IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND REFINING OF IRON AND STEEL, AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR."
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to George Ellinor, of Sheffield, in the County of York, for
an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE AND REFINING OF
IRON AND STEEL, AND IN APPARATUS THEREFOR."
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said George Ellinor at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 10th December 1880.
GEORGE ELLINOR, of Sheffield, in the County of York. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE AND REFINING OF IRON AND STEEL, AND IN APPARATUS
THEREFOR.'
"
This Invention relates to the manufacture of iron and steel, the refining of iron,
the conversion of iron into steel, and the smelting of ores, and in apparatus used
in the manufacture of iron and steel, the refining of iron, the conversion of iron into
steel, and in the smelting of ores, and is an improvement on the process patented
by me and others under date October Twenty fourth, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy four.
These improvements consist in the removal of phosphorous, sulphur, and other
impurities from iron and steel, or from the ores from which metallic iron or steel
are made (either during or after the process of conversion of the ores into a metallic
state) by the use, as hereinafter specified, of calcium hydrate, or magneso calcium
hydrate, or quick lime or lime, or magnesium lime in any intermediate state of
hydration, or their carbonates, in combination with a fixed oil or fat, or solid or
liquid hydro-carbon oil; and further, as a modification, the combination with the
above named chemical agents of a highly oxyidizing agent or agents, as nitrate of
ammonia, nitrate of barium, nitrate of potassium, nitrate of sodium, or other similar
base; or chlorate of potassium, or chlorate of sodium, or other similar base; or
oxide of manganese or bin-oxide of manganese; or manganate of potassium or
manganate of sodium; or per-manganate of potassium or per-manganate of sodium,
or other available manganate or per-manganate base or bases. These improve-
ments further consist in apparatus used in the said operations.
The novelty of my Invention consists, firstly, in the method of operating upon
iron (in a metallic or non-metallic state) by a combination of calcium or magneso
D

page_text: calcium hydrate, or their carbonates, or calcium in any intermediate state of
hydration (as above specified), with a volatile hydro-carbon oil, or hydro-carbon
oil, hydrate of lime, etcetera (as above specified), combined with one or other of the
above named oxydizing agents, for the purpose of refining it and converting it into
steel in any ordinary apparatus for smelting, refining, melting, or founding iron or
steel, or in the appliances used in iron and steel making, refining, or founding;
and, secondly, in improved apparatus used to carry into effect my Invention.
Firstly:-
In carrying into effect the first part of my Invention in ordinary iron and steel
making or refining apparatus, where blasts or currents of air are forced into or
amongst the metal, I employ hydrate of calcium in the form of a fine powder
(either with or without one or other of the above specified oxydizing agents)
combined with volatile hydro-carbon oil, and I force them into the furnace or
converter (etcetera), with the said blast of air, for the purpose chiefly of
dephosphorizing and desulphurizing the metal, the hydrate of lime being
introduced into the tuyers or the blast pipe in any convenient manner so that
it mixes with the hydro-carbon oil (and the said oxydizing agents if required)
before entering the furnace or converter. The blast of air (as now forced into the
converter in the Bessemer process) being charged, according to my improvements,
with hydrate of calcium (and one or other of the above named oxydizing agents
if required, or with bin-oxide of manganese if required), and volatile hydro-carbon
oil, operates on the molten metal and raises its temperature to that point at which
phosphorous is eliminated partly as phosphatic slag and partly in combination with
hydrogen in the form of gas, the operation of blowing being carried on, by my
improvements, without the metal becoming oxidised in consequence of the presence
of hydrate of calcium and volatile hydro-carbon oil with the blast of air. When
iron is sufficiently operated upon and purified, as above specified, it is converted
into steel in the ordinary manner.
Secondly:-
:-
My improvements in apparatus to carry into effect this part of my Invention in
ordinary Bessemer steel making apparatus consist, firstly, of chargers, mixers,
generators, or diffusers, in which the blast of air is charged with the required
quantity of hydro-carbon oil.
The chargers consist of one or more vessels containing perforated shelves, or
perforated shelves and coke combined, or coke alone, or the chargers may contain
rows of wire netting or wire netting and coke, the said chargers being wholly or
partially filled with volatile hydro-carbon oil, the perforated plates, wire netting,
or coke being employed to prevent the blast of air from forcing out the said oil
from the chargers in bulk, and allowing of the current of air taking up only the
desired quantity of oil and carrying it into the converter or other apparatus to
which it is applied. The blast of air may enter the charger at the bottom or lower
part and leave it at or towards the top, and pipes from the upper part of the first
charger may be connected to the bottom or lower part of a second, and in like
manner with the remaining charges which are required, by which arrangement the
current of air would pass through a series of chargers to sufficiently saturate
it with the said oil; or instead of the above described arrangement the current of
air from the blowing engine may be split up into two or more currents of less
volume, and each pass through a separate charger or separate chargers and meet
thereafter or otherwise before entering the converter or other apparatus to which
the improved apparatus is applied.
