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

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