IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MALLEABLE IRON AND STEEL
Year: 1883

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said. William Mallabey Murdock
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 2nd May 1883.
"
WILLIAM MALLABEY MURDOCK, of Gilwern in the County of Brecon, Engineer
IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MALLEABLE
IRON AND STEEL
"
This invention refers to that class of furnaces or converters employed in the
manufacture of malleable iron and steel in which a blast of, air or other gas or
steam, or a combination of two or more of such agents, is introduced below the
surface of the molten metal. .
The first part of this invention relates to that class of fixed furnaces or
converters, employed in the manufacture of malleable iron and steel, in which the
blast is brought down, through tuyeres or passages formed in the lining of such
furnaces or converters and thence into the body of the molten metal below the
surface thereof. It is found that the lower part of such tuyeres, and especially
the parts thereof at and near the inner side of the lining, are quickly burnt away
and destroyed; and the object of this invention is to afford. facilities for readily
removing and replacing such injured parts whilst the furnace or converter is hot.
For this purpose an opening is formed through, the entire, thickness of the lining
at the bottom of each downward passage therein. This opening is rectangular or
round in cross-section but tapers smaller towards its inner end in both side
elevation and plan. A block, consisting of a cast-iron frame coated with ganister
or other suitable refractory material, is made to fit within the opening, aforesaid,
and is forced into its place and withdrawn therefrom by means of a screw working
through a cross-bar carried on lugs on the metal casing of the furnace, or in any
convenient manner. This block has an opening through it to correspond with the
rn

page_text: downward passage in the lining, and at the inner side of this opening through the
block is formed, in ganister or other suitable refractory material, a diaphragm
having a number of small holes therethrough so as to distribute the blast in
streams. The ganister coating may be moulded into an upper and lower half and
thus be placed upon the cast-iron frame, when the lower half or both halves can
be readily renewed as frequently as may be found necessary. When a "blow" is
over the blast may be turned down leaving just sufficient on to prevent the molten
metal from running through the holes in the diaphragm. The block, aforesaid,
may be made up in any convenient manner, either as a metal frame coated as
aforesaid, or entirely of ganister or other refractory material, and the diaphragm
may be dispensed with if desired, a plain hole in this case being formed through
the end of the block.
The second part of this invention relates also to that class of fixed furnaces or
converters employed in the manufacture of malleable iron and steel in which the
blast is brought down through tuyeres formed in the lining of such furnaces or
converters and thence into the body of the molten metal below the surface thereof.
According to this part of my invention, the bosh or interior lining of that part of
the furnace or converter in which the molten metal is treated is formed as a deep
annular ring and is suspended from the casing above so as to leave an annular
space between itself and the outer lining, for the passage of the blast. Space is
left under the bottom of this annular ring for the passage of the blast into the
molten metal, or the bottom of such ring may rest upon blocks, so as to leave
openings between such blocks for the passage of the blast, or the ring may rest
upon the hearth of the furnace or converter and tuyeres be inserted through
openings therein and in the outer lining, and each of such tuyeres may be made, if
desired, substantially in the manner and for the purpose described in the
description of the first part of this invention. The furnace or converter is formed
so that the upper and bottom part may be readily disconnected from one another
and thus the annular ring aforesaid be readily removed and replaced by a fresh one,
The shape of this annular ring allows of it being easily moulded or struck up in
ganister or other suitable refractory material.
The third part of this invention relates also to the class of furnaces or converters
referred to in the descriptions of the first and second parts of this invention.
According to this part of my invention the upper part of the furnace or converter
is capable of being raised from the bottom, or the bottom lowered from the upper
part. The bosh consists of an annular ring made to slide up and down within the
bottom, the walls of the latter being carried up around the bosh sufficiently high
to hold the molten metal when the bosh is raised above such molten metal as
presently explained. The bottom fits around the bosh with sufficient accuracy to
make a joint therewith when wet ganister or other suitable plaster or mastic is
used between the surfaces of the joint. Tuyeres are formed down and within the
walls of the annular ring forming the bosh, and the upper ends of these tuyeres
communicate with a chambered part around the upper end of the bosh, which
chambered part is in communication with a blast chamber running around the top
of the bottom part of the furnace or converter. The bosh is suspended from the
casing of the upper part of the furnace or converter, and when the "blow" is over
the upper part of the furnace or converter, together with the bosh containing the
tuyeres, is raised (or the bottom is lowered) until the lower ends of the tuyeres
are above the surface of the molten metal, when the blast may be shut off
altogether by means of a valve. The chambered part aforesaid, and the blast
chamber, are sufficiently deep to be in communication with one another for the
whole height to which the bosh is raised. By this means the blast may be shut.
off without any danger of the metal running into the tuyeres. The bosh is
readily removed and replaced and its shape renders it easy to mould or strike up.
