Germanium production

Analysis of refined germanium products is done in a wide variety of ways, including several methods that have become ASTM standards (47). Electronic-grade Ge02 is analyzed using an emission spectrograph to determine its spectrographic purity. Its volatile content is measured in accord with ASTM F5 and its bulk density with F6. Other ASTM standards cover the preparation of a metal biHet from a sample of the oxide (F27), and the determination of the conductivity type (F42) and resistivity (F43) of the biHet. 

The technology of silicon and germanium production has developed rapidly, and knowledge of die self-diffusion properties of diese elements, and of impurity atoms has become reasonably accurate despite die experimental difficulties associated widi die measurements. These arise from die chemical affinity of diese elements for oxygen, and from die low values of die diffusion coefficients. 

In 1990, the actual world refinery production of germanium was estimated at 76 ton, a decrease of about 7% compared with the 1989 level2 4. This decline is attributed to an oversupply and to a lower level of demand for the metal. The main producers of germanium products are located in the United States, Belgium, France, Germany and Japan. 

Figure 7-32. Germanium production by direct decomposition of its dioxide (Ge02) in atmospheric-pressure thermal plasma. Composition of products (l)GeO (2)02 (3) [O] x 0.1 (4)Ge.

The production of indium and germanium products is important, and as was expected with the start-up of the KIVCET furnace and a new slag fuming furnace, the production has been expanded. The associated indium-germanium plant has now the capacity to produce 60-70 totmes of refined indium and 30-35 tonnes of contained germanium in germanium dioxide. Further expansion of germanium production is planned and will be implemented as necessary to match demand increases. 

Prices (2004). Because germanium is a byproduct of zinc smelting, germanium production responds slowly to demand. Hence the price of germanium exhibits a certain degree of volatility. In 2004, the price of germanium dioxide was about 358 US /kg, while the price of elemental germanium (6N, i.e., purity of 99.9999 wt.%) was 1700 US /kg (i.e., 771 US /lb.). 

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