Location History:
- Waterkloof, Pretoria, Gauteng Province, ZA (2002)
- Pretoria, ZA (2003 - 2017)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 2002-2017
Title: The Innovative Contributions of David Steyn Van Vuuren
Introduction
David Steyn Van Vuuren is a notable inventor based in Pretoria, South Africa. He has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the production and upgrading of titanium materials. With a total of five patents to his name, Van Vuuren's work has the potential to impact various industries.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is a process for the production of crystalline titanium powder. This invention provides a method for producing crystalline titanium powder containing single crystals or agglomerates of single crystals with an average crystal size greater than 1 µm. The process involves reacting a titanium chloride species, preferably titanium dichloride, with a reducing metal in a continuous back-mix reactor. This innovative approach results in a free-flowing suspension of titanium powder in molten chloride salt.
Another significant patent by Van Vuuren is related to the upgrading of titaniferous material. This method includes nitriding and reducing a titaniferous material that contains TiO and Fe oxides in the presence of nitrogen and carbon. The process converts TiO to TiN while reducing most of the Fe oxides to Fe. The Fe is oxidized preferentially to TiN, allowing for the removal of Fe ions and producing an upgraded low-Fe TiN bearing material.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, David Steyn Van Vuuren has worked with various organizations, including the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). His work at CSIR has allowed him to explore innovative solutions in materials science and engineering.
Collaborations
Van Vuuren has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Andrew Kenneth Stone and Salomon Johannes Oosthuizen. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of his research and the successful development of his patents.
Conclusion
David Steyn Van Vuuren's innovative work in the field of titanium materials showcases his expertise and dedication to advancing technology. His patents reflect a commitment to improving processes and materials that can benefit various industries.