Question

The region in the blast furnace where the temperature range is \(1500^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) to \(2000^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) is called______zone.

Short answer

Short Answer: The fusion zone is the region in a blast furnace with a temperature range of 1500°C to 2000°C.

Step-by-step solution

List the zones in a blast furnace

A blast furnace is divided into various zones based on the temperature and chemical reactions occurring in each zone. These zones are: 1. Drying and preheating zone 2. Calcination zone 3. Reduction zone 4. Fusion (melting) zone 5. Hearth (bottom-most part of the furnace)

Identify the zone with the given temperature range

In the given exercise, we are looking for the zone with the temperature range of 1500°C to 2000°C. This specific temperature range is associated with the fusion (melting) zone in a blast furnace. The fusion zone is where the iron melts, and the slag, which is a mixture of impurities and flux, forms and floats on top of the liquid iron.

Write the answer

The region in the blast furnace where the temperature range is between 1500°C and 2000°C is called the fusion zone.

Key concepts

Fusion (Melting) Zone

In a blast furnace, one of the most crucial areas is the fusion or melting zone. This is the region where temperatures are extremely high, ranging from 1500°C to 2000°C. Such high temperatures are essential for the process of melting iron ore, turning it into liquid iron. This liquid iron is then collected at the bottom of the furnace. Additionally, it is in this fusion zone that the formation of slag occurs. Slag is a by-product composed of flux and impurities melted from the iron ore. Since slag is less dense than molten iron, it floats on top and can be easily removed. This separation is vital because it purifies the iron. In summary, the fusion zone is integral for melting iron and separating impurities to produce pure iron, ready for further processing.

Temperature Range

The temperature range in a blast furnace varies between its different zones, influencing distinct chemical and physical processes. Each zone plays a unique role in transforming raw iron ore into usable metal. The specific temperature range of 1500°C to 2000°C characterizes the fusion zone. This high-temperature spectrum is critical because it facilitates the melting of iron ore and other materials. At these temperatures, the chemical reactions are accelerated, enabling iron to transition from a solid to a liquid state efficiently. Understanding the importance of temperature in each zone helps in controlling the furnace operations. Proper management ensures the efficient melting of iron and the production of high-quality metal.

Blast Furnace Chemistry

Blast furnace chemistry involves a series of complex chemical reactions, transforming raw iron ore into molten iron. This transformation takes place in distinct zones, each characterized by specific reactions due to the varying temperatures.

• Oxidation Zone: Here, the coke reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, releasing heat required to maintain the furnace temperature.
• Reduction Zone: In this area, carbon dioxide reduces the iron ore to iron through a series of reactions, gradually transforming solid ore into metallic iron.
• Fusion Zone: This is where the iron melts and combines with flux and impurities to form slag.

Managing these chemical processes is key to successful iron production. Knowing how these reactions interact with temperature changes enables operators to optimize the furnace performance, ensuring maximum output. This intricate dance of chemistry and engineering in the blast furnace allows us to harness the elements for industrial use.