Method of reducing metals and making alloys

198,323. Hamilton, W. B., and Evans, T. A. May 23, 1922, [Convention date]. Metals and alloys. - A method of reducing metals and of forming alloys comprises the formation of a bath of molten metal in a furnace, the formation of a layer of slag thereon, and the addition to the slag of ore containing the oxide or other reducible compound of a metal and an exothermic reducing-agent such as aluminium, silicon or magnesium, whereupon the metal of the ore is reduced and passes into the molten bath. The process is applicable : (1) to the production of products other than iron-chromium alloys using aluminium as the reducing-agent; (2) to the production of iron-chromium alloys or other alloys or products using silicon, ferro-silicon, calcium silicon, or magnesium; (3) to the reduction of compounds such as chlorides and fluorides; and is distinguished from the process described in Specification 174,271 for the production of ironchromium alloys using aluminium as a reducing- agent. The production of alloys of iron with chromium, tungsten, nickel, manganese, or other metals, and of alloys of copper with aluminium or tin, is referred to. In the case of ironchromium alloys the slag may be formed from a mixture of limestone, mill-scale and fluorspar, and the molten bath from iron scrap or ferro-chrome. A single metal may be obtained by treating an ore consisting substantially of only one metal oxide and using a molten bath of the same metal. Heating may be continued for a short time after the reaction is complete to effect refining of the metal or alloy.