As a modification of the above described apparatus, and for the purpose of
atomizing the hydro-carbon oil and saturating the current of air therewith, I employ
a closed vessel (one or more vessels may be employed) containing liquid hydro-
carbon oil, through the upper part of which is inserted a tube (one or more tubes
may be employed), which said tube is connected with the blast pipe in such a
manner as that when the current of air passes the mouth thereof it will draw up the
liquid hydro-carbon oil and carry it forward to the converter. An ordinary ejector |

page_text: may be employed at the point of connection between the hydro-carbon oil vessel
and the blast pipe. This vessel will be fitted with a gauge to indicate the height
or quantity of the material therein.
My improvements in apparatus consist further in a vessel or box for holding and
discharging the hydrate of lime. This vessel consists of a cylinder coned at its
lower end and fitted with a central revolving screw bladed spindle, the said spindle
being rotated by gearing and chain wheel by manual or other power. The hydrate
of lime is introduced through the top cover and is forced through the box by the
rotation of the said screw bladed spindle. The lower end of the said hydrate box
is connected to the blast pipe as near to the converter as practicable, and is so
connected by a bend pipe or ejecting apparatus or otherwise that the current of air
forced (by the blowing engine) through the blast pipe will draw down the
powdered hydrate of lime from the box and carry it into the converter or furnace;
the said hydrate box will be fitted with suitable valves top and bottom to govern
the inlet and outlet of the hydrate of lime. A small pipe from the blast main may
be introduced into the top of the box if required for the current of air to act
downwards on the lime.
The nitrate of sodium or other oxidizing agent (as above specified) will be
introduced into the blast or air pipe by a vessel or apparatus of somewhat the same
construction as an oil lubricator for steam engine cylinders, that is to say, it will
have (by preference) a funnel shaped top, into which the material is placed; under
this is a tap or valve, and under this a chamber, and under this again a second tap
or valve with a pipe to or connection with the blast pipe. The material being
placed in the funnel, and the lower tap being closed, the upper tap is opened,
and the material descends into the chamber; the upper tap is then closed and the
bottom one opened, and the current of air rushing past the opening into the
said chamber draws down the nitrate of sodium and carries it into the converter or
furnace.
In carrying into effect this part of my Invention the blast or current of air will
be conveyed in pipes from the blowing engine or air receiver to the converter or
furnace, the said pipes being connected to the said chargers or generators and to the
said hydrate of lime box, and being fitted with valves to direct the current of air,
firstly, direct to the converter or furnace so that air only is passed through ;
secondly, through the chargers or generators or in connection with the diffuser, so
that air saturated with hydro-carbon oil is passed into or through the converter or
furnace; thirdly, in connection only with the hydrate of lime box, so that air and
hydrate of lime are passed into or through the converter or furnace; or, fourthly,
through and in connection with the chargers or diffuser and the hydrate of lime
box, so that air charged with hydro carbon oil and hydrate of lime is passed into
the converter or furnace. The vessel containing the nitrate of sodium can be opened
and its contents driven into the converter as and when required.
My improvements consist, secondly, in refining molten iron or converting it into
steel in a ladle or other similar or suitable apparatus without the use of a blast or
current of air.
The ladle or other similar appliance is lined with loam, sand, or ganister, or
other fire resisting material or materials, and is prepared for the refining of
molten iron or for the conversion of molten iron into steel by the following means
and materials, that is to say:-For the conversion of molten iron into steel I place
at the bottom of the ladle a layer of spiegeleisen, ferro-manganese, or their equivalents,
and next above a layer of charcoal saturated with a fixed oil or fat, or volatile
liquid or solid hydro-carbon oil; or as a modification the spiegeleisen is placed above
the saturated charcoal, next above that a layer of nitrate of ammonia, nitrate of
potassium, nitrate of sodium, or other nitrate, or a layer of manganate of potassium
or permanganate of potassium, manganate of sodium or permanganate of sodium, or
other manganate or permanganate bases, or a layer of chlorate of potassium or
chlorate of sodium or other chlorate, oxide of manganese or bin-oxide of manganese;
next above that a layer of hydrate of lime saturated or mixed with a fixed or

page_text: volatile hydro-carbon oil; next above that a layer of hydrate of lime mixed with a
small proportion (as compared with the proportion of fixed or volatile hydro-carbon
oil mixed with the charcoal) of volatile hydro-carbon oil; next above that a layer
of hydrate of lime only (if found necessary), and next above that a plate (or plates)
of cast iron or wrought iron or its equivalent to ensure the regular and successive
action of the heat of the molten metal on each layer of materials in the ladle, and
prevent the irregular action of the chemical agents in the ladle on the molten iron;
upon this plate (or its equivalent) is poured the molten metal (from a blast furnace,
cupola furnace, air furnace, or other smelting or melting furnace), and the following
described operation is forthwith carried on, that is to say:-The plate or its
equivalent is gradually melted by the molten metal and the heat strikes down. The
bydrate of lime is first brought into action, and as it contains one third by weight of
water, the water is given off by the heat in the form of gasses and passes off through
the molten metal, and the metal is thereby purified; in the next layer the volatile
hydro-carbon oil expands with the heat, and, being evolved simultaneously, combines
with the decomposed gases of the water of the hydrate, thereby forms a carburetted
hydrogen gas which by expansive force causes ebullition and escapes through the
molten metal to the top of the ladle, thus purifying the metal. As the heat of the
molten metal descends to and into the layer of nitrate of potassium, or nitrate of
sodium, or manganate of potassium, or manganate of sodium, a violent action
immediately takes place, instantly followed by the action of the next layer; the
decomposition of these two layers gives the necessary heat and force to throw up
the lime as slag in combination with sulphur and phosphorous, the graphitic carbon
in the molten metal being carried up bodily by the calcium; the spiegeleisen or
ferro-manganese or their equivalents forming the bottom layer being melted by the
extreme heat generated by the decomposition of the two layers aforesaid above or
below, or in which it or they are placed, would then carbonize the molten metal
and convert it into steel. The quantities of the various materials used and their
disposition in the ladle will vary with the quality of the metal operated upon and
the quality of the iron or steel required to be produced.
