BESSEMER CONVERTER Meaning and
Definition
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The Bessemer Converter refers to a type of industrial apparatus or machine used for the mass production of high-quality steel. Invented in the mid-19th century by Sir Henry Bessemer, an English engineer, it revolutionized the steel-making process and played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution.
The Bessemer Converter is a large, cylindrical vessel made of wrought iron. It is vertically oriented and stands on trunnions, enabling it to rotate and tilt for better control and ease of operation. The converter also has a pivoting dome or hood at the top, which helps to regulate the flow of air and gases during the steel-making process.
This apparatus utilizes a technique called the Bessemer process, wherein molten pig iron is refined into steel by blowing air through the molten metal. The oxygen in the air oxidizes the impurities in the iron, resulting in a reduction of carbon, silicon, and other elements. This process effectively eliminates impurities and enhances the quality of the steel produced.
The Bessemer Converter played a crucial role in enabling large-scale production of inexpensive, high-quality steel, which had a profound impact on various industries such as construction, railroads, and manufacturing. It significantly reduced the time required to produce steel and made it more affordable and accessible for a wide range of applications.
However, the Bessemer Converter became obsolete in the late 19th century with the advent of more advanced steel-making technologies such as the open-hearth process and the basic oxygen furnace. Nevertheless, its invention and impact on industrial progress mark it as a pivotal step in the history of steel manufacturing.
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Etymology of BESSEMER CONVERTER
The term "Bessemer converter" is derived from the name of its inventor, Sir Henry Bessemer. The Bessemer converter is a type of furnace used for converting pig iron into steel by blowing air through it. Bessemer, an English engineer and industrialist, patented the converter in 1856 and introduced it as a major innovation in the steelmaking industry. His name became synonymous with this particular steelmaking process, leading to the widespread use of the term "Bessemer converter" to refer to this type of furnace.
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