Bessemer process

noun

Metallurgy.

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

Bessemer process

noun

(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
a similar process for removing sulphur and iron from copper matte

Bessemer process

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Bessemer process¹

First recorded in 1855–60; after H. Bessemer

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Bessemer process¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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.

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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.

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

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

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

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Bessemer converter Bessemer steel

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