IMPROVEMENTS IN CONVERTING CAST IRON OR PIG IRON INTO WROUGHT IRON OR STEEL, AND IN MACHINERY EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1865

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Morgan Morgans, of Brendon Hills, in the County
of Somerset, Engineer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN CONVERTING
CAST IRON OR PIG IRON INTO WROUGHT IRON OR STEEL, AND IN MACHINERY
EMPLOYED THEREIN."
Sealed the 5th September 1865, and dated the 8th March 1865.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Morgan Morgans at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 8th
March 1865.
I, MORGAN MORGANS, of Brendon Hills, in the County of Somerset,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN CONVERTING CAST IRON OR PIG IRON INTO WROUGHT IRON OR STEEL, AND IN
MACHINERY EMPLOYED THEREIN,' to be as follows:-
This Invention consists, first, in mixing spiegel eisen or any carboniferous or
manganesiferous iron or ore in a solid or fluid state, and in proportion varying
according to the per-centage of carbon and manganese it contains, and according
to whether the iron is to be converted into wrought iron or steel, with the iron
to be refined or converted in "puddling" furnaces. I sometimes effect the mix-
ture before the iron to be refined is melted, but I prefer generally to add the
carboniferous or other iron when the iron operated upon is in a fluid or plastic
[Price 8d1

page_text: state. I secure an intense heat sufficient to keep wrought iron in a melted
state by placing one or more steam or compressed air jets in the stack of the
furnace to increase the draught, and cause the metal or ores added to be
thoroughly incorporated with the iron to be converted or refined.
Secondly, the Invention consists in an improved apparatus for puddling,
whereby the gases from the fire are caused to act effectually upon the iron to
be converted at a great economy of time, labour, and fuel. For this purpose
I construct a cast or wrought iron casing or cylinder, which I herein-after
term a containing vessel, in one or more parts of any convenient shape, but by
preference circular or elliptical in cross section, and on this containing vessel
I form one or more chambers. I mount it on rollers suspended on bearings
or otherwise, so that it may receive an oscillatory motion, or be made to partly
rotate. At one end of the vessel I construct a stationary fire-grate and stack,
or I sometimes allow the grate to oscillate with the vessel. When only one
chamber is formed in the vessel 1 place the iron to be refined therein, and
cause the hot gases from the fire to pass over the iron until it is melted; I
then agitate it and expose fresh surfaces to the action of the gases by giving
the vessel an oscillating motion, which I effect by preference by means of one
or more rods connected at one end with the vessel, and at the other end with
a crank, excentric, or other arrangement for giving to-and-fro motion; if
required I add the 'spiegel eisen or other metal or ore, and when the process
of converting is completed, the charge is taken out and hammered, rolled,
shingled, or otherwise treated as required. The gases from the fire after passing
through the converting chamber are caused sometimes to return to the stack
through a return flue or chamber situated over, under, or on either side of the
vessel. I place the pig iron in this flue or chamber, so that it may become heated
before being raked down into the puddling chamber for conversion. Puddling
apparatus constructed as before described possesses the advantage of having one
end entirely free for operating and for removing the charge which may be
performed without shifting either the fire-place or containing vessel. I suspend
the containing vessel and framework upon hinges or pivots, so that it may be
tipped without being removed, and the charge rolled out. If the heater is not
required the fire-place may be at one end of the containing vessel and the stack
at the other; the return flue may then be dispensed with.
My Invention also consists in constructing the containing vessel with two
or more chambers in the same casing or separate casings fastened together
the gases from the fire are caused to pass through one of the chambers which
contains the iron to be refined, which when melted is agitated as before
described, and after the spiegel eisen or other metal or ore has been added if

