Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth CenturyRoutledge, Robert
History
Discoveries and Inventions of the Nineteenth Century
Routledge, Robert
Inventions -- History -- 19th century
We have spoken of the Siemens and the Siemens-Martin open hearth
processes. In the latter a charge of pig iron, say 1½ tons, is first
melted on the hearth, then about 2 tons of wrought iron is added in
successive portions, and in like manner nearly as much scrap steel
(_i.e._ turnings, etc.), the final addition being half a ton of
spiegeleisen containing 12 per cent. of manganese. A furnace of
corresponding dimensions will allow of three charges every twenty-four
hours. In the Siemens process it is not wrought iron or steel scrap that
is mainly used to decarbonize the pig, but a pure oxide ore. This is
thrown into the bath of molten metal in quantities of a few cwts. at a
time, when a violent ebullition occurs. When samples of the metal and of
the slag are found to be satisfactory, spiegeleisen or ferro-manganese
is added, and the charge is cast. This process takes a rather longer
time than the former, but gives steel of more uniform character. In both
processes, phosphorus is oxidized at the high temperature attained and
passes into the slag, which last floats of course on the molten metal
and is from time to time tapped off as the action proceeds.
[Illustration:
FIG. 26_a_.—_Rolling Mill._
]
Fig. 26_a_ shows a rolling mill with what is called a “two-high” train
for finishing bars by passing them between the grooves cut in the rolls
to give the required section. The rolls in the illustration turn in one
direction only, and therefore the bars after emerging from the larger
grooves have to be drawn back over the machine and set into a smaller
pair from the same side. This inconvenience is avoided in the
“three-high train,” on which three rolls revolve, and the bars can be
passed through them from one side to the other alternately. The celerity
with which a glowing steel ingot is without re-heating converted into a
straight steel rail 60 or 100 feet long, by passing a few times
backwards and forwards between the rolls, is very striking. These rolls
are made of solid steel, and in some cases have a diameter of 26 inches
or more.
_IRON IN ARCHITECTURE._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account