Step 1: What is Metallurgical Coke?
Metallurgical coke is a carbon-rich solid derived from coal through destructive distillation. It is:
- Highly porous,
- Strong, and
- Essential as a reducing agent and fuel in metallurgical operations.
Step 2: Use in Iron Blast Furnace
In the iron blast furnace, coke serves two primary functions:
Fuel: Provides heat energy for the reduction reactions.
Reducing agent: Reduces iron ore (Fe\(_2\)O\(_3\) or Fe\(_3\)O\(_4\)) to metallic iron.
\[
\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2
\]
Step 3: Elimination of Other Options
- LD converter: Uses pure oxygen, not coke.
- Secondary steel making: Involves ladle refining, not combustion.
- Bayer process: Extracts alumina from bauxite; coke is not involved.
Conclusion: Metallurgical coke is primarily charged into the iron blast furnace during pig iron production.