An Insight into the Pre-reduction Mechanism of Manganese Ores Using Elemental Sulfur for Ferromanganese Production
摘要
The pre-reduction of manganese ore using elemental sulfur under an inert atmosphere at temperatures above 600 °C is required for maximum MnO formation. Under atmospheric conditions, SO2 formation via sulfur oxidation leads to MnSO4, which again will dissociate to lower Mn oxides. Thus, excess energy is required for this conversion, thereby decreasing the overall energy efficiency. The optimum pre-reduction condition obtained is 800 °C, with a holding time of 4 hours at 0.5 S/Mn ratio.