How are sodium, magnesium, and chlorine recycled during titanium production?

In the production of titanium metal, the Kroll process or the Hunter process results in titanium sponge with entrapped salts, specifically sodium chloride (NaCl) or magnesium chloride (MgCl₂).

To recycle these materials, the sponge is first crushed, and the metal is separated from the salts through either a dilute acid leach or high-temperature vacuum distillation. Once separated, the salts are processed through electrolytic cells. This electrolysis dissociates the salts, allowing for the recovery of sodium or magnesium, which are then reused in the metal reduction stage of titanium production. Additionally, the chlorine generated during this electrolytic process is captured and reused for the chlorination of titanium ore.1