Pig iron is converted into steel by decreasing the amount of carbon present in it in a

Options

A. Bessemer converter
B. Pyrite burner
C. Blast furnace
D. None of these

Answer

To convert pig iron into steel by decreasing the amount of carbon present in it, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Pig Iron**: Pig iron is an intermediate product obtained from smelting iron ore in a blast furnace. It contains a high percentage of carbon (around 3-4%) and other impurities.

2. **Need for Conversion**: The high carbon content in pig iron makes it brittle and unsuitable for many applications. Steel, on the other hand, has a lower carbon content (typically 0.2-2%) and is more ductile and stronger.

3. **Process Selection**: The process used to convert pig iron into steel by reducing the carbon content is known as the **Bessemer process**. This process involves blowing air through molten pig iron to oxidize the carbon and other impurities.

4. **Bessemer Converter**: The Bessemer converter is a large vessel where the conversion takes place. Air is blown through the molten pig iron, which oxidizes the carbon and other impurities, producing steel.

5. **Oxidation Reaction**: The oxidation of carbon can be represented by the reaction:
\[ \text{C} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 \]
This reaction reduces the carbon content in the pig iron.

6. **Final Product**: After the oxidation process, the resulting product is steel, which has the desired properties for various applications.

### Conclusion:
The process used to convert pig iron into steel by decreasing the amount of carbon present in it is the **Bessemer process** using a **Bessemer converter**.