Improvements in method of producing iron in pure or alloyed state

摘要

623,193. Electrolytic production of iron or iron alloy. ANGEL, E. G. R. June 28, 1946, No. 19440. Convention date, June 30, 1945. [Class 41] A method of producing iron in pure or alloyed state includes forming a suspension of anhydrous iron oxide compounds in finelydivided state, preferably less than 01 mm., in an electrolyte of alkaline lye, intensely agitating the suspension to cause the compounds gradually to dissolve in the electrolyte, and subjecting the suspension or solution to electrolysis at a high temperature, for example 90‹ to 110‹ C., while using either insoluble anodes, especially nickel, nickel-plated iron or iron containing nickel, or soluble anodes of pure iron. For the production of an alloy of iron with a metal such as manganese, nickel, molybdenum or tungsten, such metal is added to the electrolyte either as a part of the anhydrous iron compound or as an addition thereto in the form of a compound preferably an oxide free from water, or alternatively the metal is contained in the soluble iron anodes. Other metals for example vanadium are not recovered on the cathode but remain as alkali salts, from which the metals can be recovered. The alloying substances are preferably added in the form of iron ores of the oxide form, for example to produce an alloy of iron and manganese, iron ore containing manganese is added in finely-divided state. The anhydrous iron compounds may consist of magnetite, haematite, roasted iron pyrites, roasted siderite or anhydrous ferro-oxygen by-products from chemical processes. The suspension may be agitated by production of vibrations beyond audiofrequency. The concentration of alkaline lye the higher the degree of disintegration or the rate of dissolution of the raw material in the lye.