This part of my invention is capable of considerable modification; for instance,
the bottom of the furnace or converter may consist of an annular vessel and the
centre be covered with a hood having its circular wall dipping down below the

page_text: surface of the molten metal to nearly the level of the hearth. The blast may be
brought up through the centre of the annular vessel underneath the hood and pass
down a space left therefor between the inner circular wall of the vessel and the
wall of the hood, and thus below the wall of the hood into the body of the molten
metal; and an annular ring, similar to that described under the second part of my
invention, may be employed within the outer wall of the annular vessel, either
alone or in combination with the hood. Such hood and ring, or either of them,
may be raised after a "blow" for the purpose already described. This arrangement
of hood and ring, or either of them, in combination with the annular vessel, may
be fixed, if desired, except when renewal is necessary, being in such case similar to
the arrangement described under the second part of my invention.
The fourth part of this invention relates to that class of furnaces or converters
which are mounted on trunnions and are turned up after charging so as to bring
the metal over the tuyeres. According to this part of my invention the molten
metal is charged through a door at the side and is tapped out through an opening
placed at a point which occurs at the lowest part of the furnace or converter when
the same is turned back into the position in which it is charged. This method of
tapping out the metal prevents the deterioration which takes place as the metal
passes over the slag and other impurities when poured out at the mouth of the
furnace or converter in the usual manner. The molten cinder is run off through a
slagging door in the side of the furnace or converter. The tuyeres are formed as a
number of openings in a straight line parallel to the axis of rotation of the furnace
or converter (but having a slightly downward inclination when in position under
the surface of the molten metal) in order that any head of metal may be blown
through, according to the desired pressure of blast. The converter is modified in
shape from the ordinary converter so as to provide for the bath necessary along one
side thereof.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Mallabey Murdock in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
2nd November 1883.
WILLIAM MALLABEY MURDOCK, of Gilwern in the County of Brecon, Engineer,
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MALLEABLE
IRON AND STEEL'
"
This invention refers to that class of furnaces or converters employed in the
manufacture of malleable iron and steel, in which a blast of air or other gas or
steam, or a combination of two or more of such agents, is introduced below the
surface of the molten metal.
and
The first part of this invention is illustrated by the drawings on sheet 1 herewith,
of which figure 1 is a vertical section through the centre (taken on line z z figure 2)
of a fixed furnace to be employed in the manufacture of malleable iron and steel,
and figure 2 is a sectional plan thereof one half being taken on the line
the other half on the line y y of figure 1. The furnace illustrated is of that class
in which the blast is brought down through tuyeres or passages formed in the
lining of the furnace and thence into the body of the molten metal, below the
surface thereof. It is found that the lower part of such tuyeres, and especially
the parts thereof at and near the inner side of the lining, are quickly burnt away
and destroyed; and the object of this part of my invention is to afford facilities
for readily removing and replacing such injured parts whilst the furnace or
converter is hot.
The same letters of reference occurring upon both the figures 1 and 2 indicate
corresponding parts. A is the hearth, B one of the passages for blast from the air
chamber C C to the perforated nozzles D D etc. E. E etc are openings formed
through the outer casing of the furnace and also through the entire thickness of
the lining at the bottom of each downward passage therein. These openings are
formed in plan with sides tapering inwards, as shewn, and the top and bottom
also taper somewhat inwards. F F etc: are blocks of ganister or other refractory
material inserted within the openings E. E etc. A sectional elevation and plan of
one of the openings E and parts therein are shown to an enlarged scale by figures 3
and 4 respectively such figures being lettered to correspond with the lettering on
figures 1 and 2. The blocks F F are made open at their back ends as shewn
at G G etc: to form continuations of the passages of which one is shewn and
lettered B, and have also horizontal openings tapering inwards towards the interior
of the furnace, as shewn, for the insertion of the perforated nozzles D D etc.
