How is pure vanadium metal produced by calcium reduction?

To produce pure vanadium metal via calcium reduction, vanadium pentoxide ($V_2{O}_5$) is reduced metallothermically using calcium as the reductant.1

This exothermic reaction is conducted within a sealed vessel, utilizing calcium chloride as a flux to facilitate the process. During the reaction, the vanadium metal is recovered in the form of droplets or beads. If a massive regulus is desired, iodine may be added to serve as both a flux and a thermal booster.1

While this method is effective for producing pure metal, it is noted for requiring a relatively large amount of reductant and typically results in lower metal yields, generally in the range of 75 to 80 percent.1