In simply refining or purifying iron or steel in a ladle or other similar appliance
as above described, the spiegeleisen or its equivalent would be omitted, the operation
being otherwise conducted as above described. As a modification of the improve-
ments next above described the ladle or other similar appliance can be fitted with
tuyeres and blast pipes and be connected to a blowing engine, and the molten
metal in the ladle or other appliance be blown as in the Bessemer steel making
process, the said ladle or other appliance being charged with the materials or
chemical agents as above described.
In carrying this part of my Invention into effect the ladle used can be made to
tilt so as to empty out the dross or slag by the employment of hollow trunnions
(by which the blast will be admitted), the tilting of the said ladle being effected by
a balanced lever fixed thereto, the said lever being actuated by a piston and rod and
hydraulic or steam cylinder, or being actuated by any ordinary arrangement of
mechanism, A blast box from the said trunnions will convey the blast or current
of air (etcetera) to tuyeres which will be inserted through or made in the ladle and
connected to the said blast box.
The charge of hydrate of lime, hydro-carbon oil, etcetera, as above specified, can
be placed in a metal pan or box made to fit the bottom part of the ladle or
converter, the top, or top and bottom part of this pan or box (as placed in the
ladle) will be closed, so that when the molten metal is poured into the ladle it will
not commence to heat the charge of hydrate of lime, etcetera, until the whole of the
metal is in the ladle; the said pan or box can have a flange on its upper part (as
placed in the ladle) to protect the lining of the ladle. The said pan or box will be
of the same material as, and will form part of, the charge of metal to be operated
upon, as it will be melted during the process of conversion or refining thereof, and
will be used instead of, or as well as, the metal plates above specified.
The ladle used for refining iron or converting it into steel can be mounted on a

page_text: balanced arm somewhat similar to those already in use in the Bessemer steel
making process, or the said arm and ladle can be made to be suspended in a crane,
and can be fitted with tipping gear, and during the process of refining or converting,
the ladle can be placed under a hood and chimney for the purpose of disposing of
the gases and products of combustion; or the ladle may be mounted on a wheeled
truck and run under a hood or chimney during the time the molten metal therein
is being operated on by the refining or converting materials, or the said ladle may
take the form of a fixed or tipping converter and be placed in front of the melting
or smelting furnace and be filled therefrom directly or indirectly.
The improvements first above described (the blowing of metal with a current of
air charged with hydrate of lime, and volatile hydro-carbon, oil, etcetera) can be
used in combination with my improvements secondly above described (the ladle
or other appliance charged with layers of hydrate of lime, hydro-carbon oil,
spiegeleisen, etcetera) for the purpose of refining iron or converting iron into
steel.
As a modification of the above described pan employed by me to contain the
chemical agents, and to prevent the heat of the molten metal acting thereon before
the whole of the molten metal is in the ladle or converter (and to protect the
lining of the converter), the said pan or a part or parts thereof may be covered with
loam or bauxite or other similar or fire resisting material. In the above described
process and apparatus for the manufacture and refining of iron and steel in which
blasts or currents of air are employed, the carbonising agent is specified as being in
the liquid form as hydro carbon oil, but as a modification of the said process, and
as equivalent thereto, the said carbonizing agent may be in the form of a powder,
as, for instance, finely powdered charcoal, and be mixed with the hydrate of lime
and be blown into the converter or ladle therewith, or the said powdered charcoal
may be placed in a separate box or vessel (similar to the hydrate of lime box
herein before described) and be blown out therefrom into the converter by the blast
or current of air as required.
As a further modification, the hydrate of lime and powdered charcoal may be
blown into the converter by an air compressor, separate and distinct from the
blowing engine used in the ordinary Bessemer steel making process, and the said
lime and charcoal may be conveyed into the tuyere box or tuyeres of the converting
and refining apparatus by a pipe or pipes, separate and distinct from the
ordinary blast pipe of the Bessemer steel making apparatus as now ordinarily
constructed.
As a further modification, the vessel hereinbefore described containing the nitrate
of sodium (etcetera) may be dispensed with, and the said nitrate of sodium
(etcetera) be mixed with the hydrate of lime or powdered charcoal.
As a modification in the use of powdered charcoal, the said charcoal with hydrate
of lime may be forced into the refining or converting vessel in combination with, or
so as to act with, the hydro-carbon, oil (as herein before specified with reference to
hydrate of lime only) and further in combination with nitrate of sodium (etcetera)
if required. In using powdered charcoal with hydrate of lime, the proportion of
each will vary with the quality of iron operated upon and the quality of the refined
iron or steel required to be produced.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said George Ellinor in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 10th June
1881.
