Pyrometallurgy and Electrometallurgy of Rare Earths – Part B: Cell design, construction, rate processes, and unit operation

Abstract

Abstract Production of rare earths by metallothermic reduction and its variants is presented in an earlier study and its analysis is performed indicating major type and sequence of reactions. Diagrams required and procedures to establish them are also described. Their role and importance are also described. A comparison is also made to identify parameters of importance. This study is continuation of a previous study in which cell design to extract metals is described. Parameters to design and construct cell (metallothermic and electrothermic) are determined and used. Rate processes (heat transfer, mass transfer, charge transfer and simultaneous processes) occurring inside a cell, its operation for a specific reaction and sequence for a specific metal (Nd) are described. Outline of calculations outlining cell efficiency, output and yield are enumerated for individual (Nd, Ce, Dy) metal. Optimization and method to achieve is described. Procedures to control and production is also described. Here preliminary graphs are presented.