BLAST FURNACE Meaning and
Definition
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A blast furnace is a towering, cylindrical structure utilized in the industrial extraction of iron from its ore through the process of smelting. This massive furnace is typically constructed using materials such as brick, steel, or concrete, and is designed to withstand extremely high temperatures and pressures associated with the iron smelting process.
At the top of the blast furnace is the charging system, where iron ore, coke (a carbon-rich fuel), and limestone (a fluxing agent) are introduced. These materials are fed into the furnace through the charging bell, which seals tightly to maintain the internal environment. A blast of hot air, referred to as the blast, is conveyed through the tuyeres at the lower part of the furnace, facilitating combustion and generating temperatures that range from 1400 to 2300 degrees Celsius.
Inside the blast furnace, a series of chemical reactions occur. The carbon in the coke reacts with oxygen to produce carbon monoxide (CO), which then reacts with the iron oxide present in the iron ore, converting it into elemental iron. The limestone, on the other hand, acts as a flux to remove impurities and forms a slag that floats on top of the molten iron.
The molten iron, along with slag and impurities, accumulates at the bottom of the furnace, from where it is tapped and processed further to remove impurities and form the desired iron product.
In summary, a blast furnace is a massive industrial apparatus designed to extract iron from its ore by subjecting it to intense heat, pressure, and chemical reactions.
Common Misspellings for BLAST FURNACE
- vlast furnace
- nlast furnace
- hlast furnace
- glast furnace
- bkast furnace
- bpast furnace
- boast furnace
- blzst furnace
- blsst furnace
- blwst furnace
- blqst furnace
- blaat furnace
- blazt furnace
- blaxt furnace
- bladt furnace
- blaet furnace
- blawt furnace
- blasr furnace
- blasf furnace
Etymology of BLAST FURNACE
The word "blast furnace" has its origins in Old English and Old High German.
The term "blast" comes from the Old English word "blaest", which means a strong gust of wind or blowing. In Old High German, the word "blast" is "blase", which also refers to a gust of wind. In both languages, the word initially referred to the act of blowing forcefully.
"Furnace", on the other hand, comes from the Old French word "fornais", which is derived from the Latin word "fornax". "Fornax" means an oven or a kiln used for heating or melting metals.
Combining these roots, the term "blast furnace" refers to a furnace or an oven that uses a strong gust of wind (blast) to heat or melt metals.
Similar spelling words for BLAST FURNACE
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