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Q.How are metals refined by Bessemerisation?

Bihar BsebBihar Board Intermediate 2023Subjective· 2mImportance★★★★★
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Bessemerisation refines a molten metal by blowing hot air through it, oxidising the impurities away.

Bessemerisation is a refining process carried out in a large, pear-shaped furnace called a Bessemer converter. It is used mainly in the extraction of iron (steel making) and in the extraction of copper (from copper matte).

Procedure and principle:

  1. The molten impure metal is placed in the Bessemer converter.
  2. A blast of hot air (in copper extraction) or air/oxygen (in steel making) is blown through the molten metal from openings at the bottom (tuyeres).
  3. The oxygen of the air oxidises the impurities present in the metal. These impurities have a greater affinity for oxygen than the metal itself.
    • Non-metal impurities such as carbon and sulphur are oxidised to gaseous oxides (CO2, SO2) which escape. S + O2 --> SO2 (up) C + O2 --> CO2 (up)
    • Impurities like silicon, phosphorus and manganese form oxides (SiO2, P4O10, MnO) that combine with a flux to form slag, which is removed. …

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