Overview
Blast furnace gas is a by-product of industrial processes where iron ore is heated in a blast furnace. Essentially hot air is passed into a large steel vessel that contains the raw materials and this is heated to a high temperature. As the oxygen in the air reacts with the iron in the ore, the ore is gradually reduced to iron. At the same time, the reaction between the oxygen and iron releases an abundance of gases. These are known as blast furnace gases and include Nitrogen, Carbon dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and other components.
Benefits
The use of blast furnace gas is beneficial in a number of ways. Firstly, it can be used instead of natural gas as a fuel to produce heat, which may be used for industrial processes. It can also be used in power generation. The use of blast furnace gas reduces the need for fossil fuel power production, thereby reducing emissions of Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
In addition, blast furnace gas can also be used for chemical processes such as production of ammonia for fertilizer and other industrial chemicals. Finally, the gases produced by the blast furnace can also be used in a gasifier to produce synthesis gas, which is a mixture of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen and can be used as feedstock for fuel cells and other advanced energy technologies.
Challenges
Although there are many benefits associated with using blast furnace gas, there are some challenges that need to be addressed. Firstly, the blast furnace gas contains a variety of impurities including particulates and sulfur dioxide. These must be removed prior to use as a fuel so as to avoid causing damage to any systems that the fuel is used for. Additionally, the composition of the gas varies with the type of ore being used and this must be taken into consideration when selecting the equipment to be used with the gas.
Finally, the combustion of blast furnace gas also produces emissions of Nitrogen Oxides. These can cause local air pollution and are a major contributor to the formation of acid rain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blast furnace gas can be a useful source of energy, providing a source of heat or fuel for use in a variety of industrial processes. It is also a cleaner option than fossil fuels, reducing the emission of Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Its use needs to be carefully monitored however, as there are various impurities and pollutants that must be removed prior to use, and there are also emissions of Nitrogen Oxides associated with its combustion.