GEORGE ELLINOR, of Sheffield, in the County of York.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE MANUFACTURE AND REFINING OF IRON AND STEEL, AND IN APPARATUS
THEREFOR."
This Invention relates to the manufacture of iron and steel, the refining of iron,
the conversion of iron into steel, and the smelting of ores, and in apparatus used in
the manufacture of iron and steel, the refining of iron, and the conversion of iron
into steel, and in the smelting of ores, and is an improvement on the process
patented by me and others in England under date October Twenty fourth, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy four.
These improvements consist in the removal of phosphorous, sulphur, and other
impurities from iron and steel, or from the ores from which metallic iron or steel
are made, either during or after the process of conversion of the ores into a metallic
state by the use, as hereinafter specified, of calcium hydrate, or magneso calcium
hydrate, or quick lime or lime, or magnesian lime, in any intermediate state of
hydration, or their carbonates, in combination with a fixed oil or fat, or solid or
liquid hydro carbon oil, and further, as a modification, the combination with the
above named chemical agents of a highly oxydizing agent or agents, as nitrate of
ammonia, nitrate of barium, nitrate of potassium, nitrate of sodium, or other similar
base; or chlorate of potassium, or chlorate of sodium, or other similar base; or oxide
of manganese or bin-oxide of manganese; or manganate of potassium or manganate
of sodium; or per-manganate of potassium or per-manganate of sodium, or other
available manganate or per-manganate base or bases.
These improvements further consist in apparatus used in the said operations.
The novelty of my Invention consists, firstly, in the method of operating upon
iron in a metallic or non metallic state, by a combination of calcium hydrate or
magneso calcium hydrate, or their carbonates, or calcium in any intermediate state
of hydration, as above specified, with a volatile hydro carbon oil, or hydro carbon
oil, hydrate of lime, etcetera, as above specified, combined with one or other of the
above named oxydizing agents for the purpose of refining molten iron and
converting it into steel, in any ordinary apparatus for smelting, refining, melting,
or founding iron or steel, or in the appliances used in iron and steel making,
refining, or founding; and, secondly, in improved apparatus used to carry into effect
my Invention.
Firstly:-
In carrying into effect the first part of my Invention in ordinary iron and steel
making, or refining apparatus, where blasts or currents of air are forced into or
amongst the metal, I employ hydrate of calcium in the form of a fine powder either
with or without one or other of the above specified oxydizing agents combined
with volatile hydro-carbon oil, and I force them into the furnace or converter,
etcetera, with the said blasts of air for the purpose chiefly of dephosphorizing and
desulphurizing the metal, the hydrate of lime being introduced into the tuyers or
the blast pipe in any convenient manner so that it mixes with the hydro-carbon
oil (and the said oxydizing agents if required) before entering the furnace or
converter. The blast of air (as now forced into the converter in the Bessemer
process) being charged, according to my improvements, with hydrate of calcium
(and one or other of the above named oxydizing agents if required, or bin-oxide of
manganese if required) and volatile bydro-carbon oil, operates on the molten metal

page_text: and raises its temperature to that point at which phosphorous is eliminated, partly
as phosphatic slag and partly in combination with hydrogen in the form of gas, the
operation of blowing being carried on by my improvements without the metal
becoming oxydized in consequence of the presence of hydrate of calcium and
volatile hydro-carbon oil with the blast of air. When molten iron is sufficiently
operated upon and purified, as above specified, it is converted into steel in the
ordinary manner.
Secondly:-
My improvements in apparatus to carry into effect this part of my Invention,
in ordinary Bessemer steel making apparatus, consist firstly of chargers, mixers,
generators, or diffusers, in which the blast of air is charged with the required
quantity of volatile hydro-carbon oil.
The charges consist of one or more vessels containing perforated shelves, or
perforated shelves and coke combined, or coke alone, or the chargers may contain
rows of wire netting or wire netting and coke, the said chargers being wholly or
partially filled with volatile hydro-carbon oil, the perforated plates, wire netting,
or coke being employed to prevent the blast of air from forcing out the said oil
from the chargers in bulk, and allowing of the current of air taking up only the
desired quantity of oil and carrying it into the converter or other apparatus to
which it is applied. The blast of air may enter the charger at the bottom or lower
part, and leave it at or towards the top, and pipes from the upper part of the first
charger may be connected to the bottom or lower part of a second, and in like
manner with the remaining chargers which are required, by which arrangement
the current of air would pass through a series of chargers to sufficiently saturate it
with the said oil; or instead of the above described arrangement the current of air
from the blowing engine may be split up into two or more currents of less volume,
and each pass through a separate charger or separate chargers and meet thereafter,
or otherwise, before entering the converter or other apparatus to which the
improved apparatus is applied.
As a modification of the above described apparatus, and for the purpose of
atomising the hydro-carbon oil and saturating the current of air therewith, I
employ a closed vessel (one or more vessels may be employed) containing liquid
bydro-carbon oil, through the upper part of which is inserted a tube (one or more
tubes may be employed), which said tube is connected with the blast pipe in such
a manner as that when the current of air passes the mouth thereof it will draw up
the liquid hydro-carbon oil and carry it forward to the converter.
