Blast Furnaces
Blast furnaces are large towers or cylinders that have a heat-resistant lining. These furnaces force gusts of hot air and gases up through the furnace load. As air is pushed into the furnace from the bottom, ore and fuel are pushed in through the top. When the two are combined, a chemical reaction occurs, resulting in molten metal. Blast furnaces are used for smelting iron, a process used in the production of steel and iron. They are also used for other smelting procedures and for processing lead, copper, and other types of metals, which are eventually shaped into beams, billets, or slabs.
A blast furnace is an enclosed structure that produces heat for industrial purposes. They are made with several kinds of heat resistant (refractory) elements in order to withstand long-term use. The enclosed space holds the materials, gas, or air being heated until the desired temperature is reached. Blast furnaces can come with varying temperature control options or be set for a single temperature, depending on the process for which the furnace will be used.
Blast furnaces are used for various heat treatments of materials. Heat treating adds significant value to metal products, especially those made of steel and nonferrous materials, by imparting specific properties to the parts. These properties are often critical to the proper function of the parts.