How does aluminothermic reduction make ferrovanadium?

The production of ferrovanadium via the aluminothermic process is a chemical reduction method used to create an alloy containing 35–80 percent vanadium.1

The process is typically carried out in an electric-arc furnace, though it can also be performed in a refractory-lined steel pot or a water-cooled copper crucible. The procedure involves the following steps:1

• Charge Preparation: Scrap iron is melted, and a mixture of vanadium pentoxide ($V_2{O}_5$), aluminum, and a flux (such as calcium oxide or calcium fluoride) is added to the furnace.1
• Reduction: The aluminum acts as a reducing agent. Through an exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction, the aluminum is converted into alumina ($A{l}_2{O}_3$), which forms a slag, while the $V_2{O}_5$ is reduced to vanadium metal.1
• Alloying: The resulting vanadium metal dissolves directly into the molten iron.1
• Completion: Because the reaction is exothermic, it only requires reaching a kindling temperature of approximately 950° C (1,750° F). Once ignited, the furnace may be reheated to ensure proper settling of the molten materials.1