Advanced Metal Production

The course is given every year. This course deals with chemical, metallurgical and electrical relation in the production of ferroalloys and related processes. The production processes producing Si/FeSi, manganese alloys and upgraded metallurgical silicon are thermodynamically analysed. The refining and post taphole processes are included. Mass - and energy balances will be carried out. The operation of electrical furnaces is discussed with emphasis on technical, environmental and economic issues. The laboratory task is either based on laboratory work at NTNU or in industry. The candidate will in a addition write a literature report on a topic relevant for the course.

After completing the course, the student should be able to: - Give an account of the various unit processes in a ferro-alloy plant. - Explain the basic thermodynamic and phase relationships in silicon and manganese alloy production furnaces. - Conduct an energy and mass balance of silicon and manganese alloy processes. - Provide an overview of the principles of the available refining processes for the production of solar silicon. - Give an account of the environmental challenges related to alloy production and technical solutions to meet these challenges. -Carry out and analyse a laboratory test related to the production of ferroalloys. - Write a well-structured literature report.

Lectures, exercises, laboratory work and a literature report. The oral exam is the basis for the grade in the course. If there are fewer than three candidates, the course will be taught through colloquium work.