Kinetics of Reduction by Carbon from Special Coke Used in Electrothermal Silicon Production for the C–Fe–O System

Kinetic features of the carbon in rexil special coke obtained from long-flame Shubarkol coal and used for electrothermal production of silicon are outlined. For the example of the C–Fe–O system, it is found that, in comparison with other reducing agents (graphite, blast furnace coke), rexil is characterized by high reaction rate and activation energy. Experimental and industrial tests regarding silicon production from ore in electric furnaces indicate that practically all of the charcoal in the batch may be replaced by rexil. For example, when the ratio of rexil and coal (in terms of fixed carbon Cso) is 80 : 20, the furnace productivity is increased, the degree of silicon extraction (91%) is increased, and the mean silicon content (97.8%) is increased.