page_text: required, and the process of converting is completed the charge is drawn out (if
preferred by tipping the containing vessel) through suitable holes, and treated
as usual; I do not, however, allow the hot gases to pass directly from the first
or converting chamber into the stack, but cause them to return through the
other chamber, and heat a charge therein previous to such charge being
puddled the gases then pass off into the stack, or are otherwise further
utilized. When the converting is completed in the one chamber and the
charge removed. I turn the vessel half round so that the chambers change
positions, that which was before the heating chamber now becomes the con-
verting chamber. the charge therein being already considerably heated,
if not in a melting state; I then introduce another charge into the chamber
which was before the converting chamber, but which is now a heating chamber.
When the conversion in that which is now the converting chamber is com-
pleted, I again turn the vessel half round, and so on, each chamber serving as
a heater and as a converting chamber or puddling vessel alternately. The
charges can be removed from the top or bottom chamber without taking
away either the vessel or furnace, the heat is therefore regularly kept up,
and all sudden contraction of the bricks or cement by allowing cold air to be
drawn through the chambers avoided. If desired either of the chambers may
be used entirely as a heater and the other as a puddling vessel, and the forms
and sizes may be varied as found necessary, or the puddling may be carried
on in both chambers at the same time by raising sufficient heat or otherwise;
this vessel can be tipped in the manner before described. When more than
two chambers are formed in the same casing, or different casings fastened
together, the working is performed in a similar manner to that before
described. They may be supplied with more than one fire if required. The
chambers may be used as heaters, or for converting entirely, or for both
according to circumstances. I sometimes line the chambers with materials
similar to those used for iron bottoms, but I prefer to use the single chamber
vessel in this case, or if a double chambered vessel be used I prefer to use
one chamber entirely for puddling, as the lining of the furnace would be liable
to displacement when turned half round. I sometimes form a part or the
whole of one or more of the chambers with transverse or diagonal grooves to
divide the charge into a number of balls which become formed by the oscilla-
tory motion of the vessel. Sometimes I pour the iron to be converted into
the chamber or chambers (as the case may be) in a melted state for puddling.
I make provision for repairs of the containing vessel by mounting it and the
bed plates on wheels, so that the vessel may be run away in the direction of
In these contain-
its axis. The joint plates may be changed when needed.

page_text: ing vessels one end is kept entirely free for operating and taking out the charge
without removing the vessel or the furnace; in some cases I keep both ends
of the containing vessel free for the same purpose. When two or more
furnaces are built closely together they may, if desired, be all heated by the
same fire. I sometimes use heated air for supplying the furnace fire; for this
purpose I construct an outer casing round the stack, and cause the air to
pass between this casing and the stack, so that it may become heated before
entering the furnace.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said Morgan Morgans in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 8th
September 1865.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, MORGAN
MORGANS, of Brendon Hills, in the County of Somerset, Engineer, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, in the twenty-eighth year of
Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said Morgan Morgans, Her special licence that I, the said Morgan Morgans,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the
said Morgan Morgans, my executors, administrators, and assigns, should
at any time agree with, and no others, from time to time, and at all times
thereafter during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might
make, use, exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Ireland, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVE
MENTS IN CONVERTING CAST IRON OR PIG IRON INTO WROUGHT IRON OR STEEL, AND
IN MACHINERY EMPLOYED THEREIN," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said Morgan Morgans, my executors or administrators, by an instru-
ment in writing under my, or their, or one of their hands and seals, should
particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in
what manner the same was to be performed, and cause. the same to be filed in
the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and immediately
after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Morgan Morgans, do hereby
declare the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following

page_text: statement thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, that
is to say;-
This Invention consists, first, in mixing spiegeleisen or any carboniferous or
manganesiferous iron or ore in a solid or fluid state, and in proportion varying
according to the per-centage of carbon and manganese it contains, and according
to whether the iron is to be converted into wrought iron or steel, with the iron
to be converted or refined in puddling furnaces. I sometimes effect the
mixture before the iron to be refined is melted, but I prefer generally
to add the carboniferous or other iron when the iron operated upon is in a
fluid or plastic state. I secure an intense heat by placing one or more steam
or compressed air jets in the stack of the furnace to increase the draught, and
cause the metal or ores added to be thoroughly incorporated with the iron to
be converted or refined.
Secondly, the Invention consists in an improved apparatus for "puddling,"
whereby the gases from the fire are caused to act effectually upon the iron, to
he converted at a great economy of time, labour, and fuel. For this purpose
I construct a cast or wrought iron casing or cylinder, which I herein-after
term a containing vessel, in one or more parts of any convenient shape, but by
preference circular or elliptical in cross section, and in this containing vessel
I form one or more chambers. I mount it on rollers suspended on bearings
or otherwise, so that it may receive an oscillatory motion, or be made to partly
rotate. At one end of the vessel I construct a stationary fire-grate and stack,
or I sometimes allow the grate to oscillate with the vessel. When only one
chamber is formed in the vessel I place the iron to be refined therein, and
cause the hot gases from the fire to pass over the iron until it is melted; I
then agitate it and expose fresh surfaces to the action of the gases by giving
the vessel an oscillatory motion, which I effect by preference by means of one
or more rods connected at one end with the vessel, and at the other end with
a crank, eccentric, or other arrangement for giving to-and-fro motion; if
required I add the spiegeleisen or other metal or ore, and when the process
of converting is completed the charge is taken out and hammered, shingled.
rolled, or otherwise treated as required. The gases from the fire after passing
through the converting chamber are caused sometimes to return to the stack
through a return flue or chamber situated over, under,, or on either side of the
vessel. I place the pig iron in this flue or chamber, so that it may become heated
before being raked into the puddling chamber for conversion. Puddling
apparatus constructed as before described possess the advantage of having one
end entirely free for operating and for removing the charge which may be
performed without shifting either the fire-place or containing vessel. I some-

