What is the chemical process by which iron is producestill from iron ore?
1 Answer
Carbon reduction - smelting
Explanation:
The process is performed in a Blast Furnace. 3 substances form the "charge" that is fed in at the top of the furnace. These are Iron Ore, Coke [Carbon] and Limestone.
Carbon reacts in the furnace with hot air blasted in at the bottom to form carbon dioxide.
The carbon dioxide reacts with more carbon to form carbon monoxide.
This is the main reducing agent. It reacts with the iron ore - often haematite [iron(III) oxide]. Molten iron and more carbon dioxide form.
Limestone is added to remove impurities - it thermally decomposes to calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. The basic calcium oxide reacts with the acidic impurities - mostly silicon dioxide to form calcium silicate - commonly known as slag.
The molten iron is run off and mostly converted into steel. The slag is not a waste product but can be used in the foundations for buildings or roads.
