Abstract: A metallurgical silicon or ferrosilicon in the form of granulates having an average size of less than 10 mm and in which the total oxygen concentration is less than 0.05% by weight, and a process for manufacture of this silicon or ferrosilicon consisting of a carbothermal reduction of silica in an electric oven, chlorine-based refining of the liquid metal, and granulation of the refined liquid metal in water under an inert atmosphere. The silicon may be used for silicone manufacture or as a constituent of an aluminum alloy, and the ferrosilicon, as a steel additive used to obtain magnetic sheet metals for electrical construction.

Abstract: A device for mounting a self-baking composite electrode for an electric arc furnace, which includes a hollow metallic shell, a central column of graphite or pre-baked carbon comprising a plurality of elements fitted together by means of nipples. A carbonaceous paste is disposed between the shell and the column. The column is suspended from a support which is movable in a vertical direction with respect to the shell, along a length which is greater than the length of each of the elements. The invention is particularly relevant to furnaces for the production of silicon by carbothermic means.

Abstract: A process for the passivation of discrete particles of ferrosilicon containing 30-90% by weight silicon comprises contacting the particles with a gaseous oxidizing agent at a temperature between 800.degree.-1150.degree. C for a time ranging between 1-12 hours. The treated particles can be admixed with a binding agent to form a paste which, in turn, is used as a coating for shielded arc electrodes.