What is a Hotblast furnace?

A hot blast furnace has preheated air blown into it. The hot blast technique allows furnaces to operate at higher temperatures while increasing its capacity. This technique is considered one of the most important advancements in fuel efficiency.

The temperature used in a hot blast furnace varies depending on the type of material it is made of and the design and construction of the furnace. However, temperatures can range from 1,652 to 4,172 degrees Fahrenheit depending on these factors.

The invention of the hot blast process is credited to James Baumont Neilson, who first applied it in 1828 at Wilsontown Ironworks. He also received a patent for the hot blast process.