Reduction of Chromite ore at different flow rates of inert gas

Pre-reduction of chromite outside the submerged-arc furnace(SAF) can significantly lower the specific power
consumption in the SAF process. Conventional processes for the pre-reduction of the ore operate at relatively
high temperatures, at 1400-1500°C. It is possible to enhance the rate of reduction at low temperatures by optimizing the flow rate of inert gas over the reaction site. The influence of the flow rate of inert gas on the rate
of reduction of chromite ore was investigated. The rate of reduction initially decreased wit the flow rate of the
gas. It increased subsequently at higher flow rates to be followed by a decrease again. There was an optimum
flow rate at which maximum reduction could be obtained. It was possible to achieve high levels of reduction
at 1200°C by optimising the flow rate of the gas. The degree of reduction obtained was comparable to that
obtained at 1400-1500°C, by conventional process routes.