Creative Engineers has developed significant experience in the high-temperature reduction of many materials by the use of alkali metals, principally sodium or NaK (sodium-potassium alloy). These reactions are normally highly exothermic and result in a product, mixed with sodium salts. These reactions present many challenges, such as high temperature, often deep vacuums, corrosion, toxicity, and product separation.
Sodium delivery system Desired products from these high-temperature reductions are varied and diverse. A list of just a few possible products include:
- Niobium
- Tantalum
- Silicon (popular in exploring alternate routes to photovoltaic silicon)
- Boron
- Aluminum
- Titanium
- and others
Specialized equipment includes:
- Lab hoods
- Glove box with ultra-low O2capability
- Small Hastelloy and stainless reactors
- A facility permitted for many tons of alkali metals (sodium)
- Chillers
- Scrubbers for toxic materials
CEI maintains a very comprehensive and up-to-date safety program to prevent exposures and injuries while performing this difficult work. The customer may also choose to have their project managed under an ISO9001-compliant program to ensure all the desired outcomes are documented and achieved.
Contact us or call us at 717-235-5469 for more information about our high-temperature reduction services.