Abstract: A method of producing a refractory metal powder by (A) combining (i) an oxide particle component and (ii) a reducing agent; (B) forming a substantially uniform mixture of (i) and (ii); (C) continuously feeding the mixture into a furnace; (D) igniting the mixture at a reaction zone and starting a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to form a high temperature flash; (E) starting a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to form a high temperature self-sustaining flash; and (F) producing a free-flowing reduced oxide powder.

Abstract: Molybdenum trioxide or ammonium dimolybdate is reduced to molybdenum metal as it passes through an atmosphere of hydrogen in a multi-zoned thermally profiled rotating tube furnace.

Abstract: Molybdenum trioxide or ammonium dimolybdate is reduced to molybdenum metal as it passes through an atmosphere of hydrogen in a multi-zoned thermally profiled rotating tube furnace.

Abstract: A purge chamber for providing a controlled atmosphere for the treatment of materials comprises a housing within which materials to be treated may be passed through and subjected to a cross-flow of purging gas entering and exiting through a multiplicity of inlets and outlets positioned along the length of the housing. Exiting gas may be recycled and re-entered in combination with fresh gas. In practice, materials to be treated may be conveyed through the chamber while the atmosphere surrounding the materials is continuously exchanged. Flapper doors, spanning the width of the chamber, are positioned along the path of travel of the materials being treated to direct the cross-flow of purging gas and prevent the entry of unwanted gases.

Abstract: A kiln, useful for sintering basemetal capacitors comprises an inner zone having vertically oriented gas dispersion conduits for the inlet and radial dispersion of gas and vertically oriented electrical heating elements. Each gas dispersion conduit comprises a porous or perforated inner tube for a porous or perforated outer tube concentrically positioned around the inner tube. The annular space between is filled with a porous refractory medium, such as a bulk ceramic fiber. The temperature of the inner zone is controlled by the electrical heating elements. The gas is evenly heated as it passes radially from the inner tube through the porous refractory medium and then through the outer tube. Surrounding the inner zone is a multiplicity of stacks of substantially horizontally-oriented trays on which the material or articles to be sintered or otherwise treated are placed. The circle of stacks of trays is surrounded by an outer heating zone comprising an outer ring of electrical heating elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a batch type rotary calcination system where the gas used to heat and chemically react a particulate material is cross-flow contacted with the particulate material. This cross-flow is achieved by locating a gas inlet and a gas outlet adjacent an apertured cylinder containing the particulate material. The apertures on the cylinder are covered by a screen designed to permit gas flow through but prevent the escape of particulate material from the system. The gas inlet and gas outlet are so positioned to provide a continuous gas cross-flow through the particulate material being treated.

Abstract: A direct heat rotary calciner and method for providing improved thermal treatment of particulate material comprises a rotary tube having a plurality of screened apertures along the length thereof. Material to be treated is passed through the rotating tube and contacted during passage with a cross-flow of heated gases entering and leaving through the screened apertures. At least a portion of the internal wall of the tube may be provided with spiral flights to aid in the conveyance of the particulate material through the rotating tube.

Abstract: This invention involves a transport system for moving work products through a furnace or kiln. The structure is simple in construction and moves easily along two grooves or channels provided at both sides of the product supporting structure. The supporting structure is a plurality of cross bars resting on a carrier or carriers on each side thereof. The structure resists warping and rapid deterioration generally occuring in prior art structures. It importantly allows uniform heating of the product because of the open atmosphere provided therein.