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Metallurgical Auxiliary Minerals and Rocks
Metallurgical auxiliary minerals and rocks are primarily used in the iron, steel, ferroalloy, and light alloy industries. Their main application is for refining and smelting iron ore, non-ferrous metals, and alloys. Additionally, these minerals and rocks are used in conjunction with other materials for blasting, foundry molds, refractory fillers, welding, and other tasks.
The use of auxiliary minerals and rocks in the iron, steel and ferroalloy industries is primarily for the improvement of the quality of the metals involved. These minerals and rocks are used to improve the melting properties and chemical qualities of the metal being worked on. The most common types of auxiliary minerals and rocks used in this field are limestone, dolomite, talc, clay, manganese ore, and other ores that contain useful minerals that can be extracted.
Limestone and dolomite are the most commonly used auxiliary minerals in the steel industry. Limestone is used as a flux, while dolomite is added to the charge as well. Limestone and dolomite chemically react with the impurities in the ore and the slag, removing it from the charge. Additionally, limestone and dolomite are used for the production of slag, which is then added to the charge as a protective forming material.
Talc is used for producing high-quality steel. It is added in small amounts, depending on the specific steel being made. It helps to reduce adhesion of unwanted components, improving the castability of the steel and reducing corrosion.
Clay is another important component of the steel industry. It is used for foundry molds, for facing powders, for protecting the steel surface from oxidation, and for neutralizing acid slag. It also assists in removing oxygen from the melt, improving ductility and making the steel stronger.
Manganese ore is used as an alloying component in the steel industry. It helps to reduce the melting point of the steel being worked on, as well as reduce segregation during casting. It also improves the strength of the finished steel.
Ores that contain useful minerals such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and vanadium are also used in the steel and ferroalloy industries. These minerals are extracted and then added to the charge to provide hardness or other desired qualities to the finished product.
The light alloy industry also makes use of a variety of auxiliary minerals and rocks. For example, bauxite is utilized in the production of aluminum. It is added to the charge with aluminum scrap to form a compound that can easily be melted and poured into molds.
Kaolinite and bentonite are often used in processes involving welding and brazing. Kaolinite is used as an insulation and protective material, while bentonite is used as an adhesive.
In addition to the various minerals and rocks mentioned above, sand, graphite, and other materials are often used in metallurgical processes. Graphite is used as a lubricant and additive in the production of steel and castings. Sand is used for making molds, as well as for grinding and buffing.
In summary, metallurgical auxiliary minerals and rocks are essential for producing higher quality steels and alloys. They assist in refining, smelting, and forming metals, as well as protecting them from oxidation and other factors that can cause inferior or defective finished products. While some of them may be used on their own, many of these materials are used in combination with other materials in order to achieve optimal results.
