Metallurgical Coke

Since the 1960s, a portion of the coke traditionally used has been substituted with auxiliary reductants introduced through the tuyeres, such as oil, tar, coal, and natural gas.

The key roles of coke in the process are:

- Serving as the source of CO gas essential for reducing iron oxides to metallic iron.
- Being consumed to generate the heat required for melting the burden.
- Creating a structured layer with alternating ore and coke layers that facilitates the distribution of reduction gas into the ore layers. As the ore melts, the burden primarily consists of coke, providing support for the blast furnace burden and ensuring permeability for the accumulation of iron and slag in the hearth.
- Supplying carbon for carburization of the hot metal.