Which of the following are the advantages of using oxygen in place of air in steel industry? (1) It gives more pure product (2) The surface is free from nitrides (3) It makes the procedure faster, that is, more production (4) Larger quantities can also be handled (a) 1,2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 2,3 and 4 (d) \(1,2,3\) and 4

In the dynamic world of metallurgy, efficiency is a core concern for the steel industry, impacting everything from production costs to environmental footprint. A particularly significant breakthrough in this area is the use of oxygen in steel production. Unlike air, which contains a majority of nitrogen, oxygen enables a more exothermic reaction, meaning it releases more heat. This additional heat is essential as it increases the temperature of the steelmaking process, thus reducing energy consumption and improving cost-effectiveness.

Moreover, the use of pure oxygen instead of air accelerates the rate of chemical reactions involved in the steel-making process. This hastens the refinement of molten iron into steel, which, in turn, increases the production rate. By enhancing both the speed and the efficiency of the production process, steel producers are able to manage larger batches, significantly optimizing their operations.

The composition of the gases used in metallurgy is crucial for the outcome of the final product. Air consists mostly of nitrogen and oxygen, with the former potentially leading to unwanted side effects in steel production. When oxygen is used instead of air, the impact is significant. Without the presence of nitrogen, the risks associated with nitride formation are minimized, leading to an overall improvement in the quality of the steel.

The higher concentration of oxygen also vigorously interacts with impurities, facilitating their removal. Besides, the process becomes much hotter due to the intensity of the reactions involved, resulting in quicker melting and refining of steel. These aspects underscore the advantages of using oxygen over air, fundamentally elevating both the efficiency and the output of the metallurgical processes.

Purity in steel production is paramount to achieve the desired physical and chemical properties in the final product. When oxygen is utilized in place of air, the end result is a more pure form of steel. The science behind this advantage is that oxygen, being highly reactive, bonds with most of the impurities present in the molten iron, such as carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus. These oxidized impurities are subsequently removed much more easily as slag.

In contrast, using air in the process can introduce a range of other elements, like nitrogen, that can compromise the integrity of the steel. By opting for oxygen, steelworkers ensure that these contaminants are kept to a minimum, resulting in a higher-quality and more durable material that meets strict industry standards and requirements.

One of the challenges faced by metallurgists is the control of nitride formation in steel. Nitrides can adversely affect the properties of steel, making it brittle and less resistant to corrosion. This is where the use of oxygen instead of air becomes vital. Oxygen doesn't bring in nitrogen into the chemical reactions during steel production; therefore, the risk of forming nitrides, which are compounds containing nitrogen, is greatly reduced.

By preventing the formation of surface nitrides, not only is the steel's durability improved, but also its workability and resistance to corrosion. This refinement to the process ensures that steel maintains its strength and flexibility, qualities that are essential for its use in construction, machinery, and other applications that require structural integrity under stress.