Final Answer:
Steel is produced from raw materials—iron ore, coal, and limestone—through a process called the blast furnace method. In this method, iron ore is smelted in a furnace with coke (derived from coal) and limestone, leading to the extraction of molten iron, which is then refined into steel.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blast furnace method: The blast furnace is a large, vertical furnace used for smelting iron and producing molten iron, which can be further processed into steel.
Raw materials: Iron ore, typically in the form of hematite or magnetite, is the primary source of iron. Coal is converted into coke, a high-carbon fuel used in the furnace, and limestone acts as a flux to facilitate the removal of impurities.
Smelting in the blast furnace: The raw materials are loaded into the top of the blast furnace, and hot air is blown into the bottom. The coke reacts with the oxygen in the air to produce heat, melting the iron ore and reducing it to molten iron.
Extraction of molten iron: The chemical reactions involving iron ore, coke, and limestone result in the extraction of molten iron, which accumulates at the bottom of the furnace.
Refining into steel: The molten iron is then processed to remove impurities and adjust its composition to create steel with desired properties. This refining process may involve oxygen blowing, ladle treatment, and continuous casting.