Evaluation of the Furnace Method for the Production of Low Carbon Ferrochrome

The furnace method was evaluated as a potential improvement on the mixing method for the production of low carbon ferrochrome. The furnace method can provide significant savings in the operating cost, primarily due to a saving of 29%–47% in the energy consumption. Hexavalent chromium formation is also expected to be lower due to the difference in furnace design and operating conditions. Thermochemical modeling showed a lime-fluxed slag with a basicity of between 1.8 and 1.9 to be the most desirable slag. A magnesia refractory lining is the most suitable material for this process. Smelting tests largely confirmed the modelling results.