THE EXTRACTION OF BERYLLIUM FROM BERYL BY FLUOROSILICATE

Silicon tetrafluoride is known to be liberated in the Copaux process by which beryllium is obtained as a watersoluble compound by roasting beryl with a fluosilicate. The influence of conservation of silicon tetrafluoride in the system is reported for a variety of conditions: the variables studied have included temperature, pressure, time of heating, and the use of several alkali metal fluosilicates: the results support earlier work on the mechanism of the formation of water-soluble beryllium by this process. The process is tested in a rotating furnace and semi-continuously in a tunnel furnace. The latter gave good results. (auth)