Importance

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Abstract

A multistage method of refining a metal containing at least two metallic components in at least two sequential metal vaporization stages substantially horizontally arranged and each having a metal feed thereto, comprises, in each stage, irradiating the metal feed with an electron beam effective to heat the metal to a temperature at which the total vapor pressure of the melt is about 0.5 to 7 torr, and at which the partial vapor pressure of at least one metal component of the melt is different from that of at least one other metal component of the melt, and forming a vapor phase and a melt phase, in which each phase is either enriched or depleted in at least one metal component; wherein the vapor pressure of the condensate of said vapor phase at its condensation point is less than about 10.sup.-3 torr; and wherein the effective operating pressure of each stage is maintained at a low level compatible with electron beam irradiation; passing the melt phase of each stage downstream to form at least part of the feed of the next stage; and recycling the vapor phase of at least one stage upstream to at least one preceding stage to form at least part of the feed thereto; wherein all vapor phases passing between stages are condensed in the originating stage to form a corresponding liquid phase which is fed to the receiving stage via transport means wherein said phase remains liquid throughout its passage in and between stages.

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First Claim