blast furnace

A blast furnace is a large industrial structure used to produce iron from iron ore. It operates by heating a mixture of iron ore, coke (a carbon-rich material), and limestone to very high temperatures, often over 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,732 degrees Fahrenheit). The coke burns, creating carbon monoxide, which helps convert iron ore into molten iron. The limestone acts as a flux, helping to remove impurities. The resulting molten iron is collected at the bottom, while waste gases are released from the top. Blast furnaces are crucial for steel production and heavy industry.