Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
de20b9c1-55e5-4be0-90fa-c7821febebbe
Materials
Associated ID
ca7afee2-c8c7-48f1-ba6f-acfec97b57c2
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This process refers to the production activity of smelting 1 kg of calcium-silicon alloy by the submerged arc furnace process. Calcium-silicon alloy is a binary alloy composed of silicon and calcium, used as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer in the steel industry and as an inoculant in the cast iron industry. The dataset includes raw and auxiliary materials such as silica, lime, coke, charcoal, and bituminous coal, and inputs of energy and energy media such as electricity and water; the outputs include the product calcium-silicon alloy, with the wastes silica fume and slag recoverable to cement plants, as well as emissions to water bodies and the atmosphere. The data inventory is formed by merging data from multiple sources, and the data representativeness is optimized using industry standards such as the Cleaner Production Standard for the Steel Industry (Ferroalloys) and the 3140 Ferroalloy Industry Coefficient Handbook.
Activity Description
Calcium-silicon alloy is produced in a reduction electric furnace by reducing silicon dioxide and calcium oxide with a carbonaceous reducing agent. Two smelting routes are used: a two-step process and a one-step process. This production activity uses the one-step process with layered charging. The process is divided into three main sections: raw-material pretreatment, submerged arc furnace smelting, and finished-product manufacture. The specific steps are: 1) raw-material pretreatment; 2) batching and feeding; 3) submerged arc furnace smelting; 4) casting and cooling; and 5) microsilica collection and densification.
Process Description
Calcium-silicon alloy is a calcium-silicon binary alloy made from silica, lime and coke as raw materials and smelted in a high temperature environment of 1500-1800°C. The main components are silicon and calcium and contain impurities such as iron and aluminum. This alloy is used as a deoxidizer, desulfurizer and inoculant in the cast iron industry in the steel industry. Its deoxidation products are easily eliminated and can improve the properties of steel.
Time period
2015
2026
Geography
China
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
Submerged arc furnaces use carbon as a reducing agent to reduce oxides in ores to produce ferroalloys. The mixed charge is added into the furnace, and the electrodes are buried in the charge. Heating is achieved by arc heat and resistance heat generated by the electric current passing through the charge. The molten metal and slag collect at the bottom of the furnace, and iron and slag are regularly tapped through the taphole. The production process is continuous.