Abstract: An electrical resistance heater for high temperature chlorination of alumina bearing material by gaseous chlorine within a reaction chamber. The heater comprises two, closely spaced, side-by-side, elongated posts made of a carbonaceous material electrically connected together adjacent one of their ends. Two metal bars extend respectively into the other ends of the posts for directing electrical current through the posts. Means are provided for directing an inert gas along the external surfaces of the posts that tend to be cooler than the portions of the posts located to provide the high temperature.

Abstract: Hot vapors of aluminum chloride and by-products produced in the chlorination of aluminous material to form aluminum chloride are cooled by contacting the vapors with solid aluminum chloride as the vapors exit from the reactor and before the vapors come in contact with filter materials. This cooling reduces the temperature of the vapors from an initial temperature of about 600.degree.-800.degree. C down to about 300.degree.-350.degree. C thereby preventing or inhibiting attack of the filter materials by the hot vapors.