An ordinary ejector may be employed at the point of connection between the
hydro-carbon oil vessel and the blast pipe. This vessel will be fitted with a gauge
to indicate the height or quantity of the material therein.
My improvements in apparatus consist further in a vessel or box for holding and
discharging the hydrate of lime. This vessel consists of a cylinder coned at its
lower end and fitted with a central revolving screw bladed spindle, the said spindle
being rotated by gearing and chain wheel by manual or other power. The
hydrate of lime is introduced through the top cover and is forced through the box
by the rotation of the said screw bladed spindle.
The lower end of the said hydrate box is connected to the blast pipe as near to
the converter as practicable, and is so connected by a bend pipe or ejecting
apparatus, or otherwise, that the current of air forced (by the blowing engine)
through the blast pipe will draw down the powdered hydrate of lime from the box
and carry it into the converter or furnace.
The said hydrate box will be fitted with suitable valves, top and bottom, to
govern the inlet and outlet of the hydrate of lime. A small pipe from the blast
main may be introduced into the top of the box, if required, for the current of air
to act downwards on the lime.
The nitrate of sodium or other oxydizing agent (as above specified) will be
introduced into the blast or air pipes by a vessel or apparatus of somewhat the
same construction as an oil lubricator for steam engine cylinders, that is to say, it

page_text: will have (by preference) a funnel shaped top into which the material is placed;
under this is a tap or valve, and under this a chamber, and under this again a
second tap or valve with a pipe to, or connection with, the blast pipe.
The material being placed in the funnel, and the lower tap being closed, the
upper tap is opened, and the material descends into the chamber; the upper tap is
then closed and the bottom one opened, and the current of air rushing past the
opening into the said chamber draws down the nitrate of sodium, and carries it
into the converter or furnace.
In carrying into effect this part of my Invention the blast or current of air will
be conveyed in pipes from the blowing engine or air receiver to the converter or
furnace, the said pipes being connected to the chargers or generators, and to the
said hydrate of lime box, and being fitted with valves to direct the current of air,
firstly, direct to the converter or furnace, so that air only is passed through;
secondly, through the chargers or generators, or in connection with the diffuser, so
that air saturated with hydro-carbon oil is passed into or through the converter or
furnace; thirdly, in connection only with the hydrate of lime box, so that air and
hydrate of lime are passed into or through the converter or furnace; or, fourthly,
through and in connection with the chargers or diffuser, and the hydrate of lime
box, so that air charged with hydro-carbon oil and bydrate of lime is passed into
the converter or furnace.
The vessel containing the nitrate of sodium can be opened, and its contents
driven into the converter as and when required.
The proportion of hydro-carbon oil and calcium hydrate employed bear a
proportion to the molten metal under operation, and to one another as the quantity
of phosphorus, sulphur, and other impurities bear to one another, and to the weight
of metal under operation in which they exist.
In the above described process and apparatus for the manufacture and refining
of iron and steel, in which blasts or currents of air are employed, the carbonising
agent is specified as being in the liquid form, as hydro-carbon oil; but as a modifi-
cation of the said process, and as equivalent thereto, the said carbonising agent
may be in the form of a powder, as, for instance, finely powdered charcoal, and be
mixed with the bydrate of lime, and be blown into the converter or ladle therewith;
or the said powdered charcoal may be placed in a separate box or vessel (similar to
the hydrate of lime box hereinbefore described), and be blown out therefrom into
the converter by the blast or current of air as required.
As a further modification the hydrate of lime and powdered charcoal may be
blown into the converter by an air compressor, separate and distinct from the
blowing engine used in the ordinary Bessemer steel making process, and the said
lime and charcoal may be conveyed into the tuyere box or tuyeres of the converting
and refining apparatus by a pipe or pipes, separate and distinct from the ordinary
blast pipe of the Bessemer steel making apparatus as now ordinarily constructed.
As a further modification the vessel, herein before described, containing the
nitrate of sodium (etcetera) may be dispensed with, and the said nitrate of sodium
(etcetera) be mixed with the hydrate of lime or powdered charcoal.
As a modification in the use of powdered charcoal the said charcoal with hydrate
of lime may be forced into the refining or converting vessel in combination with or
so as to act with the hydro-carbon oil (as hereinbefore specified with reference to
bydrate of lime only), and further, in combination with nitrate of sodium (etcetera)
if required.
In using powdered charcoal with hydrate of lime the proportion of each will
vary with the quality of iron operated upon, and the quality of the refined iron or
steel required to be produced.
My improvements consist, secondly, in refining molten iron or converting it into
steel in a ladle or other similar or suitable apparatus without the use of a blast or
current of air.