page_text: times suspend the containing vessel and framework upon hinges or pivots, so
that it may be tipped without being removed, and the charge rolled out. If
the heater is not required the fire-place may be at one end of the
containing vessel and the stack at the other; the return flue may then be dis-
pensed with.
My Invention also consists in constructing the containing vessel with two
or more chambers in the same casing or separate casings fastened together,
the gases from the fire are caused to pass through one of the chambers which
contains the iron to be refined, which when melted is agitated as before
described, and after the spiegeleisen or other metal or ore has been added (if
required), and the process of converting is completed, the charge is drawn out (if
preferred by tipping the containing vessel) through suitable holes, and treated
as usual. I do not, however, allow the hot gases to pass directly from the first
or converting chamber into the stack, but cause them to return through the
other chamber, and heat a charge therein previous to such charge being
puddled; the gases then pass off into the stack, or are otherwise further
utilized. When the converting is completed in the one chamber and the
charge removed, I turn the vessel half round so that the chambers change
positions, that which was before the heating chamber now becomes the con-
verting chamber, the charge therein being already considerably heated,
if not in a melting state; I then introduce another charge into the chamber
which was before the converting chamber, but which is now a heating chamber.
When the conversion in that which is now the converting chamber is com-
pleted, I again turn the vessel half round, and so on, each chamber serving as
a heater and as a converting chamber or puddling vessel alternately. The
charges can be removed from the top or bottom chamber without taking
away either the vessel or furnace, the heat is therefore regularly kept up.
and all sudden contraction of the bricks or cement by allowing cold air to be
drawn through the chambers avoided. If desired either of the chambers may
be used entirely as a heater and the other as a puddling vessel, and the forms
and sizes may be varied as found necessary; or the puddling may be carried
on in both chambers at the same time by raising sufficient heat or otherwise;
this vessel can be tipped in the manner before described. When more than
two chambers are formed in the same casing, or different casings fastened
together, the working is performed in a similar manner to that before
described. They may be supplied with more than one fire if required. The
chambers may be used as heaters, or for converting entirely, or for both,
according to circumstances. I sometimes line the chambers with materials
similar to those used for iron bottoms, but I prefer to use the single chamber

page_text: vessel in this case; or if a double chambered vessel be used, I prefer to use
one chamber entirely for puddling, as the lining of the furnace would be liable
to displacement when turned half round. I sometimes form a part or the
whole of one or more of the chambers with transverse or diagonal grooves to
divide the charge into a number of balls which become formed by the oscilla-
ting motion of the vessel. Sometimes I pour the iron to be converted into
the chamber or chambers (as the case may be) in a melted state for puddling.
I make provision for repairs of the containing vessel by mounting it and the
bed plates on wheels, so that the vessel may be run away in the direction of
its axis, the joint plates may thus be changed when needed. In these contain-
ing vessels one end is kept entirely free for operating and taking out the charge
without removing the vessel or the furnace; in some cases I keep both ends
of the containing vessel free for the same purpose. When two or more
furnaces are built closely together they may, if desired, be all heated by the
same fire. I sometimes use heated air for supplying the furnace fire; for this
purpose I construct an outer casing round the stack, and cause the air to
pass between this casing and the stack, so that it may become heated before
entering the furnace.
Figure 1 (Sheet A) is a longitudinal section, and Figure 2 is an end view,
of one of my improved puddling apparatus.
A, A, is the containing vessel having only a single chamber b, which is
formed of fire-clay, brick, or other suitable refractory material inside a metal
casing; F is the furnace; d, the furnace door. The hot gases from the furnace
pass through the converting chamber b, then through the return flue g into
the stack h, which is supported by the pillars i, j, under the girders t, t, to
admit of renewing the parts v, v, when required. The containing vessel A, A,
is supported upon the rollers h, k, and the axle 1, so that it may be oscillated
when required. The iron to be operated on may be heated in the return
flue g, g, and then raked into the converting chamber b, where it is brought
fit for puddling; an oscillating motion is then given to the containing vessel
by means of the connecting rod m and the lever n, so that the metal becomes
agitated and converted. When the process is completed the charge is taken
out through the hole c, or by drawing the slide o it can drop through the
passage p on a carriage, and be removed to the hammer or rolls as required.
This containing vessel can be made to tip in its place on the fulcrum q by
arranging the rollers k, l, so that they may be lowered.
Figure 3 (Sheet A) is a longitudinal section of another single chamber con-
taining vessel without a return flue.

