van Arkel method is used for refining Zr and Ti. In this method crude metal is heated with iodine.
Zr + 2I2 → ZrI4
ZrI4 +1800K ⎯⎯→ Zr + 2I2 39.
Generally, two things are considered so that proper precautions can be taken.
(i) reactivity of metal produced.
(ii) suitability of electrodes.
