alapoxigénkohó

The alapoxigénkohó, which translates to "oxygen converter" or "oxygen furnace" in English, is a type of industrial furnace used in metallurgy. Its primary function is to refine metals, particularly iron and steel, through the introduction of high-purity oxygen. This process accelerates oxidation reactions, allowing for the removal of impurities such as carbon, silicon, and phosphorus from the molten metal.

The basic principle involves blowing pure oxygen onto or through the molten metal bath. This intense oxidation causes impurities to burn off as gases or to form oxides that can then be separated. The high temperatures generated by the exothermic reactions further aid in the melting and refining process. These converters are crucial for producing various grades of steel efficiently and at high volumes.

There are several variations of oxygen converters, with the most well-known being the basic oxygen furnace (BOF). The BOF typically uses a refractory-lined vessel into which molten pig iron and scrap steel are charged. Oxygen is then blown onto the surface of the melt through a water-cooled lance. The process is relatively fast, often taking less than an hour to convert a batch of molten iron into steel. The effectiveness and efficiency of the alapoxigénkohó have made it a cornerstone of modern steelmaking.