Cookie & Privacy Policy

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. View the privacy policy to find out more here.
Latest prices

Latest news

Glossary

The Kallanish Glossary aims to be a useful resource for complex industry specific terminology. We are constantly adding to our glossary, so if you have a suggestion or amendment please do get in touch.

Limestone

Steel

Along with iron ore and coke, limestone is an important ingredient in blast furnace ironmaking. The function of limestone is to react with impurities introduced by the other two ingredients to form a slag which can be removed from the furnace without contaminating the iron. The heat inside the blast furnace converts limestone into calcium oxide and CO2 gas. Calcium oxide readily reacts with impurities like silica, sulphur, alumina and magnesia to form a slag. This gradually filters down through the furnace to settle on top of the liquid iron where it can be tapped off.

« Back

Request to add/edit a term

Take a Free trial

Get daily steel news redirect to your inbox each day,
along with prices.