Harper International recently announced a new project with Orbite Aluminae Inc. for two high-temperature systems in series for the conversion of aluminum chloride. Orbite conducted on-site testing at Harper’s Technology Research Center in exploration of the best furnace design to support the 99.99%+ purity goal of their technology. The resulting two systems include a rotary furnace for removing volatiles (calcination) and a higher temperature vertical furnace for phase transformation.

Orbite’s material reportedly loses 80% mass as hydrochloric acid and water during the processing. In consideration of the corrosive byproducts and high purity requirement, the first system is designed with a quartz tube while the second system has an alumina tube as the contact surface with the powder.

The systems will reportedly meet Orbite’s initial scale-up goal for its existing plant construction, expanding from their current small batch furnace.

For additional information, visit www.harperintl.com or www.orbitealuminae.com.