Ferrosilicochrome (FeSiCr) dust generated during the crushing of commercial ferroalloys represents a fine-dispersed secondary material with a significant reducing potential; however, its direct application in metallurgical processes is limited due to high dust losses and poor technological behavior. In this study, a briquetting technology for FeSiCr dust was developed and investigated with the aim of its use as a reducing agent for the production of chromium–manganese ligatures.

Experimental briquettes were prepared using sodium silicate (liquid glass) as a binder at contents of 5% and 10%, followed by natural and oven drying. The influence of binder content and drying conditions on the physical and mechanical properties of the briquettes was evaluated through drop tests and sieve analysis in accordance with relevant standards. The results showed that increasing the binder content from 5% to 10% slightly improved mass retention during drying; however, its effect on mechanical strength was limited. The difference in strength between briquettes with 5% and 10% binder did not exceed 1.5–4%, depending on the drying regime.

Based on the comparative analysis, a binder content of 5% sodium silicate was identified as sufficient to ensure the minimum mechanical strength required for handling, transportation, and furnace charging, while maintaining economic efficiency. The proposed briquetting approach enables the rational utilization of FeSiCr dust as a secondary reducing agent and contributes to improving resource efficiency and sustainability in ferroalloy production.

KABYLKANOV S.K.

3rqd-year doctoral student, D.Serikbayev East Kazakhstan technical university, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan.

E-mail: kabyl_96@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1272-2065

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