Question

Which of the following are the advantages of using oxygen in place of air in steel industry? (1) it gives more pure product (2) the surface is free from nitrides (3) it makes the procedure faster, that is, more production (4) larger quantities can also be handled (a) 1,2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 2,3 and 4 (d) \(1,2,3\) and 4

Short answer

The advantages of using oxygen in the steel industry are 1, 2, 3, and 4 (option d).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Problem

We're asked to identify which benefits occur from using oxygen instead of air in the steel industry. We have four statements and need to determine which are correct when oxygen is used. The options for the answer are combinations of the statements.

Analyzing Statement 1

Statement 1 suggests that using oxygen results in a more pure product. Oxygen helps reduce unwanted elements like carbon, leading to higher purity steel. This statement is correct.

Analyzing Statement 2

Statement 2 claims that the surface is free from nitrides. In air, nitrogen can form nitrides which affect the properties of steel. Oxygen eliminates nitrogen, reducing the formation of nitrides, making this statement correct.

Analyzing Statement 3

Statement 3 states that using oxygen speeds up the process, increasing production rates. Oxygen supports more efficient combustion and reactions, accelerating the overall process. Thus, this statement is correct.

Analyzing Statement 4

Statement 4 asserts that larger quantities can be handled. Oxygen enhances the efficiency and control over the process, allowing the handling of larger steel quantities. Thus, this statement is also correct.

Comparing with Answer Choices

Now we need to compare the correctness of each statement against the choices provided: - Choice (a) includes statements 1, 2, and 3. - Choice (b) includes 2 and 4. - Choice (c) includes 2, 3, and 4. - Choice (d) includes 1, 2, 3, and 4. All statements are correct, making choice (d) the correct answer.

Key concepts

Benefits of Oxygen in Steel Making

The use of oxygen in steel making has several advantages over traditional methods that use air. Firstly, oxygen helps to create a more pure steel product. This is because oxygen plays a critical role in removing unwanted elements such as carbon and sulfur from the steel. By reducing these impurities, the final product is of higher quality and better performance.

Additionally, oxygen significantly boosts the efficiency of the steel production process. It accelerates chemical reactions in the furnace, allowing the production cycle to be faster and more efficient. This means that steel manufacturers can produce more steel in less time, enhancing productivity and economic gain.

• Improved steel purity by reducing impurities
• Faster production cycles
• Increased efficiency and productivity

Oxygen vs Air in Industrial Processes

Using oxygen instead of air in industrial processes, particularly in steel production, provides distinct advantages. One of the primary differences is the composition of the gases. Air is made up of about 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen. When air is used, the nitrogen can react to form nitrides, which can be detrimental to the steel's properties.

Oxygen, on the other hand, eliminates the presence of nitrogen in the process. This leads to fewer issues related to nitride formation and allows for more controlled reactions within the furnace. Moreover, the absence of nitrogen results in a cleaner and more efficient combustion process. This enhances the overall quality of the steel and reduces the possibility of defects.

• Prevents nitride formation
• Allows for controlled reactions
• Enhanced steel quality due to reduced nitrogen presence

Steel Purity Enhancement

Enhancing the purity of steel is crucial for its strength and versatility. Oxygen is a key element in achieving high-purity steel. During the steel-making process, oxygen is blown through molten iron to oxidize and remove carbon as carbon dioxide. This process not only reduces carbon levels but also helps in eliminating other impurities such as silicon, manganese, and phosphorous.

As impurities are reduced, the resulting steel shows improved mechanical properties and durability. High-purity steel is less likely to contain defects and offers better performance in demanding environments. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, from construction to automotive industries.

• Carbon removal through oxidation
• Elimination of various impurities
• Improved mechanical properties and durability

Role of Oxygen in Metallurgy

Oxygen plays a vital role in metallurgy, the branch of science and technology concerned with the properties of metals and their production. In metallurgy, oxygen is used to selectively oxidize and remove impure elements that can compromise the integrity and performance of metals.

In particular, oxygen allows metallurgists to refine metals by decarburization — removing excess carbon from iron or steel to prevent undue brittleness. Furthermore, oxygen assists in the removal of undesired metals by forming oxides. These impurities can then be separated from the metal, providing a cleaner and more consistent product.

• Selective oxidation of impurities
• Facilitates decarburization
• Improved product consistency