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Electrolytic production process for magnesium and its alloys

  • US 5,593,566 A
  • Filed: 06/09/1995
  • Issued: 01/14/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/09/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of producing magnesium or magnesium alloys from a feedstock containing magnesium oxide comprising:

  • providing an electrolytic cell comprising (a) a molten salt electrolyte initially consisting essentially of one part by weight magnesium chloride and three to five parts by weight potassium chloride;

    (b) a molten metal cathode comprising a magnesium alloy having a density greater than that of said electrolyte; and

    (c) a nonconsumed anode immersed in said electrolyte,heating the contents of the electrolytic cell to an operating temperature at which the electrolyte and cathode are molten,applying a direct current potential between said anode and cathode to produce chlorine gas at said anode and to reduce magnesium cations in said electrolyte to produce magnesium metal at the interface of said electrolyte and said cathode, such magnesium being absorbed into said cathode layer, andadding said feedstock to said electrolyte where it reacts with said chlorine gas as it is emitted to replenish magnesium cations in said electrolyte.

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