Abstract: A method of obtaining a measure of the stickiness of heated particulate solids (40) includes pouring a sample of the particulate solids (40) onto a generally horizontal support (12) and allowing it to freely form its own angle of repose. The sample is subjected to a predetermined heat and gas atmosphere regime, and the support is rotated about a generally horizontal axis to an angle (42) where the integrity of the sample (40) fails. The angular position (42) is a measure of the stickness of the particulate solid (40).

Abstract: An electrolytic cell (1) for reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets in a continuous or semi-continuous manner, the cell includes a cathode (25) in the form of a plate that has an upper surface for supporting metal oxide powders and/or pellets. The plate is supported for movement so as to cause the metal oxide on the upper surface to move toward a forward end of the plate while immersed in a molten electrolyte (21). The cell includes multiple anodes (23) and support structures (63,65) that separately support the cathode and the anodes from above the cell. In a preferred embodiment the anode support structure enables adjustment of the spacing of the anodes above the upper surface of the cathode.

Abstract: A method of producing titanium semi-finished or ready-to-use products from titanium oxide powders and/or pellets is disclosed. The method produces products that are not affected adversely by levels of chlorine that have an impact on performance, particularly weldability, of products made by other methods.

Abstract: A metal oxide feed material for an electrochemical reduction process is disclosed. The feed material is in the form of powders and/or pellets that have sufficient porosity, typically 35-60%, to enable penetration of molten electrolyte into the powders and/or pellets during the course of an electrochemical reduction process in an electrolytic cell and subsequent washing of electrolyte from the powders and/or pellets after the powders and/or pellets are discharged from the cell. A process for preparing the metal oxide feed material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for electrochemically reducing metal oxide feed material in a solid state is disclosed. The process includes the steps of agitating an electrolyte and metal oxide powders in the electrolyte and applying an electrical potential across a cathode in contact with the electrolyte and an anode and electrochemically reducing the metal oxides.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for electrochemically reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets is disclosed. The cell includes a cathode (25) in the form of a plate that has an upper surface for supporting metal oxide powders and/or pellets. The plate is horizontally disposed or slightly inclined and has a forward end and a rearward end and is immersed in an electrolyte bath. The plate is supported for movement so as to cause metal oxide powders and/or pellets on the upper surface of the plate to move toward a forward end of the plate. The cell also includes a means for causing metal oxide powders and/or pellets to move over the upper surface of the plate toward the forward end of the cathode while in contact with molten electrolyte whereby electrochemical reduction of the metal oxide to metal can occur. A method of continuously or semi-continuously reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets in the cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a measure of the stickiness of heated particulate solids (40) includes pouring a sample of the particulate solids (40) onto a generally horizontal support (12) and allowing it to freely form its own angle of repose. The sample is subjected to a predetermined heat and gas atmosphere regime, and the support is rotated about a generally horizontal axis to an angle (42) where the integrity of the sample (46) fails. The angular position (42) is a measure of the stickness of the particulate solid (40).

Abstract: A method of obtaining a measure of the stickiness of heated particulate solids (40) includes pouring a sample of the particulate solids (40) onto a generally horizontal support (12) and allowing it to freely form its own angle of repose. The sample is subjected to a predetermined heat and gas atmosphere regime, and the support is rotated about a generally horizontal axis to an angle (42) where the integrity of the sample (40) fails. The angular position (42) is a measure of the stickness of the particulate solid (40).

Abstract: A method of obtaining a measure of the stickiness of heated particulate solids (40) includes pouring a sample of the particulate solids (40) onto a generally horizontal support (12) and allowing it to freely form its own angle of repose. The sample is subjected to a predetermined heat and gas atmosphere regime, and the support is rotated about a generally horizontal axis to an angle (42) where the integrity of the sample (40) fails. The angular position (42) is a measure of the stickness of the particulate solid (40).