Investigation of electron beam melting and refining of titanium and tantalum scrap

In this paper obtained experimental and theoretical data for Ti and Ta electron beam melting regeneration from waste products are presented. Different technological regimes and methods are realized and the obtained results are discussed. Element analyses of the impurities’ concentration of the materials before electron beam melting and refining (EBMR) and of the ingots after EBMR are compared. Statistical approach is applied for optimization of process parameters for Ti. Material losses less than 1% and oxygen concentration less than 400 ppm after EBMR of Ti scrap are achieved at 11.5–12 kW beam power and 0.09–0.14 mm/s casting velocity. The optimal process conditions and purification data for Ti refining by minimization of all impurities’ concentrations and the material losses at the same time are obtained at 11.25 kW electron beam power and 0.0835 mm/s casting velocity. For the performed experiments the best purification of Ta (99.985) is obtained at 24 kW beam power and 0.029 mm/s casting velocity, the residence times on the front side of the feeding block and in the liquid metal pool are 2 min and 5 min, respectively.