- Elkem
- Advanced manufacturing & industrial
- Pyrometallurgical
Pyrometallurgical
We enhance furnaces operations with carbon-based solutions
Furnace tapping materials
The ELTAP™ materials have been developed through a wealth of knowledge and experience within the pyrometallurgical industry. From the early 20th century, Elkem has been designing and operating pyrometallurgical smelters.
The main constituents in Elkem ELTAP™ ramming pastes are Electrically Calcined Carbon and Silicon Carbide. Most of the ELTAP™ furnace tapping materials have additions of components that make ELTAP™ stronger against oxidation. We have products containing pitch, Carbores™, resin, hydrocarbon or biopolymer binder. Many of our products have no PAH and are made from health friendly ingredients.
Cathode ramming paste
Our range of ramming pastes has been developed for use in aluminum electrolysis cells. The main purpose, both in the joints between the cathode blocks and in the peripheral seam, is to fill the voids between the prebaked blocks and prevent metal and bath from penetrating the cathode. Leakage of metal and electrolyte damages the cathode and may lead to premature pot failure.
Furnace lining materials
ELMON™ is a concept for monolithic, jointless linings, with a special stop layer for gas, temperature, and metal. This reduces temperatures and gas pressures in critical areas of the lining, which contribute to a much longer lifetime.
The main constituents in Elkem ELMON™ ramming pastes are Electrically Calcined Carbon and Silicon Carbide. We have products containing Carbores™, resin, biopolymer, or hydrocarbon binder
Electrode paste
In 1919, Elkem patented Søderberg electrode, a self-baking electrode which revolutionized the smelting industry. The method is called the Soderberg electrode, after the electrical engineer Carl Wilhelm Søderberg (1876 – 1955), who got the original idea.
With Søderberg and his team, Elkem built the foundation for growth in ferroalloys industry. Today, our ELSEP™ product range of Søderberg electrode pastes is used in more than 300 sub-merged arc furnaces worldwide. Elkem Carbon Solutions has built up an unequivocal reputation as supplier of proven and reliable quality. Our electrode pastes are recognised as benchmark for the smelting industry by all major ferroalloys producers.
Carbon electrodes
Elkem has developed its own production technology for prebaked electrodes. Special raw materials are chosen and electrically calcined, to achieve the best properties.
We enable advanced metal manufacturing with specialty silicon-based alloys
Foundry alloys for compacted graphite iron
Controlling vermicular graphite formation with foundry alloys
Compacted graphite iron is increasingly used in specialist automotive and transport applications, thanks to its combination of high tensile strength, good fatigue properties, and ease of machining. With our combination of expertise, product quality and global reach, you’ll find Elkem is your ideal partner for optimizing production of compacted graphite iron.
Foundry alloys for ductile iron
Controlling spheroidal graphite formation with foundry alloys
Ductile iron is a versatile material that has grown in popularity over recent decades, due to its excellent mechanical properties and castability. For these reasons, ductile iron castings are the preferred choice in many sectors, including wind energy, engineering and automotive industries. At Elkem we provide an unbeatable combination of quality products and expert advice on ductile iron manufacture – in whatever country you’re operating.
Foundry alloys for gray iron
Improving microstructure using foundry alloys
Gray iron accounts for the majority of cast iron production, and is valued where its unique properties, including castability, stiffness, heat dissipation and vibration damping, take priority – for example, in automotive engine cylinder blocks and brake discs. At Elkem we provide an unbeatable combination of quality products and expert advice on gray iron manufacture – in whatever country you’re operating.
Ferrosilicon for electrical steel
Improving the magnetic properties of electrical steel using high-purity ferrosilicon
As an alloy of iron and silicon, electrical steel (also known as silicon steel) has unique magnetic properties, which make it of rapidly increasing importance in the energy-generation sector. Our steel specialists understand the technical specifications you need to meet, and are the world leaders in developing high-purity ferrosilicon (FeSi) alloys for premium electrical steels.
Ferrosilicon for stainless-steel
Reducing costs for stainless steel production using specialty ferrosilicon
Ferrosilicon has a vital role to play in cost-effective production of stainless steel, thanks to its ability to recover the metallic chromium that would otherwise be oxidized during decarburization. At Elkem, we’re ready to help you streamline your alloying processes and boost the quality of your stainless steel, by identifying the best specialty ferrosilicon (FeSi) alloy for the task.
Ferrosilicon for special steel
Enhancing manufacture of special steels using high-purity ferrosilicon
The term ‘special steel’ encompasses a wide range of steel grades, and usually refers to products with a higher proportion of alloying elements, or with tailored properties for niche applications. We understand the important role that ferrosilicon (FeSi) plays in achieving these specifications, and our specialists are ready to help you choose the right product.
Silicon for aluminium brazing used in foundry alloys
Elkem SILGRAIN® - customized silicon materials for aluminium brazing applications
Silicon a key element for enhanced aluminum brazing and great bonding
Aluminium Brazing technology is typically applied to produce heat exchangers in the automotive industry, such as radiators, and for indoor applications, such as air conditioning and refrigeration.
SILGRAIN® Braze
SILGRAIN® Braze is a tailored Silicon with homogenous quality and available in industrial volumes.
Special care is taken to closely control the particle size distribution and minimize the risk of oversize particles in our SILGRAIN® Braze product.
Ferrosilicon for steel
The growing demand for higher-performance steels is placing ever-greater emphasis on the quality of ferrosilicon (FeSi) alloys used in steel manufacturing plants – and at Elkem, we’re ready to help you make the best decision for your business.
Grain refiners
Grain refiners are a class of cerium-containing inoculants for steel that reduce grain size and increase grain uniformity, with consequent improvements in mechanical properties and product quality. They are primarily used for steel castings, but increasing attention is now being given to their application to steel products.
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