Oxygen gas has an important role to play in the manufacturing of steel. The steel industry is the largest consumer of commercially generated oxygen. The industry uses oxygen gas plant for onsite production of oxygen for meeting their requirements of the gas.
Oxygen is known as a life-sustaining element of the atmosphere. The gas constitutes 21% of the air we breathe. It is one of the most commonly found elements on the planet earth. It is a highly reactive element that combines with all elements except noble gases to form compounds.
On the planet earth it is found bound in compounds such as silicates, oxides and water. The reactive element is also present in lakes, oceans and rivers. However, it is worthwhile to remember that in its molecular form oxygen occurs only in the atmosphere.
Role of oxygen in steelmaking
As mentioned earlier, the non-metallic gas is very important in the steel making. In order to sustain burning process, we require oxygen in a large in the steel manufacturing process. Generally, the steel companies oxygen in its liquefied form.
Liquid oxygen can be effectively transported and easily stored in large volumes. However, it is vaporized when it is time to use it in applications the liquid oxygen is vaporized into the gaseous form. Any material will burn ferociously in the presence of oxygen. It is combined with a fuel gas for use in cutting, welding and brazing.
And, use of oxygen also increases the fuel temperature. Steel is cut using a jet of gaseous oxygen from oxy-fuel, plasma or laser processes. It is used in a process called thermal lancing which is highly effective in cutting though concrete materials and metals.
Use of oxygen in blast furnace iron making
O2 is widely used in the primary steel making with basic oxygen furnace and electric arc furnace. It is also used in the secondary processes. Oxygen is used for enriching blast air during the process. It also proves handy in lancing clogged tap hole in the furnace.
For cutting of cast products use of the non-metallic gas is extensive. The casting machines needs to be fed with continuous supply of oxygen.