The ladle or other similar appliance is lined with loam, sand, or ganister, or
other fire resisting material or materials, and is prepared for the refining of molten

page_text: iron, or for the conversion of molten iron into steel, by the following means and
materials, that is to say -For the conversion of molten iron into steel I place at
the bottom of the ladle a layer of spiegeleisen, ferro-manganese, or their equivalents,
and next above a layer of charcoal saturated with a fixed oil, or fat, or volatile
liquid, or solid hydro-carbon oil; next above that a layer of nitrate of ammonia,
nitrate of potassium, nitrate of sodium, or other nitrate, or a layer of manganate of
potassium, or permanganate of potassium, manganate of sodium, or permanganate
of sodium, or other manganate or permanganate bases, or a layer of chlorate of
potassium or chlorate of sodium, or other chlorate, oxide of manganese, or bin-oxide
of manganese; next above that a layer of hydrate of lime saturated or mixed with
a fixed or volatile hydro-carbon oil; next above that a layer of hydrate of lime
mixed with a small proportion (as compared with the proportion of fixed or volatile
hydro-carbon oil mixed with the charcoal) of volatile hydro-carbon oil; next above
that a layer of hydrate of lime only (if found necessary); and next above that a
plate (or plates) of cast iron or wrought iron, or its equivalent, to ensure the regular
and successive action of the heat of the molten metal on each layer of materials.in
the ladle, and prevent the irregular action of the chemical agents in the ladle on
the molten iron; upon this plate or its equivalent is poured the molten metal
(from a blast furnace, cupola furnace, air furnace, or other melting or smelting
furnace), and the following described operation is forth with carried on, that is to
say, the plate or its equivalent is gradually melted by the molten metal and the
heat strikes down, The hydrate of lime is first brought into action, and as it
contains one third by weight of water the water is given off by the heat in the
form of gases, and passes off through the molten metal, and the metal is thereby
purified; in the next layer the volatile bydro-carbon oil being evolved simul-
taneously expands with the heat, and combines with the decomposed gases of the
water of the hydrate, thereby forms a carburetted hydrogen gas, which by expansive
force causes ebulition and escapes through the molten metal to the top of the ladle,
thus purifying the metal.
As the heat of the molten metal descends to and into the layer of nitrate of
potassium or nitrate of sodium, or manganate of potassium or manganate of sodium,
a violent action immediately takes place, instantly followed by the action of the
next layer; the decomposition of these two layers gives the necessary heat and
force to throw up the lime as slag in combination with sulphur and phosphorus,
the graphitic carbon in the molten metal being carried up bodily by the calcium,
the spiegeleisen or ferro-manganese or their equivalents forming the bottom layer,
being melted (by the extreme heat generated by the decomposition of the two
layers aforesaid above or below, or in which it or they are placed), would then
carbonize the molten metal and convert it into steel. The quantities of the various
materials used and their disposition in the ladle will vary with the quality of the
metal operated upon, and the quality of the iron or steel required to be
produced.
In simply refining or purifying iron or steel in a ladle or other similar appliance,
as above described, the spiegeleisen or its equivalent would be omitted, the operation
being otherwise conducted as above described.
As a modification of the improvements next above described the ladle or other
similar appliance can be fitted with tuyeres and blast pipes, and be connected to a
blowing engine, and the molten metal in the ladle or other appliance be blown, as
in the Bessemer steel making process, the said ladle or other appliance being
charged with the materials or chemical agents as above described.
In carrying this part of my Invention into effect the ladle used can be made to
tilt, so as to empty out the dross or slag by the employment of hollow trunnions
(by which the blast will be admitted), the tilting of the said ladle being effected by
a balanced lever fixed thereto, the said lever being actuated by a piston and rod,
and hydraulic or steam cylinder, or being actuated by any ordinary arrangement
of mechanism.
A blast box from the said trunnions will convey the blast or current of air

page_text: (etcetera) to tuyeres, which will be inserted through or made in the ladle, and
connected to the said blast box.
The charge of hydrate of lime, hydro-carbon oil, etcetera, as above specified, can
be placed in a metal pan or box made to fit the bottom part of the ladle or con-
verter; the top or top and bottom part of this pan or box (as placed in the ladle)
will be closed, so that when the molten metal is poured into the ladle it will not
commence to heat the charge of hydrate of lime, etcetera, until the whole of the
metal is in the ladle; the said pan or box can have a flange on its upper part (as
placed in the ladle) to protect the lining of the ladle.
The said pan or box will be of the same material as, and will form part of, the
charge of metal to be operated upon, as it will be melted during the process of
conversion or refining thereof, and will be used instead of or as well as the metal
plates above specified.
The ladle used for refining iron or converting it into steel can be mounted on a
balanced arm, somewhat similar to those already in use in the Bessemer steel
making process, or the said arm and ladle can be made to be suspended in a crane
and can be fitted with tipping gear, and during the process of refining or converting
the ladle can be placed under a hood and chimney for the purpose of disposing of
the gases and products of combustion; or the ladle may be mounted on a wheeled
truck, and run under a hood or chimney during the time the molten metal therein
is being operated on by the refining or converting materials; or the said ladle may
take the form of a fixed or tipping converter, and be placed in front of the melting
or smelting furnace, and be filled therefrom directly or indirectly.
The improvements first above described (the blowing of metal with a current of
air charged with hydrate of lime and volatile hydro-carbon oil, etcetera) can be
used in combination with my improvements secondly above described (the ladle
or other appliance charged with layers of hydrate of lime, hydro-carbon oil,
spiegeleisen, etcetera), for the purpose of refining iron or converting iron into steel.
As a modification of the above described pan employed by me to contain the
chemical agents, and to prevent the heat of the molten metal acting thereon before
the whole of the molten metal is in the ladle or converter, and to protect the lining
of the converter; the said pan, or a part or parts thereof may be covered with
loam, or bauxite or other similar or fire resisting material.
