This book outlines the physical and chemical foundations of high-temperature processes for producing silicon, manganese and chromium ferroalloys, alloys of molybdenum, vanadium, titanium, alkaline earth and rare earth metals, niobium, zirconium, aluminum, boron, nickel, cobalt, phosphorus, selenium and tellurium, iron-carbon alloys by carbon, silicone and aluminothermic methods. The chapters introduce the industrial production technologies of these groups of ferroalloys, the characteristics of charge materials, and the technological parameters of the melting processes. A description of ferroalloy furnaces is given in detail. Topics such as waste recycling, fines agglomeration technologies, and environmental issues are considered.

This handbook gathers, reviews and concisely presents the core principles and varied technology involved in processing ferroalloys. Background content in thermodynamics, kinetics, heat and mass transfer is accompanied by an overview of electrical furnaces theory and practice as well as sustainability issues. The work includes detailed coverage of the major technologies of ferrosilicon, ferronickel, ferromolybdenum, ferrotungsten, ferrovanadium, ferromanganese and lesser known minor ferroalloys. Distilling the results of many years' experience in ferroalloys, Michael Gasik has assembled contributions from the worlds' foremost experts. The work is therefore a unique source for scientists, engineers and university students, exploring in depth an area which is one of the most versatile and increasingly used fields within modern metallurgy. - All-in-one source for the major ferroalloys and their metallurgical processing technologies, cutting research time otherwise spent digging through old handbooks or review articles. - In-depth discussion of the C, Si, Al-reduction, groups II-VIII of the periodic table, supporting analysis of metallurgical processing. - Contemporary coverage includes environment and energy saving issues.

This introductory chapter describes the importance of ferroalloys in modern steelmaking and the benefits of applying ferroalloys instead of pure alloying elements. The idea, scope, and structure of the book are outlined.

Progress in our knowledge of thermodynamics and physico-chemical factors in manganese ferroalloy production has developed rapidly during the past twenty-five years or so. The authors' intention has been to use this basic knowledge in discussions of industrial manganese ferroalloy production. The book presents the principles and current knowledge of processes in the production of high carbon ferromanganese, silicomanganese and low carbon manganese alloys. The book is intended for professionals working in production, plant design or development. It will also be useful for researchers in industry, universities and research institutes. The book can be used as a textbook for courses in extractive and process metallurgy, and for company in-house courses. Thermodynamics of the slag and metal systems are extensively covered. Computational modelling based on assessed thermochemical databases has made it possible to calculate and present a large number of phase and equilibrium diagrams. These diagrams are useful for easy understanding and analysis of the complex heterogeneous equilibria in the manganese ferroalloy metallurgy. The manganese ferroalloys are mainly produced in electric submerged arc furnaces. Electrical relations are briefly discussed. Supply of raw materials, especially manganese ores and coke, is extremely important for the manganese industry. The book gives the reader appropriate knowledge regarding the selection the best of available raw materials. Environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions and climate changes, are of growing concern to ferroalloy producers. Carbon will always be needed as a reducing agent, and consequently emission of CO2 gas is inevitable. The book describes solutions to dealing with pollution problems and gives the latest guidelines for greenhouse gas inventories.

The word ferroalloy refers to an alloy of iron containing a significant proportion of one or more other elements like silicon, manganese, chromium, aluminum, or titanium. The main applications of ferroalloys occur in the steelmaking process. They are added to steel to improve properties like strength, ductility, and fatigue or corrosion resistance. Additionally, ferroalloys can have several other tasks, such as in refining, deoxidation, modification, and control of nonmetallic inclusions and precipitates. The production and role of ferroalloys are briefly introduced, both from a historical perspective and in light of current and future prospects. Examples of production figures, producers, and markets are presented. Recent developments and main drivers in ferroalloys processing, including energy saving, environmental issues, primary and secondary raw materials resources, and development trends in technology, are briefly discussed.