The Effect of Various Reducing Agents on the Process of Solid-phase Reduction of Highly Phosphorus Ferromanganese Ore

This paper examines the effect of various reducing agents on the combined reduction of iron and phosphorus from high-phosphorus ferromanganese ores. These ores have a complex mineral composition, making their processing more challenging. Solid-phase reduction is a promising method for converting iron and phosphorus into metallic phases while preserving manganese oxides.

Experiments were conducted using ferromanganese ore samples at 900 °C in a laboratory furnace. Solid carbon, carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen gas served as reducing agents. The phase and chemical composition of the products were analyzed using X-ray phase analysis and electron microscopy.

Solid carbon and CO reduced Fe, P, and Mn to metallic phases. Hydrogen facilitated the reduction of Fe and P while maintaining manganese oxide (MnO) in the oxide form. The hydrogen reduction yielded a higher phosphorus content in the metallic phase compared to carbon or CO. X-ray phase analysis identified α-Fe, MnO, SiO₂ and Mn₂SiO₄ phases.

Hydrogen demonstrates high selectivity in reducing Fe and P over Mn. The phosphorus content in the metallic phase was higher with hydrogen compared to carbon or CO. X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of reduced iron and stable oxide phases at 900 °C.

The choice of reducing agent has a significant influence on the phase composition and extraction of target components. Hydrogen gas shows the best results in combined iron and phosphorus reduction, making it a promising candidate for further research and industrial applications.