Increase of chromium yield by slag reduction during production of chromium steels

The paper is focused on the evaluation of the course of Cr₂O₃ reduction from slag to alloyed steel under laboratory conditions. The experiments were aimed at the evaluation of increase in the chromium content in the melt together with the studying the behaviour of Cr₂O₃ and the mechanism of reduction by means of three reducing agents. Anthracite, ferrosilicon and mixtures of anthracite and ferrosilicon belong among the selected reducing agents. The experimental melts were focused on the proposal of a theoretical calculation of the consumption of selected reducing agents, study of reduction under laboratory conditions at application of alloyed steel with content of chromium of 12.16 wt. %, temperatures of 1600 °C and 1650 °C, together with the change of amount of reducing agents and reduction time. The results indicated in the paper constitute basic information on the possibilities of Cr₂O₃ reduction from slag; they will be used for verification of results in the pilot plant and operation experiments which will simulate operating conditions in the electric arc furnace. (paper)