How does the Magnetherm process heat the magnesium-reduction reaction?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

magnesium processing Vapor-deposited magnesium crystals produced from magnesium processing.

The Magnetherm process facilitates the magnesium-reduction reaction by adding alumina to the charge, which lowers the melting point of the dicalcium silicate slag to between 1,550 and 1,600 °C. This allows the slag to remain in a liquid state, enabling it to be heated directly by electric current delivered through a water-cooled copper electrode. The reaction then proceeds at 1,600 °C under a reduced pressure of 400–670 pascals.1