Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-21 Origin: Site
Ferrochrome is a key raw material in stainless steel manufacturing. To meet industry demands, it must be processed into specific grain sizes. Traditional methods often fall short in quality, efficiency, and environmental impact. Today, modern ferrochrome granulation technology offers a superior alternative—delivering consistent purity, better yield, and lower production costs.
Currently, most ferroalloy plants rely on three conventional approaches:
Casting in ground or ingot moulds, followed by manual crushing after cooling.
– Produces excessive powder, causing environmental pollution.
– High processing costs and inconsistent results.
Casting in moulds, then mechanical crushing.
– Results in uneven particle size and sharp edges.
– Product contamination is common.
Using a cast iron machine to process molten ferrochrome.
– Often leads to product contamination and lower yield.
These methods struggle with pollution, irregular grain size, and higher operational costs.
Granulation transforms molten material into uniform, solid grains. First introduced in the 1950s for pig iron and slag processing, the technology has evolved. Modern systems project molten metal onto a rotating or stationary disc to form consistent granules.
A complete ferrochrome granulation system includes:
Granulation unit: ladle, chute, rotary device, tundish, nozzle, and cooling tank
Water system: cold and hot water pumps, pools, and waterjet pumps
Drying system: dewatering screen, vibrating feeder, drying kiln
Storage and packing: large-incline belts, silos, buffer tanks, and packers
After slag removal in the ladle, molten ferrochrome flows through a chute into a tundish. It is then distributed through a nozzle into fine streams, instantly solidifying upon contact with water. The solidified granules are cooled, dewatered, dried, and finally stored or packaged.
This method significantly reduces external contamination and ensures uniform composition.
1. Temperature Control
Molten ferrochrome must be maintained between 1570°C and 1600°C. Temperatures below 1570°C hinder granulation. Reliable production requires stable tapping temperatures, fast slag removal, reduced transport time, and preheated chutes.
2. Silicon Content
Higher silicon levels improve fluidity but reduce particle toughness, increasing fines below 2mm. Optimizing silicon content is essential for desired grain size and strength.
Higher Purity & Uniformity: Unlike traditional casting, which causes segregation, granulation prevents contamination and ensures consistent composition.
Faster Processing: Systems like GRANSHOT can turn molten metal into finished product in just 3 minutes.
Cost Reduction: Shorter processing time and less waste lower overall production costs.
Environmental Benefits: Minimal dust and powder generation reduce pollution.
The main particle size of granulated ferrochrome typically ranges between 2–10mm, which may not meet all steelmaking requirements. To broaden its application:
Enhance granulation technology to produce larger, more uniform grains.
Collaborate with stainless steel mills to adapt feeding systems or smelting processes.
Compared to traditional crushed products, granulated ferrochrome offers:
Superior cleanliness and compositional uniformity
Reduced processing time and cost
Better yield and less waste
More consistent sizing for improved melting performance
With ongoing refinements in particle size control and process efficiency, ferrochrome granulation is set to become the preferred choice for stainless steel producers worldwide. It represents a cleaner, smarter, and more economical way to supply high-quality ferrochrome.
