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The Effect of Carbonaceous Reductant Selection on Chromite Pre-reduction

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Abstract

Ferrochrome (FeCr) production is an energy-intensive process. Currently, the pelletized chromite pre-reduction process, also referred to as solid-state reduction of chromite, is most likely the FeCr production process with the lowest specific electricity consumption, i.e., MWh/t FeCr produced. In this study, the effects of carbonaceous reductant selection on chromite pre-reduction and cured pellet strength were investigated. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to evaluate the effect of reductant characteristics on the aforementioned two parameters. This yielded mathematical solutions that can be used by FeCr producers to select reductants more optimally in future. Additionally, the results indicated that hydrogen (H)- (24 pct) and volatile content (45.8 pct) were the most significant contributors for predicting variance in pre-reduction and compressive strength, respectively. The role of H within this context is postulated to be linked to the ability of a reductant to release H that can induce reduction. Therefore, contrary to the current operational selection criteria, the authors believe that thermally untreated reductants (e.g., anthracite, as opposed to coke or char), with volatile contents close to the currently applied specification (to ensure pellet strength), would be optimal, since it would maximize H content that would enhance pre-reduction.

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Acknowledgments

The financial assistance of the South African National Research Foundation (NRF) towards the studies of ELJ Kleynhans is hereby acknowledged. The South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation of South Africa (Coal Research Chair Grant No. 86880) are also acknowledged. Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at are those of the authors and are not necessarily to be attributed to the NRF. The authors would also like to thank Lion Ferrochrome (Glencore Alloys) for pre-reduction determinations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemical Resource Beneficiation, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

    E. L. J. Kleynhans, J. P. Beukes, P. G. Van Zyl, J. R. Bunt & M. Venter

  2. Pyrometallurgy Division, Mintek, 200 Malibongwe Drive, Private Bag X3015, Randburg, 2125, South Africa

    N. S. B. Nkosi

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  1. E. L. J. Kleynhans
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Correspondence to J. P. Beukes.

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Manuscript submitted June 22, 2016.

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Kleynhans, E.L.J., Beukes, J.P., Van Zyl, P.G. et al. The Effect of Carbonaceous Reductant Selection on Chromite Pre-reduction. Metall Mater Trans B 48, 827–840 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-016-0878-4

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