Pre-Reduction of Chromite Ores

Ferro-chromium is traditionally produced in the submerged - arc furnace (SAF) by the reduction of chromite
ore using carbon, usually in the form of coke , as reducing agent . The process is highly energy - intensive. Due to the high cost of power, processes are being developed to pre-reduce the ore outside the SAF. The processes that have been developed and adopted on industrial scale operate at relatively high temperatures and have not found wide application . A new process that is being developed can considerably reduce the pre-reduction temperature . This can ensure better control of the process and lead to better performance of refractory.