Abstract: A method for transforming silicon slag into an anode material in lithium-ion batteries, comprising applying mechanical grinding, such as high-energy ball milling, to reduce particle size of silicon slag to micron and submicron sizes and/or to increase the amorphicity of the silicon slag powder. The silicon slag being used as raw material in fabricating the anodes has a composition of Si—SiC—C—SiO2, preferably having Si phase in both crystalline and amorphous states, and more preferably having Si phase only in amorphous state after a high-energy ball-milling thereof. The silicon slag has preferably a median particle diameter ?20 ?m after a high-energy ball-milling thereof and ?2 ?m after a slurry homogenization thereof. The silicon slag preferably contains 64% wt. Si+31% wt SiC+4% wt. C+1% wt. SiO2.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus using pure silicon as raw material with no other pre- processed material for producing nano-Silicon and/or nano-Silicon-carbon coated composite material in the form of particles, nanowires or a combination of both, for use in a high capacity and high energy efficiency manufacturing of anodes for Lithium-ion batteries. The apparatus comprises a reactor including at least one electrode and adapted to provide at least one arc, e.g. a DC transferred arc, for melting and vaporizing silicon provided in the reactor. A quenching system is provided for delivering a gas for quenching, in the reactor, the so-produced silicon vapour so as to form nano particles and/or nano wires. The reactor is under vacuum. The gas can be injected by a vortex and/or via the electrode that is hollow. The electrode is consumable and vertically movable to control an arc voltage and to compensate for electrode erosion.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting Spent Pot Lining (SPL) into inert slag, aluminum fluoride and energy includes a plasma arc furnace such that the destruction of SPL occurs therein. The furnace generates an electric arc within the waste, which arc travels from an anode to a cathode and destroys the waste due to the arc's extreme temperature, thereby converting a mineral fraction of SPL into vitrified inert slag lying within a crucible of the furnace. The furnace gasifies the carbon content of the SPL and produces a well-balanced syngas. The gasification takes place due to the controlled intake of air and steam into the furnace. The gasification reaction liberates significant amount of energy. Steam captures this excess energy, to provide part of the oxygen requirement for gasification and to contribute to raise the syngas H2 content. Steam also contributes to converting some SPL fluorides (NaF and Al2F3) into hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for the production of high purity silicon from silica containing material such as quartz or quartzite, using a vacuum electric arc furnace, are disclosed.

Abstract: A consumable electrode vacuum arc furnace and, more particularly, a direct current consumable electrode vacuum arc furnace is provided, wherein no water cooling is needed to cool down typically neither the electrodes, nor any other parts of the furnace, and this includes the shell, the flanges ports and the electrical connections of the furnace. The present furnace uses non-metallic electrodes, such as graphite electrode, which are suitable for melting metals, smelting of metal ores, and metal oxide to elemental metal where the use of graphite electrodes is a common practice. The present furnace and electrode assemblies render possible to perform a true continuous process of melting and smelting under controlled pressure.

Abstract: A process wherein CO2, methane, and steam react at high temperatures, for instance approximately 1600° C., to form a synthetic gas or syngas. This syngas can then be used in a methanol production plant. The carbon dioxide used to produce the syngas may also comprise recovered emissions from the production of methanol or urea, such that CO2 is recycled. The rich syngas is produced by the bi-reforming of methane, featuring a combination of dry reforming of methane and steam reforming of methane, via the reaction CO2+3CH4+2H2O?4CO+8H2, such that the H2:CO ratio is 2. A plasma reactor may be provided for the reaction. Excess heat from the syngas may be used for heating the water that is used as steam for the reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for the production of high purity silicon from silica containing material such as quartz or quartzite, using a vacuum electric arc furnace, are disclosed.

Abstract: A high temperature process is provided, which can melt, atomize and spheroidize a coarse angular powder into a fine and spherical one, it uses thermal plasma to melt the particle in a heating chamber and a supersonic nozzle to accelerate the stream and break up the particles into finer ones.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gasification and vitrification of waste comprises a plasma arc furnace provided with two movable graphite electrodes. The furnace includes an air-cooled bottom electrode adapted for transferring the current through a slag melt. The furnace is entirely sealed and is also provided with gas tight electrode seals adapted to control reducing conditions inside the furnace. An electrical circuit is further provided, which is adapted for switching from transferred io non-transferred modes of heating, thereby allowing the furnace to be restarted in case of slag freezing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process for the production of high purity silicon from silica containing material such as quartz or quartzite, using a vacuum electric arc furnace, are disclosed.