Reaction Mechanisms in the SiMn Process 

The main objective is to ascertain the reaction mechanisms of MnO and SiO2 reduction in the SiMn process. It is uncertain how the reduction of MnO and SiO2 occurs during the high temperature process. Finding the relative kinetic parameters, such as rate constants and activation energies, should give clues to determine the reduction mechanisms of MnO and SiO2 reduction. The reduction mechanisms of MnO and SiO2 provide fundamental knowledge in the SiMn process. This is believed to aid the industrial process control for optimal SiMn alloy production.

The knowledge developed here is will be used by the industry to control the SiMn production process at a higher level and to know the effect of various raw materials on the process. The innovation may be new operation strategies both when it comes to operation and when it comes to the use of various raw materials.

Resource Group: Professor Merete Tangstad (NTNU), Per Anders Eidem (SINTEF), Dag Haaland (Eramet), Bjørn Heiland (Glencore)

Contact: pyung.h.kim@ntnu.no