blast furnace

This term refers specifically to the heavy industrial equipment used in the primary production of iron. It is characterized by its massive scale and the continuous process of smelting, where air is forced into the bottom of the furnace to create the high temperatures necessary for chemical reduction.

In a technical or industrial register, it is often discussed in the context of metallurgy, steelworks, or carbon emissions. It is distinct from a general furnace or a kiln, as its primary purpose is the extraction of metal from ore rather than heating or baking.