In the accompanying Drawings Sheet I. shows the general arrangement of my
improved apparatus, as applied to Bessemer steel converters, for carrying into effect
my improved process of manufacturing steel and ingot iron.
Figure 1 is a front elevation, Figure 2 is a plan, and Figure 3 is a side view in
elevation of the general arrangement of my improved apparatus as applied to a
Bessemer steel converter; A, A, is a range of blast pipes from the blowing engine
ar air receiver; B, B, B, are generators, mixers, or chargers for charging the blast
of air with hydro-carbon oil; D is a hydrate of lime box, by which the said blast
of air is charged with hydrate of lime or with hydrate of lime and carbonaceous
material mixed together; E is a vessel for charging the said blast of air with
nitrate of sodium or its equivalents.
For convenience sake the generators B, B, B, are shown placed below the floor
line of the shop, and the range of blast pipes A, A, are so connected with the said
generators, mixers, or chargers B, B, B, and the hydrate of lime box D, as to
thoroughly mix the hydrocarbon oil and hydrate of lime with the blast of air, and
force them into the converter C, as well as being so connected with the nitrate of
sodium vessel E, as to force the contents thereof into the converter as required.
Figure 4 (Sheet 1) is a side view in elevation, and Figure 5 is a plan of a
modification of the generators, mixers, or chargers B, B, B, as supplied with hydro-
carbon oil from the tank G through a pipe H, instead of being charged with
hydro-carbon oil through the top of each generator, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 6 (Sheet 1) is a front view in elevation, and Figure 7 is a plan of the
general arrangement of a Bessemer steel making apparatus, in which the blast or

page_text: current of air is charged with hydro-carbon oil by a diffuser J, instead of by
generators, mixers, or chargers B, B, B, as shown in Figures 1 to 5 inclusive.
The diffuser J is filled from an ordinary store tank K through the pipe L, the
process of manufacture carried on by this apparatus being the same as that carried
on in the apparatus hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 1 to 5
inclusive.
Sheet 2 illustrates my improvements in the Bessemer steel converter, to adapt it
for use with my improved process of making steel.
Figure 8 is a front view in elevation of the converter C with the blast pipe A,
fitted with an expansion slide joint S, and showing the pedastal 2.
Figure 9 is a side view of the converter C, showing the blast pipe A fitted with
the expansion slide joint S, and showing how the said blast pipe A is made to
enter the bottom of the blast box 1 instead of at the side thereof as ordinarily
constructed, and showing end views of the pair of pedestals 2, 2, which support the
converter C.
Figure 10 is a sectional view of the converter C in elevation, showing the
blast box 1 as I prefer to construct it, and showing the tuyere block 3 with the
tuyeres 4, and the ordinary converter lining 5.
Figure 11 is a plan of the converter C, blast pipe A, and the pair of pedestals 2, 2.
Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the converter C as taken through the dotted
line Y, Z (Fig. 10), showing the tuyere block 3, and 43 tuyeres marked 4, and
ordinary lining 5.
Figures 13 and 14 are enlarged views of the slide expansion joint S of the
converter blast pipe A, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.
Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view in elevation of the ordinary converter
trunnion T, as shown in Figures 9 and 11, the arrows indicating the direction
which the blast of air takes from the horizontal blast pipe A to the vertical blast
pipe A. Figure 16 is a cross sectional view thereof as taken through the dotted
line X, Y (Figure 15).
Sheet 3 illustrates my improved apparatus for mixing the hydro-carbon oil with
the blast of air called mixers, chargers, or generators. Figure 17 is an outside view
in elevation, and Fig. 17ª is a plan of the range of generators, mixers, or chargers
B, B, B, which are used without a tank, as shown in Figures 18 and 19.
The hydro-carbon oil being charged into the said generators B, B, B, through a
funnel 6 and plug tap 7 at the top thereof.
These generators B, B, B, are packed with coke, and are generally of the same
construction as those illustrated by Figures 18 and 19. The blast of air enters the
range of generators B, B, B, through the blast pipe A at the bottom, and passes
out through the top through the blast pipe A, as described in reference to
Figure 18. The blast pipe A is made T shaped where connected to the bottom of
the said generators B, B, B, and is fitted with a blank flange and plug tap 8, by
which the said generators B, B, B, are emptied of the excess of hydro-carbon oil.
Figure 18 is a sectional view in elevation of the generator, mixer, or charger B,
and of the lower part of the blast pipe A where connected to the bottom of the
said generator B, having two perforated plates 9 and 10, between which coke is
packed, the blast entering at the bottom through a wire netting or perforated
plate 13 fixed at the junction of the blast pipe A with the bottom of the generator B,
and passing upwards through the perforated plate 10, and through the interstices
in and between the pieces of coke 11, and through the perforated plates 9 and 10,
and passing out of the said generator B through a second perforated plate or
wire netting 12 placed at the junction of the blast pipe A with the top of the said
generator B.
Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of the charger B, as taken through the dotted
line X, Y, Figure 18, showing the perforated plate 10.