page_text: Figure 4 is an end view of the same. a is the ash-pit; F, the furnace; C, the
converting chamber; d, the charging hole; f, the flue leading to the stack g.
When renewing the charges the position of the containing vessel may be
altered, so that the roof of the converting chamber may become the bottom
by turning it half way round, for by adjusting the slides h, h, the containing
vessel will work on either half of a revolution. This containing vessel is made
to oscillate by a connecting rod working on the pin . After the charge has
been placed in the chamber C, and the process of puddling is completed, the
containing vessel may be tipped on the fulcrum by means of the excentric M
until it assumes the position shewn in dotted lines, when the charge is removed
through the passages n or f. The stack g is supported on the girders o by the
pillars p, p, so that the portion 7 may be rebuilt when required on the saddle-
back s. If it be required to have both ends of this containing vessel free for
operating, I build the furnace F under the containing vessel, as shewn at
Figures 1 and 2 (Sheet A); w, w, are openings to the ash-pit and furnace;
x, x, are rollers on which the containing vessel moves.
Figure 1 (Sheet B) is an end view, and Figure 2 a longitudinal section, of
a double chamber containing vessel. a is the ash-pit; b, the furnace; c, c, the
two chambers; d, d, charging holes; f, f, flues; s, the stack resting on the
girders o, supported by the pillars p, p. The containing vessel is suspended on
the pivots z, z. After the charge has been placed in the lower chamber c,
and has become sufficiently heated, the containing vessel is made to oscillate
by the connecting rod t working on the pin u; in the meantime a second
charge is placed in the upper chamber c, to become heated by the waste gases
from the lower chamber. When the iron in the lower chamber has become
converted it may be withdrawn through the passage T, or the containing
vessel may be turned half round by the rack and pinion y, g; the charge will
then be collected on the centre piece w, w, and can be removed through the
charging hole d; the chamber which was before the upper chamber containing
the second charge now becomes the lower, and its contents are ready for
puddling; a third charge is placed in the upper chamber to become heated
for puddling previous to its being again turned half round. When some
particular kind of "fettling" is used for forming the converting chamber, to
avoid its displacement I prefer not to turn the containing vessel half round.
In this case it is advisable to use the lower chamber entirely for converting
and the upper for heating the charge, which may be raked down the flue a', a',
for puddling; x, x, are operating holes. This containing vessel does not
conveniently admit of being tipped, but the inclination and the centre piece

page_text: w, w, render the removal of the charge comparatively easy. J represents a
steam or compressed air jet in the stack; the joint K allows the jet to be
drawn out when not required to be used.
Figure 1 (Sheet C) is an elevation of two containing vessels A and B, com-
municating with the same stack U, surrounded by an outer casing W.
Figure 2 (Sheet C) is a plan of the two furnaces, and a sectional plan of the
two containing vessels A and B on the line 1, 2, Figure 3 (Sheet C);
Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the same containing vessels A and B
with their accompanying furnaces.
Figure 3 (Sheet B) is an end view, and Figure 4 (Sheet B) a cross section on
the line 3, 4, Figure 3 (Sheet C) of the containing vessel A, the mode of working
which is as follows:-A charge of iron is first placed in the lower chamber C,
over which the hot gases from the furnace d pass until it is melted; an oscillatory
motion is given to the containing vessel, when the charge is sufficiently heated
by the connecting rod e (Figure 3, Sheet B); the hot gases then ascend the
passage f, f, (Figure 3, Sheet C,) and pass into the upper chamber C, in
which, for the purpose of economizing fuel, I prefer to place another charge
of iron to become heated previous to its being puddled. After the charge in
the lower chamber C has been sufficiently refined and become plastic, the
oscillating motion of the containing vessel divides it into a number of balls
corresponding with the number of grooves g, g, g, formed in the bottom of
the chamber; the containing vessel is then turned half a revolution by means
of the pinion p working into the rack q, q, (Figures 3 and 4, Sheet B, and
1, Sheet C,) so that the balls drop on the opposite part h, h, (Figure 3,
Sheet C,) of the chamber, which in this case is shewn to be plain; a false
bottom is then put across the flue at f, and the containing vessel tipped on
the pivot J, as shewn in dotted lines; the balls are then readily rolled out
through the holes k. The chamber which was before the upper one has now
become the lower or converting chamber with its charge already in a heated
state; the same process of puddling is again repeated, and another charge
placed in the upper chamber as before described, the chambers being made
to change positions upon the withdrawal of each charge. The forming of
grooves in the chamber may be optional, and they may be made either in the
top or bottom of the chamber, or both. There are not any shewn in the
upper chamber C of this containing vessel, but they may be readily applied.
When the charge is required to be divided this grooving will be found the
more expeditious way of doing it, but if required in one lump for shafts and
heavy forgings the upper chamber without the groove will be found more

