On the basis of results obtained from small-scale laboratory work, equipment for the production of 60 pounds of zirconium sponge a cycle has been placed in operation.Zirconium carbide, prepared from zircon and earl)on in an electric arc furnace, is chlorinated in improved equipment capable of producing over 300 pounds a day. The raw zirconium chloride is purified in a unit which accommodates nearly 200 pounds. Reduction by magnesium is carried out in the same furnace as the purification. Excess magnesium and magnesium chloride are removed by a combination melting and vacuum distillation method. The zirconium sponge is pressed into briquets and melted in graphite crucibles in a new graphite resistor vacuum furnace capable of melting over 10 pounds of zirconium a charge.
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