About Ferrosilicon – Production, Application & Grades
Ferrosilicon is an alloy of iron and silicon (FeSi), with the silicon content typically between 15–90% by weight. Ferrosilicon is used for a number of industrial applications and processes, such as to reduce metals from their oxides and to deoxidize steel. One of the main uses is in a processes called Dense Media Separation, a process used to separate diamonds and other minerals from diamond-bearing material.
What is Dense Media Separation and how does it work?
Dense Media Separation, also referred to as Heavy Medium Separation or the think-float process, is an industrial process used in diamond plants to separate diamonds from kimberlite and other diamond-bearing materials. This process is effective and cost-efficient, making it a viable method for diamond plants to use, which is why most new diamond mines use heavy media separation vessels to separate the heavier fractions that contain diamonds from the lower density material (Kimberlite).
The process uses the forces of gravity to facilitate separation. A mixture is formed with liquid (likely water) with Ferrosilicon powders, until a very specific density is reached (close to the density of diamonds), inside a vessel or separation tank. The feed into the vessel is usually pre-screened. Once the material is fed into the tank, gravity will separate the light density material will float and be discharged from the float section of the tank, while material with a higher separation gravity will sink and be discharged from the sink section of the vessel.
The ability of the Dense Media Separation system to achieve a fine degree of separation, and the fact that most of the media can be reused (as there is only a small % of loss during the separation process), makes it the separation method of choice for most diamond mines.
DMS Powders – Producer of Ferrosilicon powders for Dense Medium Separation
DMS Powders is a leader in the field of manufacturing Ferrosilicon Powders. DMS Powders supply a full range of Ferrosilicon products to meet different industry and process needs.
DMS Powders will assist with the selection and technical support regarding the right choice of Ferrosilicon grades, for your specific application needs. DMS Powders manufacture the following Ferrosilicon products:
- Atomised FeSi: Coarse, Fine, Cyclone 60, Cyclone 40 and DMS 70.
- Milled FeSi: 65D, 100D, 150D, 270D and 270F.
Make DMS Powders your Ferrosilicon supplier of choice to ensure that you get:
- Quality Ferrosilicon powders that meet your application requirements
- Professional service and technical support
- Ferrosilicon transported to your location in secure packaging
- Competitive Ferrosilicon prices
Contact DMS Powders today for more information and to place your order.
