Bessemer process

noun

, Metallurgy.

1. a process of producing steel, in which impurities are removed by forcing a blast of air through molten iron.

Bessemer process

noun

1. (formerly) a process for producing steel by blowing air through molten pig iron at about 1250°C in a Bessemer converter: silicon, manganese, and phosphorus impurities are removed and the carbon content is controlled
2. a similar process for removing sulphur and iron from copper matte

Bessemer process

/ bĕs′ə-mər /

1. A method for making steel by forcing compressed air through molten iron to burn out carbon and other impurities.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bessemer process¹

First recorded in 1855–60; after H. Bessemer

Word History and Origins

Origin of Bessemer process¹

C19: named after Sir Henry Bessemer (1813–98), English engineer

Example Sentences

The availability of cheap steel from the Bessemer process in the late 19th century opened up a new era of bridge building: graceful steel forms spanned greater and greater distances.

From Scientific American

Innovations from the Bessemer process for mass-producing steel from pig iron to the microprocessor have meant modern industry is a far cry from the mills and foundries of the 1840s.

From The Guardian

The Bessemer process for converting iron into steel is also largely used there for making steel for certain purposes.

From Project Gutenberg

By the Bessemer process molten iron is poured into a vessel with holes in the bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

All the iron foundries, patent blasts, and Bessemer processes in the world cannot equal the melting power of the pewter tankard.

From Project Gutenberg