PRODUCTION OF RARE EARTH METALS

Patent · Tue Sep 24 04:00:00 EDT 1963

OSTI ID:4157849

Downing, J H; Gorski, H L; Koerner, Jr, E L

The process suggested for production of rare earth metals comprises preparing one rare earth oxide selected from the group consisting of Sm, Nd, Eu, Dy, Ho, Er, and Tm in admixture with a solid carbonaceous reducing agent and furnacing the mixture in vacuo. The composite charge is reduced, and the selected rare earth metal is distilled and collected on condenser surfaces. Several volatilization and condensation steps may be required. The same process may also be applied to mixtures of Sm/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and at least one rare-earth oxidic material selected from the group consisting of Nd, La, Ce, and Pr. Graphite and resistor carbon are examples of useful reductants. Carbon may be used as a condenser surface, or Ta or Mo may be used if CO is not present in significant amounts. (A.G.W.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-18-005352
• Assignee: Union Carbide Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 3104970
• OSTI ID: 4157849
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CARBON
CARBON MONOXIDE
CERIUM OXIDES
CHEMISTRY
DISTILLATION
DYSPROSIUM OXIDES
ERBIUM OXIDES
EUROPIUM OXIDES
EVAPORATION
GRAPHITE
HOLMIUM OXIDES
LANTHANUM OXIDES
LIQUEFYING
MOLYBDENUM
NEODYMIUM OXIDES
PATENT
PRASEODYMIUM OXIDES
PRODUCTION
RARE EARTHS
REDUCTION
SAMARIUM OXIDES
SURFACES
TANTALUM
THULIUM OXIDES
VACUUM