: Pyrometallurgy Chemistry LibreTexts
Originally, the iron was collected in pools called pigs, which is the origin of the name pig iron. Figure (PageIndex{3}): A Blast Furnace for Converting Iron Oxides to Iron Metal. (a) The furnace is charged with alternating layers of iron ore (largely Fe 2 O 3) and a mixture of coke (C) and limestone (CaCO 3). Blasting hot air into the ...