Blast furnace steelmaking
Blast furnace steelmaking is the process of producing steel from pig iron using a blast furnace. The process originated in China in the 5th century BC, and spread to the rest of the world in the 17th century. It is the most widely used steelmaking process and is used in the production of high volume steel in most countries.
The process begins with the preparation of raw materials, which consists of pig iron, coke, and flux. The pig iron is fed into the top of the blast furnace, along with the flux. The flux serves to reduce impurities, as well as adjusting the chemical composition of the steel.
Once the furnace is filled, the top of the furnace is sealed to maintain a high-pressure environment. Then, a high-combustion fuel is injected into the bottom of the furnace. This fuel combines with air to create a high heat and combustion that sustains the furnace.
The furnace is then supplied with high-pressure air at regular intervals. This high-pressure air is delivered via tuyeres and serves to increase the temperature and reaction of the materials inside the furnace.
The reactions inside the blast furnace produce molten iron and other by-products, such as slag. The molten iron is then drawn off and poured into a ladle.
Once the molten metal has been removed, the slag is allowed to float to the top of the furnace. This slag is then removed and is used in the production of other materials.
Finally, the molten steel is transferred to a ladle and is then poured into a mould. This mould will then shape the steel into the desired product, such as slab, plate, bar, or tube.
Blast furnace steelmaking is a high-volume, continuous process that requires careful monitoring and control. This process is essential to the production of a variety of products, ranging from small components to large structures, and is used in the steel industry all over the world.
