Characterization of Egyptian Manganese Ores for Production of High Carbon Ferromanganese

Mohammed Salah Fahim,Abd El Hakim Taha Kandil,Hoda El Faramawy,Azza Mohammed Ahmed,Saaed Nabil Ghali

doi:10.4236/jmmce.2013.12013

Abstract

This work aims at studying the reactivity of Egyptian manganese ores to be used in the production of ferromanganese alloys in submerged electric arc furnace. Ores with different manganese content (high-medium and low) were selected and characterized by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The main mineralogical compositions in the three ores are pyrolusite (MnO2) and hematite (Fe2O3). Porosity of selected Mn ores was determined. The reactivity of the different ores was carried out through pre-reduction of the selected ores using thermobalance at 900°C and 1100°C and mixture of CO and CO2 gases. The reduction process was done until steady weight. The reduced ores were examined using XRD and SEM. The results showed that pyrolusite in high and medium ores are converted completely to MnO at 1100°C. However, the ore with low manganese content was converted to MnO and Mn3O4. Consequently, it is clear from the results that Mn ores with high and medium MnO2 content are more reactive than those with low MnO2. Therefore, high MnO2 content Mn ores are preferable to get good economic impact during the production of high carbon ferromanganese.

Highlights

Manganese is an essential alloying element in most types of steel and is used to increase strength, toughness, hardness and hardenability
This work aims at studying the reactivity of Egyptian manganese ores to be used in the production of ferromanganese alloys in submerged electric arc furnace
The examination of the selected ores by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed that, as it is clear from Figure 2, manganese oxide in the ores is mainly in the form of pyrolusite (MnO2) and iron is present as hematite (Fe2O3)

Summary

Introduction

Manganese is an essential alloying element in most types of steel and is used to increase strength, toughness, hardness and hardenability. It is used for deoxidation and desulphurization of ferrous metals and alloys. The rapid expansion in the world and Egyptian steel industry in recent years and the increasing demand on the essential ferromanganese necessitated the domestic production of this ferroalloy. The economic deposits of manganese are Um Bogma in Central Western Sinai and Elba in South Eastern Desert. The reserve of these ores in Um Bogma is about 1.7 million tons. The only processing steps carried out on the manganese ores are crushing and screening [2]

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Discussion

Conclusion