Iron is extracted from iron ore in a large container called a blast furnace.
The Iron Extraction Process
The process focuses on removing oxygen from the iron ore. Here's a more detailed explanation:
1. The Ore
- Iron ore, such as haematite, which contains iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), is the starting material.
- The goal is to isolate the iron from the oxygen in the iron(III) oxide.
2. The Blast Furnace
- The blast furnace is the primary equipment used in iron extraction. It is a huge, refractory-lined steel structure.
- Inside the furnace, the iron ore is subjected to very high temperatures.
3. Removing the Oxygen
* This is a chemical process called reduction.
* The oxygen is removed through a reaction with carbon, leaving behind the elemental iron.Here is a simplified look at the key steps in the blast furnace:
| Steps | Description |
|--------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1. Input | Iron ore (e.g., hematite), coke (a form of carbon), and limestone are added. |
| 2. Hot Air | Hot air is blasted into the furnace from the base. |
| 3. Combustion of Coke | Coke reacts with the hot air to form carbon monoxide (CO) |
| 4. Iron Oxide Reduction | Carbon monoxide reduces iron(III) oxide to iron |
| 5. Formation of Slag | Limestone reacts with impurities to form molten slag, which is removed. |
| 6. Molten Iron | The molten iron is collected at the bottom of the furnace. |
Practical Insight
- The blast furnace is engineered to operate continuously, ensuring a steady flow of molten iron.
- The iron is impure and needs further processing to produce different grades of steel and other iron alloys.
