Apparatus for producing molybdenum metal

Abstract

Apparatus for producing molybdenum metal from a precursor material. An embodiment of the apparatus may comprise a furnace having at least two heating zones. A process tube extends through each of the at least two heating zones of the furnace, the process tube having a substantially constant pressure. The precursor material may be introduced into the process tube and moved through each of the at least two heating zones of the furnace. A process gas may be introduced into the process tube, wherein the precursor material reacts with the process gas within the furnace to form molybdenum metal.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for producing molybdenum metal from a precursor material, comprising: 
 a furnace having at least two heating zones;    a process tube extending through each of said at least two heating zones of said furnace, said process tube having a substantially constant pressure, wherein said precursor material is introduced into said process tube and moved through each of said at least two heating zones of said furnace; and    a process gas introduced into said process tube, wherein said precursor material reacts with said process gas within said furnace to form said molybdenum metal.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said furnace comprises three heating zones, and said process tube extends through each of said three heating zones.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a feed system linked to said process tube, wherein said precursor material is introduced into said process tube at a rate of substantially six grams per minute.  
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said precursor material is nano-particles of molybdic oxide (MoO 3 ).  
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said precursor material has a surface area in the range of 25 m 2 /g to 35 m 2 /g.  
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a drive assembly operatively associated with said process tube, wherein said drive assembly rotates said process tube at a rate of substantially 20 seconds per revolution.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said process tube is at an incline of substantially one degree.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said process gas is introduced into said process tube and flows in a direction opposite to the direction that said precursor material is moved through said process tube.  
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said process gas is introduced into said process tube at a rate of substantially eighty cubic feet per hour.  
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said process gas comprises at least a reducing gas.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said process gas comprises at least hydrogen gas.  
     
     
         12 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said process tube has a pressure of substantially 11.4 cm of water pressure (gauge).  
     
     
         13 . An apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said molybdenum metal is produced having a surface area of substantially 2.5 m 2 /g according to BET analysis.  
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for producing molybdenum metal from a precursor material, comprising: 
 a process tube having three heating zones and a cooling zone, wherein said precursor material is introduced into said process tube and moves through said three heating zones; and    a process gas introduced into said process tube, wherein said precursor material reacts with said process gas to form said molybdenum metal in said three heating zones, said molybdenum metal cooling at a constant pressure in said cooling zone.    
     
     
         15 . An apparatus as in  claim 14 , wherein said precursor material is nano-particles of molybdic oxide (MoO 3 ).  
     
     
         16 . An apparatus as in  claim 14 , wherein said precursor material has a surface area in the range of 25 m 2 /g to 35 m 2 /g.  
     
     
         17 . An apparatus as in  claim 14 , wherein said process tube rotates at a rate of substantially 20 seconds per revolution.  
     
     
         18 . An apparatus as in  claim 14 , wherein said process tube is inclined substantially one degree.  
     
     
         19 . An apparatus as in  claim 14 , wherein said process gas is introduced into said process tube and flows in a direction opposite to the direction that said precursor material is moved through said process tube.  
     
     
         20 . An apparatus as in  claim 14 , wherein said process gas is introduced into said process tube at a rate of substantially eighty cubic feet per hour.