In the continuous operation of a Blast Furnace for the extraction of Iron, distinct temperature zone — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question
Question
In the continuous operation of a Blast Furnace for the extraction of Iron, distinct temperature zones dictate specific chemical reactions. Which of the following critical reactions predominantly occurs within the 'Zone of Slag Formation' (Heat absorption zone, roughly $800^\circ C - 1000^\circ C$ or $1000 K - 1273 K$)?
💡 Solution & Explanation
In the heat absorption/slag formation zone (approx. $1000 K - 1273 K$), limestone ($CaCO_3$) decomposes endothermically into $CaO$ and $CO_2$. The highly basic $CaO$ then immediately reacts with the acidic silica ($SiO_2$) gangue to form the fusible liquid slag, Calcium silicate ($CaSiO_3$).