ISO 5449:1980

Overview

ISO 5449:1980 - "Ferrosilicochromium - Specification and conditions of delivery" defines the product, delivery methods and quality requirements for ferrosilicochromium (ferro-silico-chrome) typically supplied for steelmaking and foundry use. The standard covers composition ranges, granulometry (particle-size classes), sampling and testing procedures, certificates of analysis, packing, despatch and storage requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Product definition: Ferrosilicochromium is an iron‑based ferroalloy containing chromium (nominally about 20.0% to 65.0% Cr) and silicon (about 10.0% to 60.0% Si), produced by reduction.
• Composition specifications: Designations and composition limits (FeCrSi types) are given; the chemical makeup must conform to the ranges specified in the standard’s tables.
• Granulometry: Material is supplied as lumps or crushed/screened particles. Granulometric classes and tolerances (sieve fractions / maximum fines and oversize) are defined in a table to ensure consistent particle-size distribution on delivery.
• Delivery methods: Three methods for constituting a delivery are specified:
  • Lot by single casting
  • Lot by grouped castings of the same grade
  • Lot by blending castings and homogenizing crushed material
• Sampling and testing: Sampling is normally at the supplier’s storage location; chemical analysis and sieve testing methods are referenced (e.g., ISO 4139, ISO 4140, ISO 4158, ISO 565). Suppliers must provide a certificate of analysis for Cr and Si (and other elements if agreed).
• Quality control & dispute resolution: Procedures for supplier/ buyer comparative analyses, and arbitration testing if results disagree, are described. Some tolerance values (e.g., allowable analytical disagreement) are left for agreement between parties or future specification.
• Handling and storage: Packaging, transport and storage must follow applicable international regulations for industrial materials.

Applications and users

• Primary users: Steelmakers, foundries, ferroalloy producers, alloy procurement and quality assurance engineers.
• Practical uses: Specification helps ensure consistent raw‑material chemistry and particle size for alloying, deoxidation and other metallurgical purposes in steel and cast‑metal production. It is used in procurement contracts, quality acceptance, laboratory testing protocols and production planning.

Related standards

• ISO 4139, ISO 4140, ISO 4158 - referenced chemical analysis methods
• ISO 565 - sieve dimensions
• ISO 3713, ISO 4551, ISO 4556 - related sampling/preparation and sieve testing guidance

Keywords: ISO 5449:1980, ferrosilicochromium, ferro-silico-chrome, ferroalloy specification, steelmaking raw material, foundry alloy, granulometry, certificate of analysis.