On a possibility of sublimation refining of niobium and tantalum chlorides

The possibility of sublimation separation and deep purification of niobium and tantalum chlorides containing Fe, Na, Mn and Zn impurities has been investigated. The data concerning the effect of temperature on vapour pressure of the components have been obtained and separation coefficients calculated. It has been found that maximum separation is obtained in a system containing manganese as impurity. Zinc and sodium impurities behave similarly; with iron impurities the separation effect is poorer