Discuss the manufacture of steel.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Steel manufacturing involves using raw materials like iron ore, limestone, and coal. The process involves melting iron ore in a blast furnace and purifying it using limestone to create pig iron. This is further treated to remove impurities using processes like BOP or EAF, forming raw steel. The raw steel is then shaped and finished depending on its intended use.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Raw Materials Required

The primary raw materials required for the manufacture of steel are iron ore, limestone, and coal. Iron ore is the main component, limestone helps in purifying iron ore, and coal acts as the fuel.
02

Blast Furnace Method

The manufacturing process begins by putting iron ore and limestone into a blast furnace. Heat from burning coal melts the iron ore, while limestone helps remove impurities. The resultant is called 'Pig Iron' which is an intermediate product.
03

Conversion to Steel

The 'Pig Iron' is further treated in two ways to remove remaining impurities. This can be done either by the Basic Oxygen Process (BOP) where oxygen is blown through the metal to remove impurities, or the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) method which remelts pig iron, again using electric arcs.
04

Steel Forming

Once impurities have been removed, the resultant product is a raw steel which is then formed into various shapes and sizes. This is done using large rollers which turn the steel into long, thin sheets or into various other forms as required.
05

Cooling and Finishing

Finally, the formed steel is cooled and then given a finish according to its intended use. This could include coating the steel with zinc for protection against rust, or giving it a decorative finish.

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