Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth CenturyRoutledge, Robert
History
Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth Century
Routledge, Robert
Inventions -- History -- 19th century
with about 5 per cent. of carbon, and a considerable proportion of
silicon. An exact chemical analysis of the particular spiegeleisen
having been previously made, it is known what proportion of it is to be
added to the decarbonized iron in order to convert this into a steel
with any required content of carbon. The manganese probably acts by
combining with oxide of iron diffused through the mass, and together
with the silicon forming the very easily separated slag which is
ejected.
The whole series of operations connected with the Bessemer process may
be easily followed by the help of Fig. 25, which is taken from a
beautiful model in the Museum of Practical Geology. This model, which
was presented to the museum by Mr. Bessemer himself, represents every
part of the machinery and appliances of the true relative sizes. C is
the trough, lined with infusible clay, by which the liquid pig iron is
conveyed to the converters, A. The hydraulic apparatus by which the
vessels are turned over is here below the pavement, but the rack which
turns the pinion on the axis of the converter is shown at B. The vessel
into which the molten steel is poured from the converter is marked E,
and this vessel is swung round on a crane, D, so as to bring it exactly
over the moulds, placed in a circle ready to receive the liquid steel,
which on cooling is turned out in the form of solid ingots. The valves
which control the blast, and those which regulate the movements of the
converter through the hydraulic apparatus, are worked by the handle seen
at H. The crane, or revolving table, D, is also under perfect control,
so that the crude pig iron is converted into steel, and the moulds are
filled with a rapidity and ease that are positively marvellous to a
spectator.
[Illustration:
FIG. 25.—_Model of Bessemer Steel Apparatus._
]
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