page_text: suitable; o, o, are rollers upon which the containing vessel oscillates. The
rails r, r, and the wheels s, s, (Figure 4, Sheet B, and Figure 3, Sheet C,) are
arranged under the bed plate for the purpose of running the containing vessel
in the direction of its axis for repairing the joint plates t, t, or for running
the containing vessel on a tipping machine, in which case the joint J could be
dispensed with.
Figure 4 (Sheet C) is an end view, and Figure 5 a cross section on the
line 5, 6, (Figure 3) of the containing vessel B, which has two chambers, and
can be worked in the same way as the one last described; grooves for
separating the charge may be applied to these chambers if required. The
apparatus for tipping the containing vessel is in this case a steam or hydraulic
cylinder D under the bed plate b¹, 61, hinged at d³. For facilitating the
removal of the charge the end of the containing vessel B is shewn formed in
two halves e¹, e¹, (Figures 1 and 4, Sheet C,) which are suspended on hinges
and fastened with the cotter f', forming two doors, which may be opened and
the charge easily removed. The pins p¹, p¹, are for turning the containing
vessel when required by the connecting rod m; o¹, o¹, are rollers upon which
the containing vessel is supported. The chambers of the containing vessels
A and B are, in Figures 4, Sheet B, and 5, Sheet C,) shewn to be formed
inside the metal casings of fire-bricks s², s2, s3. Two boilers are shewn at x, x,
Figure 3, Sheet C, so that the waste gases may generate steam for the jet
or jets in the stack. v, v, Figures 2 and 3, Sheet C, represent the passage
between the stack and its outer casing W, through which the air passes and
becomes heated before it enters the furnaces d and d¹; the air is allowed to
enter this passage through holes formed in the outer casing near the top of
the stack; w, w, w, w, are doors to the ash-pits and furnaces which com-
municate by the archway I with the passage v, v; y', y', are tapping holes
for removing cinders. Two other containing vessels can be arranged to work
at right angles with A and B into the same stack U.
Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (Sheet A) shew various forms of containing vessels
I adopt with two chambers on a reduced scale, according to the work
required to be done, which will always govern the internal form of the
chambers.
The details represented in the accompanying Drawings may be altered
without departing from the distinguishing features of my Invention, and some
arrangements shewn in one modification of my Invention may be applied to
another.
And having now described the nature of my said. Invention, and in what

page_text: manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I am aware that moveable
containing vessels for puddling or converting iron are not new, and therefore
I do not lay claim to them; but I claim,-
First, constructing moveable puddling furnaces with one or both ends of the
containing vessel bare and free for operating.
Second, constructing moveable puddling furnaces with two or more chambers
in the same containing vessel, which may be formed in one casing or different
casings connected with each other.
Third, constructing moveable puddling furnaces with a return flue or flues
in manner herein-before described.
Fourth, constructing the chambers of moveable puddling furnaces with
grooves for separating and dividing the charge.
Fifth, constructing puddling furnaces with the containing vessel hinged or
connected to the other parts so as to allow of the vessel being tipped without
being removed in manner and for the purpose before described.
Sixth, constructing puddling furnaces with a chamber round the stack for
the purpose of heating the air previously to its entering the grate, as herein-
before described.
And, seventh, mixing spiegeleisen or any carboniferous or manganesiferous
iron or ore in a solid, liquid, or plastic state with the iron to be refined or
converted in movable puddling furnaces.
In witness whereof, I, the said Morgan Morgans, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Second day of September, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-five.
MORGAN MORGANS. (L.s.)