Classification and Function of Ferroalloy Refining Furnace

author: Alice

2025-08-08

Ferroalloy refining furnace are the primary equipment for ferroalloy smelting and are primarily divided into reduction furnaces and refining electric furnaces. They play different roles in ferroalloy production. Reduction furnaces are used to reduce ore to metal, while refining furnaces are used to further purify and adjust the composition and properties of ferroalloys.

The former is similar to a reduction furnace and can be equipped with continuous self-baking electrodes; the latter is similar to an electric arc steelmaking furnace and uses graphite or carbon electrodes.

Classification and Functions of Ferroalloy Refining Furnace

Reduction Furnaces

Also known as submerged arc furnacs, these furnaces utilize a submerged arc process, with electrodes inserted into the charge. Reduction furnaces can be open, closed (or semi-closed), and have fixed or rotating furnace bodies.

Function: Reduces metal oxides to metal and is essential equipment for ferroalloy production.
Features: Typically utilizes a submerged arc process, with electrodes inserted into the charge and can be fixed or rotating. They can be open, closed, or semi-closed.
Common Types: Common submerged arc furnace include open-top fixed and covered tilting types, and the choice can be made based on production needs.

Refining Electric Furnaces

Based on their structure, they can be categorized as open-top, covered, and semi-enclosed with a low smoke hood. The furnace body can be classified into three types: fixed, tilting, and rotary.

Based on their production method, they can be categorized as blast furnace ferroalloys and electric furnace ferroalloys.

Function: Used to refine reduced ferroalloys, improve their purity and composition, remove impurities, and enhance their properties. They are primarily used for refining medium-carbon, low-carbon, and low-carbon ferroalloys.
Features: Commonly used for the production of medium-carbon, low-carbon, and low-carbon ferroalloys, the furnace capacity generally ranges from 1500 to 6000 kVA and is available in open-top fixed or covered tilting configurations.
Common Types: Similar to SAF, they also come in open-top fixed and covered tilting configurations.

In short, the submerged arc furnace and refining electric furnaces together constitute the core equipment of a ferroalloy refining furnace. The reduction furnace is responsible for reducing the raw materials into metals, while the refining furnace is responsible for further purification and adjustment on this basis, and finally obtaining ferroalloy products that meet specific requirements.

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