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Ferro Manganese: An Essential Alloying Element In Steel Production

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ashwini bakhade
Ferro Manganese: An Essential Alloying Element In Steel Production

Ferro manganese is a ferroalloy composed of manganese and iron. It plays a very important role in the steel making process as manganese is a critical alloying element in steel. The global ferro manganese has witnessed steady growth over the past few decades owing to increasing steel demand worldwide. This article explores the uses, production and outlook of ferro manganese.


What is ferro manganese?


Ferro manganese is produced by carbothermic reduction of manganese oxide ores in a blast furnace or electric arc furnace. It has a manganese content that typically ranges between 65-90%. The balance consists of iron and small amounts of impurities like carbon, phosphorous and silicon.


Ferro manganese has a granular texture and lustrous silver-gray appearance. It has a high melting point and is a hard, brittle material. The manganese content, included form (manganese proportion) and physical properties determine the end use of different ferro manganese grades. Specifications like Mn content, C content and sulfur content are important quality parameters.


Uses of ferro manganese


Steel making is the largest end use application of ferro manganese accounting for over 90% of total consumption. Manganese is added to steel to enhance its strength, hardness, wear resistance, toughness and reduce brittleness. Different manganese levels between 0.2-1.65% are used in various steel types.


Higher manganese steel grades containing 1.2-1.65% manganese exhibit excellent strength and are used in heavy mining and construction equipment. Medium manganese steels (0.6-1.2% Mn) find wide application as structural steels. Lower manganese steels below 0.6% Mn are suitable for general mechanical and engineering purposes.


Small amounts of ferro manganese are also used as a deoxidizing and desulphurizing agent during steel making. Manganese removes residual oxygen and sulphur, thereby improving steel cleanliness and refractory life. Other minor uses include production of certain ferromanganese silicon alloys and battery compositions.


Global production

South Africa, China, Ukraine, India and Kazakhstan are the leading ferro manganese producing countries. Total global ferro manganese output is estimated at over 7 million tonnes annually. Blast furnace and electric arc furnace production routes are common.


China dominates world ferro manganese supply due to abundant domestic manganese ore reserves and sizable steel industry. Major ferro manganese importers include Japan, South Korea, European Union, United States and Brazil as these regions lack manganese resources.


The Ferro Manganese closely follows steel industry trends and economic cycles. Prices fluctuate depending on steel demand from key sectors like automotive, construction, machinery and appliances. Global trade is managed through long term contracts between producers, traders and steel makers.


Outlook

Rising per capita steel consumption, population growth and infrastructure spending are projected to increase global crude steel output and ferro manganese demand in the coming decades. However environmental policies capping carbon emissions may boost electric arc furnace production.


The transition to high strength steels containing advanced alloying systems could marginally reduce manganese addition rates over the long term. Alternative alloying technologies involving injection of atomized manganese into steel melts may reduce reliance on bulk ferro manganese additions.


In summary, ferro manganese has emerged as an indispensable raw material for modern steelmaking over the last century owing to the unique properties it imparts. Its usage reflects the critical role of manganese in imparting important mechanical characteristics to different grades of steel. Sustained automotive, infrastructure and industrial activity bode well for ferro manganese demand worldwide in the coming years.

 

For more Insights, Read –

https://www.newswirestats.com/ferro-manganese-trends-size-and-share-analysis/

 

Check more trending articles related to this topic:

https://captionssky.com/pistachio-the-wonder-nut-for-strong-global-growth/

 

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