Processing of Pig Iron
Pig iron is a form of iron, typically seen as having a higher carbon content than wrought iron or even steel. As such, it can be more difficult to work with than other forms of iron, ranging from being brittle and difficult to process, to being incredibly strong and resilient. Processing of this raw material is of utmost importance in the industry, as it must be done accurately to ensure that the most suitable product is generated.
The process of working with pig iron is done by breaking down or “smelting” the ore. By doing this, the iron is released from other elements, allowing it to be processed further. The smelting process can be done through various methods, but often involves fuelling a furnace with mixtures of oxygen, carbon, and coal which creates a particularly hot temperature while the materials mix together in the furnace.
Once smelted, the pig iron needs to be refined in order to maximize the iron content. This process involves the removal of excessive carbon and other elements from the iron to create a more workable and desirable material. This part of the process is often done by very experienced professionals who have a good understanding of the materials being worked with; often using machines to lift and move the material into different holding containers, as it needs to be done accurately and quickly.
After the refining process has been completed, the pig iron will then be ready to be cast. This is when the iron is heated up to a very high temperature again, before being poured into moulds. This creates a strong and durable material that can be used for a variety of purposes ranging from the creation of machinery parts to construction elements.
Finally, the iron needs to be treated and hardened. This typically involves putting the iron into a heated furnace and introducing odourous gases, which will form a type of protective ‘skin’ over the iron which helps to make it stronger, more protected against rust and deterioration, and more suitable for use in all kinds of applications.
In conclusion, processing pig iron is a stage-based operation which requires a lot of time, effort, and expertise. The material must be melted down and refined before being cast into the desired shape, and then be further hardened in order to create a strong and durable material. By following the correct procedures, working with pig iron is not only possible, but relatively simple and straightforward.
