A blast furnace is a type of metallurgical furnace used for smelting to produce industrial metals, typically iron. The process involves combining iron ore, coke (a form of carbon derived from coal), and limestone, which are charged into the top of the furnace. Air is blown into the furnace through tuyeres (small openings near the bottom) at high temperatures, usually around 1,600 to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit (870 to 1,200 degrees Celsius).
The