Description Natural silicon and a naturally found element in the earth called manganese are mixed to form a chemical compound known as Silicon Manganese. These two elements can be used in the production of many specialty steel alloys. When added to steel, it enhances its strength and function. Also known as SiMn and ferro silico manganese, Silico Manganese can be used in many applications apart from those linked with standard steel products.
It is based on the user to use Silicon Manganese alone, or combine it with other substances to form several alloys. Steel can have desired properties, all to do is adjust the ratio of silicon to manganese. There are around 68% manganese and 14-16% silicon in standard silicon manganese steel alloys. Carbon in small amounts are also used, so that steel can undergo chemical reactions with the compounds. Silicon content can be maximum 30% in stainless or specialty steel products.
Production Process
Smelting, slag formation, reduction are some of the stages in the silico manganese production. These stages are discussed in detail below:
- Stage 1: At the solid state, it is heated and pre-reduced at 1099.85-1199.85 degrees Celsius. In the reduction process, manganese monoxide is obtained from manganese oxide content, and metallic iron is obtained from iron oxides.
- Stage 2: Liquid slag is formed in this stage, in addition to the process of manganese oxide reduction. From the top of the coke bed at 1499.85 degrees Celsius, slag samples are taken along with ferro manganese in a furnace. The top of the coke bed is maintained at 1549.85-1599.85 degrees Celsius, as liquid slag have a low viscosity to percolate through the coke bed.
- Stage 3: The ore composition is changed with the reduction reactions, resulting in changing the ore's melting temperature and other properties. At low temperatures, there is carbon dioxide in the gas and water near the top of the furnace.
- The slag obtained is mostly used as an active source of manganese in the production of silico manganese. Plus, the use of ferro manganese slag in silico manganese production leads to the increase of energy consumption by 500 kWh/t slag.
- In comparison to Ferro Manganese, manufacturing of Manganese Silicon is more energy intensive, as it requires more energy for the silica reduction to silicon metal. More than 50% of Silico Manganese is produced by China. Other countries that produce this chemical compound are India, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Norway.
- The effects of manganese and silicon are deoxidize and desulphurize; plus both can increase steel hardenability. The product maintains stability under normal conditions. It forms flammable and toxic gases in contact with moisture, acids and alkalis.
