Making standard grade FeSiMn alloy by blending of different low grade materials.

Abstract

NML has developed a process for extraction of Cu, Ni, & Co from sea nodules by reduction roast - ammonia leaching - solvent extraction - electrowinning route on pilot scale. This process generates leach liquor (Cu, Ni & Co) and a fine residue having low Mn/Fe ratio (not suitable for direct silicomanganese smelting). The utilization of huge quantity of leached residue is therefore, a matter of great concern. Development of another process of direct smelting of sea nodules in arc furnace to separate Cu, Ni & Co in alloy is being carried out which generates Mn rich slag with high Mn/Fe ratio. In this endeavor these two low Mn containing materials are blended to have suitable Mn/Fe ratio and smelted in 50 KVA DC arc furnace to produce standard grade FeSiMn alloy.