Question:

Blast furnace gas is very poisonous due to its high

Show Hint

Remember the main reaction in the lower part of a blast furnace: \(C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2\) and \(CO_2 + C \rightarrow 2CO\). The CO produced is the key reducing agent and the source of toxicity in the off-gas.
  • \(CO_2\)
  • CO
  • \(N_2\)
  • \(H_2S\)
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Blast furnace gas (BFG) is a by-product of the iron-making process in a blast furnace. It is produced from the partial combustion of coke in the presence of hot air and the chemical reactions that reduce iron ore. We need to identify the component responsible for its high toxicity.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The typical composition of blast furnace gas is:

Nitrogen (\(N_2\)): 50-60% (This is inert and comes from the hot air blast).

Carbon Monoxide (CO): 20-30% (This is the primary reducing agent and a product of incomplete combustion of coke).

Carbon Dioxide (\(CO_2\)): 15-25% (Product of combustion and reduction reactions).

Hydrogen (\(H_2\)): 1-5%.

Other trace gases.
Now let's evaluate the toxicity of the options:

\(CO_2\) (Carbon Dioxide): It is an asphyxiant at very high concentrations, but not considered highly poisonous in the way that carbon monoxide is.

CO (Carbon Monoxide): This is a highly poisonous gas. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. When inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells with an affinity about 200-250 times greater than oxygen. This forms carboxyhemoglobin, which prevents the blood from carrying oxygen to tissues and organs, leading to hypoxia and death. Given its high concentration (20-30%) in BFG, it makes the gas extremely dangerous.

\(N_2\) (Nitrogen): This is the main component of the air we breathe and is non-toxic and largely inert.

\(H_2S\) (Hydrogen Sulfide): This gas is very poisonous, with a characteristic rotten egg smell. However, it is present in blast furnace gas only in trace amounts, if at all, depending on the sulfur content of the raw materials. The primary poisonous component due to its high concentration is CO.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The high concentration of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in blast furnace gas makes it extremely poisonous.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0