holder. Seals are interposed respectively between adjacent glands and these seals permit vertical telescopic movmeent as well as lateral movement of and slight tilting of the glands relative to each other. The bottom gland can slide on the seal ring to provide for additional lateral movement of the electrode and seal assembly. The assembly prevents leakage of gases and acts as a heat shield.