Understanding ferrovanadium smelting through computational thermodynamics modelling

Abstract

Ferrovanadium is essential for the production of many alloy steels. It is made by the aluminothermic reduction of vanadium oxides, together with scrap steel and burnt lime as a flux at very high temperatures. In this work, the theory of aluminothermic reduction is discussed, and then a computational thermodynamics model is described and its input parameters are discussed and justified. The model predicted very satisfactorily the composition of both the ferrovanadium and waste slag from a heat at the Windimurra smelter in Western Australia. Moreover, the modelling revealed that published data on the activity coefficient of VO 1.5 in slag were likely to be seriously in error. It was shown that increasing the recovery of vanadium to the ferroalloy was accompanied by a rapid increase in its aluminium content, which is limited by commercial specifications. The limit on the silicon content of ferrovanadium can only be met by limiting the input of SiO 2 to the furnace. The model provides a useful basis for assessing process improvements.

An Investigation of Non-Metallic Inclusions in Different Ferroalloys using Electrolytic Extraction

“…Vanadium is mainly used as an alloying additive in steel to promote the formation of a finer grain size, increased hardenability, and improved wear resistance through the precipitation of its carbides and nitrides [19,20]. By far the largest application of vanadium is as a potent microalloying strengthener in high strength low alloy (HSLA) steels (0.05 to 0.15% V).…”

Features of the Process of Obtaining Ferrovanadium under Conditions of Electroslag Melting

“…The addition of vanadium to metal is primarily done in the form of ferrovanadium [2,6]. Vanadium-containing alloys are less commonly used.…”

“…The main raw materials to produce ferrovanadium are vanadium oxides [6,7,8]. Vanadium reduction from oxides can be achieved using carbon, silicon, and aluminum.…”

Element Migration Behaviors During the Reduction of Vanadium Slag for Iron‐Removal and Vanadium‐Enrichment

“…[ 3,4 ] Presently, a technological process for the production of vanadium pentoxide from vanadium slag (VS) includes sodium roasting–water leaching or calcium roasting–acid leaching process to get the V‐containing leaching liquor. [ 5–9 ] The leaching liquor is recovered by the ammonium precipitation method to collect ammonium polyvanadate precipitate (APP), then APP is calcined to obtain vanadium pentoxide. [ 10 ] The long product routing of intermediate vanadium pentoxide caused high energy consumption and hazardous leaching liquor waste containing highly toxic V 5+ and Cr 6+ ions, leading to failure in meeting the discharge standards and the environmental pollution problem.…”