Chapter 9.13, Problem 1KCP

(a) How is raw pig iron extracted from iron oxide ores? (b) Write a typical chemical reaction for the reduction of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) by carbon monoxide to produce iron. (c) Describe the basic oxygen process for converting pig iron into steel.

To determine

How is raw pig iron extracted from iron oxide ores?

Explanation of Solution

Raw pig iron is usually extracted from ores of iron oxide in a blast furnace in the presence of reducing agent. The typical reducing agent used in the blast furnace is coke. The produced pig iron contains nearly 4% of carbon.

To determine

Write a typical chemical reaction for the reduction of iron oxide by carbon monoxide to produce iron.

Explanation of Solution

Write chemical reaction for the reduction of iron oxide by carbon monoxide.

 ${\text{Fe}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}+3\text{CO}\to \text{2Fe}+{\text{3CO}}_{\text{2}}$

Here, iron oxide is ${\text{Fe}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$, carbon monoxide is $\text{CO}$, iron ore is $\text{Fe}$ and carbon dioxide is ${\text{CO}}_{\text{2}}$.

To determine

Describe the basic oxygen process for converting pig iron into steel.

Explanation of Solution

In the basic oxygen process, pig iron is changed into steel by the process of oxidation in a convertor of refractory-lined type. A lance of oxygen insert gives pure oxygen to perform a bathing of molten pig iron and scrapping of steel.

The formed iron oxide then reacts with the carbon in the steel to produce carbon monoxide.

 $\text{FeO}+\text{C}\to \text{Fe}+\text{CO}$