Version 1.0, August 31, 2001, Copyright, Hugh Jack 1993-2001

2.3.2 Making Steels

· The basic process is,

1. Iron ore is mined, and crushed. At this point in contains iron, carbon, oxygen, and a variety of other minerals.
2. The ore is heated in a blast furnace with coke. This removes some of the elements, notably oxygen. Pig iron remains, and has high levels of carbon.
3. A refining furnace is then used to burn off the excess carbon, leaving a good quality steel.

2.3.2.1 - The Ores