Today, the vast majority of iron is produced using blast furnaces.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Dominance of Blast Furnaces: About 90% of iron production relies on blast furnaces. (06-Aug-2024)
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Blast Furnace Structure: These furnaces are massive, resembling structures 10 to 16 stories tall and approximately 50 feet wide. (06-Aug-2024)
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Raw Materials: The process begins by loading alternating layers of the following materials into the top of the furnace:
- Iron ore
- Coke (a fuel derived from coal)
- Limestone
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The Blast: Heated air, enriched with oxygen, is forced (or "blasted") into the bottom of the furnace. This air reaches extremely high temperatures, around 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. (06-Aug-2024)
In summary, iron production today mainly relies on the blast furnace process, which involves feeding layers of iron ore, coke, and limestone into a massive furnace while blasting hot, oxygen-enriched air through the mixture.
