Ferro Chrome

Ferro Chrome 

Ferro chrome is classified as a ferroalloy, meaning it is  composed of a mixture of iron and chromium, with a typical  chromium content of 50 to 70% by weight. Ferro chrome is  produced by electric arc carbothermic reduction of chromite, a  mineral composed mainly of chrome oxide and iron oxide and  mined as chrome ore. Ferro Chrome is mainly used in the  production of stainless steel, which depends on chromium for  its corrosion resistance, hardness, and strength. Ferro Chrome  can also be used to add chromium to carbon steel and other  specialty steels.

How is Ferro Chrome different from Ferro Manganese? 

Ferro chrome and ferro manganese are both types of  ferroalloys, that is, alloys of iron and another metal. However,  they differ in the following aspects:

• Ferro chrome contains chromium as the main alloying  element, while Ferro Manganese contains manganese as the  main alloying element.
• Ferro chrome generally contains 50 to 70% chromium by  weight, while Ferro Manganese can contain as much as 80%  manganese by weight.
• Ferro chrome is mainly used in the production of stainless  steel, which depends on chromium for its corrosion resistance,  hardness, and strength, while ferro manganese is used as a  deoxidizer and an alloying element for various grades of steel.

Applications of Ferro Chrome 

The main application of Ferro Chrome is in the production of  stainless steel, which depends on chromium for its corrosion  resistance, hardness, and strength. Over 80% of the world’s  Ferro chrome is used for this purpose.

Ferro chrome can also be used to add chromium to carbon  steel and other specialty steels, such as Ball bearing steel, steel  for auto parts, and high-strength low-alloy steel. Chromium  improves the mechanical properties and wear resistance of  these steels.

How is Ferro chrome produced? 

Ferro chrome is produced by electric arc carbothermic  reduction of chromite, a mineral composed mainly of chrome  oxide and iron oxide and mined as chrome ore. This process  takes place at high temperatures in either a submerged arc  furnace (SAF) or an open arc furnace (OAF).

In the SAF, the chromite ore, flux, and coke are fed through a  hopper and preheated by CO gas generated from the coke bed  zone. The main reduction of chrome and iron oxides occurs in  the coke bed zone, where electric current passes through  electrodes and creates heat. The liquid slag and metal are  collected at the bottom of the furnace and tapped separately.

Some factors to consider while buying Ferro Chrome

• The quality of Ferro chrome, which depends on its chemical  composition, physical properties, and impurity levels. The  quality should match the specifications and requirements of the  end-use application, such as stainless-steel production or  specialty steel production.
• The price of Ferro chrome, which is influenced by the supply  and demand of chromite ore, the production cost of Ferro  chrome, the electricity cost, the exchange rate, and the market  conditions. The price should be competitive and reasonable for  the quality and quantity of Ferro chrome.
• The availability of Ferro chrome, which depends on the  production capacity and inventory of the suppliers, the  transportation and logistics infrastructure, also geopolitical and  environmental factors. The availability should be consistent and  reliable to ensure timely delivery and avoid supply disruptions.
• The reputation of the suppliers, which reflects their  experience, expertise, credibility, and customer service. The  reputation should be positive and trustworthy to ensure a long term and mutually beneficial relationship.