HH etc are hollow castings forming doors to the openings E E etc: These doors
are coated with ganister or other refractory material on their inner surfaces, as
shewn, and are forced in place to close their respective openings by means of
screws a a etc. through bars bb etc. carried in hangers fixed to the casing of the
furnace. The inner faces of these doors press against the back ends of the blocks
F F etc and thus assist in forcing such blocks into their places. The nozzles
D D etc. may be readily removed and replaced by new ones from the outside,
whilst the furnace is hot, by simply removing the doors. The blocks F F etc:
also may be removed and replaced, when necessary, in the same manner, whilst
the furnace is hot; or if fire brick lining is used in lieu of the blocks F F etc. such
bricks may be removed and replaced as in the case of the blocks. When a "blow"
the blast may be turned down leaving just sufficient on to prevent the
molten metal from running back through the tuyere holes. A suitable sight
hole c (see figure 3) and cover or plug thereto may be provided for each door.
is
over,

page_text: One of the openings E is shewn in figure 2 with the nozzle, block and lid removed
therefrom.
The openings E E are shewn rectangular in cross-section, but they may be of
any convenient shape, either circular or otherwise, in such section, provided, of
course, that the doors and other parts to fit therein are made of a section to
correspond.
In lieu of the perforated nozzles shewn, a plain hole or a number of small holes
may, if desired, be formed through each block F for the passage of the blast.
L is the charging door, M. the slagging hole and N the tapping hole of the
furnace. The slagging hole M is shewn for convenience of illustration in
figure 2 though it occurs above the level at which the section is taken. (This
remark will apply also to some of the openings described with reference to the
drawings on sheet 2 herewith, as will be readily understood).
The second part of my invention is illustrated by figures 5 to 8 inclusive on
sheet 2 herewith, of which figure 5 is a vertical section through the centre of a
furnace to be employed in the manufacture of malleable iron and steel, and figure 6
is a sectional plan taken on line thereof. The same letters of reference
occurring upon both these views indicate corresponding parts. A is the hearth of
the furnace, B B an annular ring struck up in ganister or other suitable refractory
material and suspended from the upper part of the furnace, C C an annular
chamber between the outside of such ring and the interior of the lining D D, and
E E an annular passage below the bottom edge of the annular ring B B and
forming a communication between the annular chamber C C and the interior of
the furnace at a level below the surface of the molten metal therein. The blast
enters the annular chamber CC from the air chamber F F through openings
a a etc, and passes thence below the botton edge of the annular ring B B. The
upper part G of the furnace is preferably fixed upon supporting girders (not shown
but which will be readily understood) and the lower part is made capable of being
parted therefrom at the joint b b and lowered (and raised) by means of an hydraulic
ram or other suitable means so as to expose the annular ring B B and enable the
same to be removed and replaced or repaired. The shape of this ring allows of it
being easily moulded or struck up. Instead of the lower part being raised and
lowered this part may, if desired, be fixed, the upper part then being raised (and
lowered) in order to expose the annular ring B. B.
Lis the charging hole, M the slagging hole and N the tapping hole of the
furnace. Brickwork between the ring B B and the outer lining D D forms the
sides and top or bottom of these holes through the space CC, where required.
Figures 7 and 8 are respectively corresponding views to figures 5 and 6, and
illustrate a modification of that part of my invention which is illustrated by those
figures. In figures 7 and 8 the parts corresponding respectively to those shewn
by figures 5 and 6 are similarly lettered. The only difference between this modifi-
cation and that part of my invention which is illustrated by figures 5 and 6 is
that the bottom edge of the annular ring B B rests upon a number of blocks
HH etc: in addition to being connected to the upper part of the furnace. The
blocks H H etc: are spaced around underneath the annular ring B B, as shewn by
dotted lines figure 8, so as to leave spaces between them for the passage of blast
into the furnace. This modification may be still further modified, if desired, by
making the ring B. B to rest upon the hearth A in addition to being connected to
the upper part of the furnace as before and inserting tuyeres through openings
therein and in the outer lining; and each of such tuyeres and openings may be
made in the manner shewn at figures 1 and 2 and be provided also with blocks
and doors similar or analogous to those lettered respectively F and H figures 1
and 2, for the purpose before described.
The third part of my invention is illustrated by figures 9 and 10, which are
respectively a vertical section, and a sectional plan taken on line zs thereof. This
furnace is of a similar class to those already described and the corresponding parts
are lettered similarly to those in the corresponding views on the same sheet. - The

page_text: bosh consists of an annular ring J J suspended from the upper part of the furnace.
