THERMODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF MAGNESIUM PRODUCTION THROUGH THE PIDGEON PROCESS
The Pidgeon Process is currently the dominant process for producing magnesium. In this process, Magnesium vapour is formed from reaction between briquetted mixtures of calcined dolomite and ferrosilicon under vacuum before the metal vapour is cooled and recovered as condensate. In this study, thermodynamic analysis of the Pidgeon Process is performed with the aim to improving the understanding of how process conditions affect the purity of the magnesium. In particular, an approach to achieve high purity magnesium is described based on the thermodynamic modelling the step wise cooling of the magnesium vapour stream. The equilibrium model of this system is compared to established experimental data.
Submitted on 23rd of September 2009
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