Multiple choice

In an extraction of iron, which of the following constitutes the ‘charge’ in the blast furnace besides coke and oxide ore?

  1. Quicklime

  2. Limestone

  3. Dolomite

  4. Silica

  5. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The mixture of iron ore, coke and limestone is called ‘charge’. Iron ore is not pure iron oxide. It also contains an assortment of rocky material. This wouldn't melt at the temperature of the furnace, and would eventually clog it up. The limestone is added to convert this into slag which melts and runs to the bottom. The heat of the furnace decomposes the limestone to give calcium oxide.

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