The blast chamber F F is made capable of sliding vertically upon the furnace
casing immediately around the upper part of this bosh and is made of an increased
depth for a purpose which will be presently understood. The lower part of the
bosh is formed externally to the shape of the frustrum of a cone, and the walls of
the hearth are shaped internally to correspond therewith, as shewn, so that the
lower part of the bosh may fit with sufficient accuracy within the hearth to make
a joint therewith when wet ganister or other suitable plaster or mastic is used
between the surfaces of the joint. Tuyeres K. K etc: are formed down and within
the walls of the annular ring J. J which forms the bosh, and the upper ends of
these tuyeres communicate with vertical openings through the inner side of the
blast chamber F F. The metal is preferably charged into the furnace whilst the
bosh J J is within the hearth A as shewn, the blast being turned on as the metal
is charged. When the "blow" is over, but before the blast is shut off, the lower
part of the furnace is lowered until the lower part of the tuyeres K K is above the
surface of the metal. The blast chamber F F is made sufficiently deep so that the
upper ends of the tuyeres may be. in connection therewith for the whole depth to
which the lower part of the furnace is lowered to bring the surface of the metal
below the tuyeres, and thus the molten metal cannot run back into the tuyeres.
When the tuyeres are clear above the surface of the metal the blast may be shut
off by means of a valve. Instead of the lower part of the furnace being lowered
it may be fixed and the upper part be raised therefrom. The recess in the lower
part of the furnace which forms the hearth thereof must be of sufficient capacity to
hold the molten metal when the hearth is lowered from the bosh J J (or the bosh
raised from such hearth) The bosh J J is readily removed and replaced and its
shape renders it easy to mould or strike up. Instead of the blast chamber F F
being a fixture upon the top casing of the hearth such chamber may be fixed to
the casing of the upper part of the furnace, in which case it will always be in the
same relative position to the tuyeres and openings of the size only of the tuyeres
should be formed through the inner side of such chamber to communicate
between it and the tuyeres. In this case, when it is desired that the upper part of
the furnace shall be raised from the lower, the blast inlet to the chamber F F
must be by means of a sliding or flexible pipe.
The improvements above described are equally applicable for employment in
both the processes known respectively as the "basic" and "acid" or ordinary
"Bessemer" process
I make no claim for the tipping converter described in the provisional specifi-
cation lodged with the application for the hereinbefore in part recited Letters
Patent as I have ascertained since the date of the said application that I am not
the first inventor of the improvements described in such converter.
Having thus stated the nature of my said invention and particularly described
and ascertained the manner of performing the same I declare that what I claim as
my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is :-
1st In a furnace or converter of the construction described with reference to
figures 1 and 2 herewith, employed in the manufacture of malleable iron and steel,
the openings E E etc: through the lining of the furnace, the doors HH etc: and
the blocks F F etc: substantially as and for the purpose herein described and
shewn by the drawings on sheet 1 herewith.
2nd In a furnace or converter of the construction described with reference to
figures 1 and 2 herewith, employed in the manufacture of malleable iron and steel,
the combination of the openings E E etc: through the lining of the furnace, with
the doors HH etc: and the blocks F F etc, or brickwork in lieu of such blocks,
substantially as and for the purpose herein described and shown by the drawings
on sheet 1 herewith.
3 In a furnace. or converter of the construction described with reference to
figures 5 and 6 herewith, employed in the manufacture of malleable iron and steel,
the annular ring B B suspended from the upper part of the furnace, such furnace

page_text: being made capable of having the upper and lower parts thereof separated from
each other so as to expose such annular ring, substantially as and for the purpose
herein described with reference to figures 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings;
and also the modification described with reference to figures 7 and 8 in which
such annular ring is made to rest upon blocks H H spaced apart from one another,
substantially as and for the purpose herein described; and also the modification
in which such annular ring is made to rest upon the hearth of the furnace,
substantially as and for the purpose herein described.
4th In a furnace or converter of the construction described with reference to
figures 9 and 10 herewith, employed in the manufacture of malleable iron and
steel, forming tuyeres within the lining of the bosh and making such bosh so to fit
down within a hearth which is recessed to hold the charge of molten metal that
such bosh may be capable of being readily separated from the hearth in order to
place the tuyeres above the molten metal therein, substantially as and for the
purpose herein described and shewn by figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying
drawings.
D
In witness whereof I the said William Mallabey Murdock have hereunto
set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of October in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty three.
WILLIAM MALLABEY MURDOCK (LS.)