Silicomanganese (SiMn), containing approximately 16–30 per cent Si, is produced in submerged arc
furnaces using various Mn sources and quartz as the primary raw materials, along with fluxes and
reductants. In the high-temperature zone known as the coke bed, a silica-rich slag is formed. SiMn
is produced through the reduction of SiO2 from the slag. Dissolution of quartz into slags with different
compositions, the primary slag formed from the Mn sources and flux before any MnO reduction
occurred, representing conditions at the top of the coke bed, and dissolution of quartz into a partially
reduced slag to simulate conditions inside the coke bed has been investigated. Experimental
investigations were carried out to study the dissolution of quartz particles of varying sizes, 5 mm and
25 mm in synthetic slags with different compositions at temperatures between 1400°C and 1600°C,
with varying holding times. Observed results are compared with liquidus compositions and
equilibrium phases for original and formed slags. Particle size has been shown to be of little
importance for the dissolution. Quartz dissolved more easily in slag at top of the coke bed than slag
in the coke bed. Complete dissolution was observed after 30 mins at 1600°C in all cases, but not
after 0 mins.