CMI researchers at Terves conducted the research for this highlight
Innovation
New vacuum-dried hydrated NdCl3 process found more feasible than solid state direct reaction process. This process has been down selected, and improvements made.
Achievement
Anhydrous neodymium chloride produced through vacuum drying process. Improvements to the components of the vacuum drying system have achieved lower vacuum levels and shortened the drying cycle from 9 days down to 1 day. The lab scale retort has been upgraded with a longer heating zone by relocating the cold zone and purchasing a longer heater.
Significance and Impact
The shorter run time and expanded hot zone provides the capability to run larger material volumes, much more quickly, until the pilot scale system is completed.
Hub Target Addressed
Demonstration of a domestic rare earth metal processing facility