Write down the reactions taking place in different zones in the blast furnace during the extraction of iron.

During the extraction of iron, the reduction of iron oxides takes place in the blast furnace. In the process, hot air is blown from the bottom of the furnace and coke is burnt to raise the temperature up to 2200K in the lower portion itself. The temperature is lower in the upper part. Thus, it is the lower part where the reduction of iron oxides (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4) takes place. The reactions taking place in the lower temperature range (500K – 800K ) in the blast furnace are:- 

3 Fe2O3 + CO → 2 Fe3O4 + CO2

Fe3O4 + 4 CO →  3 Fe + 4 CO2

Fe2O3 + CO → 2 Fe3 + CO2

The reactions taking place in the higher temperature range ( 900 – 1500K ) in the blast furnace are:- 

 C + CO¬2  → 2 CO

 FeO + CO  → Fe + CO2 

The silicate impurity of the ore is removed as a slag by calcium oxide ( CaO), which is formed by the decomposition of limestone (CaCO3).

 CaCO3  → CaO + CO2

 CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3 (Calcium silicate/ slag)