Physico–Chemical aspects of Ferro –alloy production

Basic physico-chemical principles involved in the production of ferro-alloys have been outlined in this paper. Based on up-to-date thermo-chemical data, feasibility of reduction of various metallic oxides with different reducing agents such as carbon, silicon and aluminum has been discussed. Conditions leading to the production of high carbon ferro-alloys by treatment with oxidising fluxes, oxygen lancing, inter-action with oxides in vacuum, as well as by additions of elements capable of lowering carbon solubility in these alloys have been referred to. Effects of slag composition in determining the grade of ferro-alloys produced, as well as on metal recovery have been indicated. Different parameters governing the production of nitride ferro-alloys and the effect of alloying constituents on nitrogen pick up have also been discussed.