Complex Vanadium-Containing Ferroalloys

The possibility of preparing complex vanadium-containing ferroalloys directly from vanadium slag and their application in steelmaking are considered in a review. Complex alloys make it possible to expand the ore base for ferroalloy production since it may involve poorer and more complex charge materials. Due to this it is possible to regulate parameters of the production process of their preparation more flexibly. Dependences of the physicochemical and thermophysical properties of complex ferroalloys (melting temperature, density, heat capacity, thermal conductivity, melting time in liquid steel, changes in steel temperature during ferroalloy introduction) on the concentration of vanadium, silicon, titanium and manganese in the ferroalloy are studied. The most favorable effect on properties of the ferroalloys studied appears to be an increase in silicon concentration, in view of which with complex vanadium ferroalloy it is useful to include an element such as silicon, and the vanadium-containing oxide component of the charge may be leaner with respect to the basic element content than commercial vanadium pentoxide. Use of vanadium converter slag makes it possible to exclude the vanadium pentoxide preparation stage from the production chain for processing vanadium. It is beneficial for production because vanadium pentoxide processing is characterized by a high level of environmental pollution and loss of vanadium (about 25%). Use of complex vanadium ferroalloys during steel treatment demonstrates the expediency of their use. Combined introduction of vanadium with silicon, calcium, and manganese into a steel melt makes it possible to create a favorable composition and shape for non-metallic inclusions. The main advantages of preparing and using complex vanadium ferroalloys are demonstrated.