Direct Titanium Production from Titanium Slag

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Program:
METALS
Award:
$4,996,597
Location:
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status:
ALUMNI
Project Term:
02/18/2014 - 09/30/2019

Technology Description:

The University of Utah is developing a reactor that dramatically simplifies titanium production compared to conventional processes. Today's production processes are expensive and inefficient because they require several high-energy melting steps to separate titanium from its ores. The University of Utah's reactor utilizes a magnesium hydride solution as a reducing agent to break less expensive titanium ore into its components in a single step. By processing low-grade ore directly, the titanium can be chemically isolated from other impurities. This design eliminates the series of complex, high-energy melting steps associated with current titanium production. Consolidating several energy intensive steps into one reduces both the cost and energy inputs associated with titanium extraction.

Potential Impact:

If successful, the University of Utah’s reactor would significantly reduce energy inputs and costs for titanium used in aerospace, energy, and industrial applications compared to conventional titanium production methods.

Security:

Light-weighting aircraft and other vehicles to improve fuel efficiency could reduce U.S. dependence on foreign fossil fuel resources used in the aerospace industry.

Environment:

Consolidating production steps could reduce energy consumption in titanium primary metal production by 62% and reduce CO2 emissions by eliminating high-energy melting steps.

Economy:

Simplifying titanium extraction and decreasing material inputs could make titanium cost-competitive with stainless steel for transportation applications, particularly in aircraft.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. David Tew
Project Contact:
Pei Sun
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
pei.sun@utah.edu

Partners

RTI International Metals, Inc.
The Boeing Company

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Release Date:
03/20/2013