Application of all kinds of alloys
Ferroalloy is a name we have heard many times! What products do you think ferroalloys are called and how are they implemented?
What is a ferroalloy?
What is a ferroalloy? Before explaining the production method of ferroalloy as well as its application and different models, it is necessary to have a correct definition of ferroalloy. Ferroalloys are alloys that contain iron. This product is used to create desired changes in the properties of steel and other metals. Ferroalloys require molten metals and other additives. In general, the most famous ferroalloy can be called ferrosilicon, which is widely used these days and has good quality. If you want to define ferroalloy more and better, we must evaluate a series of parameters:
Ferroalloy types: Ferroalloys are generally referred to as alloys that contain two or more chemical elements with a specific reflection of the characteristics of each. Depending on the composition of the elements and their percentage in the alloy, their physical and chemical characteristics are different. Some types of ferroalloys are: • Aluminum ferroalloys: These ferroalloys include aluminum and elements such as copper, silicon and magnesium. They are used to make parts in the aerospace, automotive and marine engineering industries.
Titanium ferroalloys: These ferroalloys include titanium and elements such as aluminum, vanadium and molybdenum. They are used to make parts that require high strength and resistance, such as aircraft turbines, spacecraft and medical instruments. • Nickel ferroalloys: These ferroalloys include nickel and elements such as chromium, iron and molybdenum. They are used to make parts that work at high temperatures, such as jet engines and nuclear power parts.
Type of ferroalloy production
Another important parameter in identifying ferroalloys is their production method. In fact, these products were originally prepared by special styles in ground furnaces. Nowadays, special furnaces are used in industries. Iron ores are an important part of production.
Ferroalloy producer
attention, ferroalloys are produced by non-ferrous minerals as well as iron ore and coking coal in two general ways
blast furnace
This method is relatively old but is still used to some extent. Pay attention that these furnaces have their own working routine and not everyone can work with them. In the early past, blast furnaces were considered tools for producing ferroalloys.
Electric arc furnace
These days, industries have progressed a lot. Advanced equipment and generators have made the production of ferroalloys more industrial. In general, these furnaces are made of silicon metal and ferro-silicon by electric arc method. Ferroalloy production furnaces are known as electric arc furnaces. Of course, these furnaces also work under charging. Newer ideas are used in this method.
Application of ferroalloy
Ferroalloys are used in the steel industry, especially metals. These products have a series of special and unique features that are used in steel and cast iron. We examine the application of ferroalloy together.
Application of ferroalloy for deoxygenation
Since each of the applications of ferroalloy has its own importance, there is a place to provide the necessary explanations in this field. Ferroalloys are used in the steel making process. Ferroalloy plays the role of removing oxygen.
Steel making generally causes the raw iron to undergo oxidation and eventually turn into steel. This process causes undesirable impurities in iron such as carbon, sulfur and phosphorus to be taken by auxin.
This approach also causes iron oxide to become a special oxide. In this process, some of the auxin remains in the iron without combining. Finally, its freezing also causes holes in the iron. These holes reduce the quality of iron and ultimately have an adverse effect on the mechanical properties of iron.
In order to prevent the reduction of iron quality, it is necessary to completely deoxidize before termination. The best method of deoxygenation is to add an element that combines more with oxygen than iron. For example, chrome, aluminum, silicon and manganese can be used in this direction.
Application of ferroalloy for alloying
If ferroalloy is used to change the properties of steel, it is called alloying. For example, ferrochrome and ferromanganese with medium or low carbon are related to the alloying process.
These materials, if combined with steel, can change the properties of the final product. Alloy elements become a special material through a series of metal changes. For example, when chromium element is added to molten steel, its structural quality will be better.
When chromium is added, the alpha phase becomes more stable due to a series of cubic-centered crystal lattices. This procedure increases the strength and resistance to rust. In fact, this is the most important reason for the presence of chromium in all stainless steels. When manganese element is added to steel, strength and stability will increase.
Ferroalloys in casting inoculation process
In casting industries, ferroalloys are used to change the characteristics or the conditions of solidification of molten iron. In fact, adding some elements to the molten iron before casting makes it act like a primary crystal nucleus.
In this case, the crystallization center will be simpler. This approach causes the crystal grains to be uniformly dispersed and melted throughout the iron mass. This uniform distribution of grains increases the hardness of the ingots after freezing.
In fact, the amount of fragility also decreases. The addition of inoculating alloys such as silicon and calcium alloys causes the texture of iron to change. In ordinary cast iron, the carbon is dispersed in layers.
In the inoculated iron, in general, dispersion is done uniformly throughout the body. Inoculated iron is very strong in terms of strength and replaces cast steel.
Other applications that can be used for ferroalloy include regeneration. This approach is also used in mechanical industries. On the other hand, it is also used to prepare welding wires
Types of ferroalloys
Ferroalloys come in a variety of styles. In this way, it is good to know each one well:
The price of ferroalloy
Much has been asked about the price of ferroalloy. The production price of special ferroalloys is relatively lower compared to the bulk. In general, special models are also used in most of the iron, steel and cast iron industries. Note that these products are also used in other industries such as aluminum and chemical industries.
Conclusion
When buying ferroalloy, it is better to pay attention to its quality first. Ordering ferroalloy in bulk usually causes the final price to be lower. Another very important issue is that cheap ferroalloys are usually implemented in such a way that you can use them in some sensitive places. Due to its tariff, this product has been considered the best product in steel production. Note that ferroalloys can play an important role in many other industries.