let's calm down and summarise please, page-31

Conclusions

So - here is a great way to produce SiC with approximately 50% reduction in energy inputs. from 2,600c down to 1,600c

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11663-018-1413-6

anybody know where you could source Carbon monoxide rich hydrocarbon gas as an energy source from? ( CO rich offtake gas) Like where it might be a waste product?

and i have no idea where to source an roughly 70% nitrogen 30% Oxygen environment. that would be perfect for the yield increasing, Si3N4 reaction that takes place at 1400c before the SiC production at 1,600c.

so at the risk of being exceedingly facetious - here's the conclusion from the paper above. what it doesnt state is that the waste product from this new production process ( unreacted Silica sand and quartz(ite) ) are actually the perfect feedstock for smelting.

anyway - there is nothing to connect VRX to any of this. Its just a research rabbithole. BUT.... its interesting. a cheap cost effective way to partner with local industries to take their waste products, make a product that is US$800 FOB a tonne, and give them free feedstock for their process.

Definitely worth a thought.... As a BDM myself i would be overdosing on coffee having chats and exploring opportunities. FMD

it is an interesting use of our lower ( still massively high) grade resources that could then benificate into a much sourced after product.
https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/price-of-silicon-carbide.html
http://www.ferroeast.com/products/silicon-carbide/

In this paper, we present a novel approach to capture and store the energy associated with CO-rich off-gas combustion in the form of SiC, which can be used as a partial replacement for carbonaceous reductant during the smelting process.

SiC formation was achieved using materials partially classified as waste (quartz and anthracite fines) from a large FeCr producer. Relatively little milling of the raw materials was required (minimizing milling energy) and carbothermic treatment at 1873.15 K (1600 °C) resulted in the almost complete conversion of quartz to SiC. This temperature can be achieved without difficulty by combusting CO-rich off-gas. It was found that Si₃N₄ will form in a N₂-containing atmosphere prior to SiC formation. However, the subsequent decomposition of Si₃N₄ actually enhanced the SiC formation. Therefore, Si₃N₄ formation should not be considered as a competing pathway or a hampering product.

A quick assessment of the possible practical application of this process indicated that numerous practical aspects still have to be considered before it can be implemented, but the study presented here indicates considerable potential.APO! ( any way - all just IMHO)