Complex Carbonaceous Reducing Agents for Melting Manganese, Chromium, and Silicon Alloys in Electric Furnaces

This article uses the results of tests and production experience in smelting ferritic alloys in electric furnaces to consider processes of making large-capacity ferritic alloys and commercial-purity silicon with the help of complex carbonaceous reducing agents. The materials used to partially replace the main reducing agents include semicoke produced by low-temperature pyrolysis; petcoke; jet coals; briquetted and sod peat; peat coke; coal slam and abrasive production residuals. Briquetted hydrolytic lignin, shungite, silicon carbide and other kinds of special cokes are tried as well. The most efficient way of smelting ferritic alloys is to use complex reducing agents with a high specific electric resistance. This has a positive influence on the active resistance of the furnace bath. The high electric resistance of the reducing agent ensures a deeper fit of the electrodes into the charge and reduces the specific consumption of electricity and the release of the main elements with exhaust gases. The experience in using complex carbonaceous reducing agents to smelt ferromanganese, siliceous ferromanganese, ferrochrome, siliceous ferrochrome, and commercial silicon is considered for reducing the share of the basic reducing agent in the electric furnace charge. The considered technologies of smelting large-capacity ferritic alloys and silicon in electric furnaces by the carbon thermal method using various reducing agents with an increased specific electric resistance and optimal chemical composition show that it is not possible to replace the traditional reducing agent in the furnace charge without deteriorating the energy and process parameters of the furnace.