How Tungsten is Isolated and Refined

Once the tungsten ore that was extracted from the earth is ready for processing and has been prepared. The process in preparing the tungsten is the same as has been used since it was initially extracted by the Spanish brothers and chemists Juan Jose and Fausto d’Elhuyar y de Suvisa. However, unlike the method used by the d’Elhuvar y de Suvisa brothers, modern extraction and preparation requires an extra, complicated step. Today, a complex chemical extraction is produced during the process. The chemical is called ammonium paratungstate, or more commonly known as APT.

APT is produced in two different ways. The methods are acid leaching and autoclave-soda. Ore is mixed with sodium carbonate under high temperatures and pressure in the autoclave-soda process. APT crystals are formed after ammonia is added to sodium tungstate solution.

In the acid leaching process, tungsten ore is broken down using hydrochloric acid making solid tungstic acid and calcium chloride. Ammonia is used as in the autoclave-soda process. Ammonia is used to dissolve tungstic acid. After evaporating and filtering the mixture, crystals of APT are produced.

Now, you may be wondering what crystals have to do with the tungsten carbide rings you purchased at your local or online retailer. Well, the process is still yet to be completed. The next part of the process is to make tungsten oxide.



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