What are the fuel and flux for haematite ore?

Answer 1

Fuel is 'Coke' an impure form of carbon

Flux is 'Limestone' used to 'soak-up' other unwanted materials in the reduction process.

Also, Don't forget you also need HOT AIR'.

Coke, Limestone and haematite ore are intimately mixed. Then charged into the Blast Furnce. Where a Blast of Hot air blows through the mixture.

The first stage is that limestone thermally decomposes into calcium oxide (lime) and carbon dioxide. Concurrent the coke combines with the hit air to form more carbon dioxide. However, there is an excess of coke, so the carbon dioxide, is reduced to form carbon monoxide.

The second part of the process is that carbon monoxide reacts with the haematite to reduce the haematite to iron, and carbon dioxide.

The lime formed earlier reacts with any impurities present, notably silicon dioxide (sand) to form calcium silicate.

Here are the reaction eq'ns.

CaCO3 ==ht==> CaO + CO2

C + O2 = CO2

2CO2 + 2C(Excess coke) == 4CO

12CO + 4Fe2O3 = 12CO2 + 8Fe

CaO + SiO2(Impurites) = CaSiO3 (Slag).

The slag produced is used to make 'breeze blocks' for building , and for road surfaces.

Answer 2

The fuel used for haematite ore smelting is typically coke, a type of coal. Flux is added to the ore to help remove impurities and facilitate the melting process. Common flux materials include limestone, silica, and dolomite.