How to distinguish between ferrovanadium 80 and ferrovanadium 40?

Distinguishing ferrovanadium 80 from ferrovanadium 40 can be done by evaluating composition, appearance, form, and application requirements:

1. Check the Vanadium Content

   • Request a certificate of analysis (CoA) or assay report. FeV80 will show ~80% V; FeV40 will show ~40% V. This is the most direct method.

2. Observe Physical Appearance

   • Both may appear as grey metallic lumps, but FeV80 often has a slightly brighter, more lustrous surface due to lower iron proportion and higher vanadium reflectivity.

   • FeV40 looks darker and more iron‑rich in tone.

3. Note the Form and Packaging

   • Suppliers label grades clearly: look for markings such as “FeV80" or “Ferrovanadium 80" versus “FeV40" / “Ferrovanadium 40."

   • FeV80 is sometimes supplied as fine powder for high‑speed tool steel additive use, whereas FeV40 is more common in lump or briquette form for bulk steelmaking.

4. Consider Intended Use

   • If the end product is high‑speed tool steel, aerospace components, or other high‑performance alloys requiring maximum hardness, the material is likely Ferrovanadium 80.

   • If it is for construction rebar, shipbuilding plates, or general structural steel, it is probably Ferrovanadium 40.

5. Price and Batch Size

   • FeV80 commands a higher price per ton due to its high vanadium content and performance. Buyers can infer grade from quoted prices and typical order sizes.

6. Test Metallurgical Response

   • In lab melts, adding a known weight of each grade to identical base steel will show that FeV80 yields far more pronounced carbide formation and hardness increase, confirming its identity.

By combining chemical analysis, visual inspection, supplier labeling, and application context, users can reliably distinguish ferrovanadium 80 from ferrovanadium 40 in both purchasing and production settings.