Figure 20 is an outside view in elevation of a tank G containing hydro-carbon
oil, which is used in connection with the generator or charger B illustrated by

page_text: Figures 18 and 19. The tank G is fitted with a funnel 14 and tap 15 at the top
thereof, through which the hydro-carbon oil is charged into the tank G.
The tank G is fitted with a gauge 16 and index 17 to indicate the quantity of hydro-
carbon oil contained in the tank G, which also serves to show the quantity passed
into the blast pipe A and converter C. The tank is fitted with a plug tap 19 near
the bottom thereof, to which is attached the pipe H, which conveys the hydro-
carbon oil to the generator or charger B. The tank G has a small plug tap 20 at
the bottom thereof by which the tank G can be emptied.
Figure 21 is a cross sectional plan of the tank G, as taken through the dotted
line Y, Z, Figure 20, showing the outlet pipe 18 and plug tap 19.
Figure 22, Sheet 4, is an outside view in elevation, and Figure 23 is a cross
sectional view of a diffuser J, which consists of a tank with an internal pipe 23,
which said pipe passes out through a gland 24 and bush 25 in the top of the cover
thereof, and is connected to the blast main A in such a manner as that the blast of
air passing the end of the said pipe 23 will suck up the hydro-carbon oil contained
in the diffuser J, and mix it with the blast in the form of a fine spray. The diffuser
tank J is fitted with a gauge 26 and index 27 to indicate the quantity of hydro-
carbon oil contained therein, and the quantity discharged therefrom into the blast
pipe A and converter C.
The pipe 23 is fitted with a plug tap 28 to control the discharge of the hydro-
carbon oil,
The diffuser tank J is fitted with a plug tap 29 at the bottom thereof for the
purpose of emptying the same; the pipe L conveys the hydro-carbon oil from the
store tank K, and is fitted with an ordinary plug tap 21. Figure 24 is a plan of
the top of the diffuser J showing the gland bush 25 and the discharge pipe 23 in
cross section; Figure 25, Sheet 5, is a front external view in elevation of the
hydrate of lime box D, the lime being fed into the box D through a hopper or
funnel 30 at the top thereof, and being discharged through the plug tap 34 into
the blast main A at the bottom thereof.
The hydrate of lime is forced down through the box D by a screw bladed
spindle 31 rotated by a pair of bevil wheels 35 and chain wheel 36. A pipe F
from the blast main A. to the top of the said hydrate box D can be fitted thereto
for the purpose of blowing in a blast of air to circulate the hydrate of lime in the
box D. One of the pair of bevil wheels 35 and chain wheel 36 on the shaft 36, A,
are supported on an ordinary standard 37. Figure 26, Sheet 5, is a side external
view of the said hydrate box D, showing the funnel 30, chain wheel 36, etcetera,
as described in reference to Figure 25.
Figure 27, Sheet 5, is a plan of the top of the hydrate box D showing the hopper
or funnel, etcetera, as described in reference to Figures 25 and 26; Figure 28 is a
cross sectional view in elevation of the hydrate box D showing the screw bladed
spindle 31 with blades 32 (supported by a bearing 33), and passing through the
gland in the top of the cover; Figure 29 is a cross sectional view of the hydrate
box D as taken through the dotted line X, Y (Figure 28), and showing the spindle
bearing 33 in plan, and the spindle 31 in cross section; Figure 30, Sheet 4, is a
front outside view in elevation of the nitrate of sodium vessel E; and Figure 31 is
a side view partly in section of the same fitted with a funnel 39 and plug tap 40
at the top thereof, through which the nitrate of sodium is charged into the vessel,
and fitted with a plug tap 41 at the bottom thereof through which the nitrate of
sodium is discharged into the blast pipe A upon which the sodium vessel E stands.
Sheet 6 illustrates my improved converting vessel or converting ladle; Figure 32
is a front view in elevation of the ladle M showing the slide expansion and bend
pipe A with the connection 46 with the end of the axle 42 of the converting
vessel M in section; Figure 33 is a plan with the whole of the upper part of the
ladle M removed; Figure 35 is a plan of the converting vessel M and connections
or fittings; Figure 36 is a sectional view in elevation of the converting vessel M
and support with chimney and shield as taken through the dotted line W, X,
(Figure 35); Figure 37 is a cross sectional view of the converting vessel M as taken

page_text: through the dotted line Y, Z, (Figure 36) with the pan 45 removed; M is a
converting vessel; M' is the blast box or air belt which is carried half round the
vessel M and connected with the blast pipe A, the said blast pipe A being so
connected with the blast box M¹ as that the air will blow in a direct course round
the said blast box which prevents choking. M2 is a tuyere block' through which a
double row of tuyeres or blast holes 51 and 52 pass; A is the blast main, and S is
a slide expansion joint; 46 is a hollow projection on the bend pipe A, rectangular
in cross section, which fits a square solid projection 45 on the axle 42 of the
converting vessel, so that the bend pipe A will rotate with the vessel M, and will
still preserve an air tight joint with the slide expansion S. The axle 42 has a
lever 43, and to this lever is attached an ordinary connecting rod which is recipro
cated by a steam, hydraulic, or compressed air piston and cylinder, or which is
reciprocated by any other convenient arrangement of mechanism; the axle 42 is
connected to a part of the bottom plate, to which the converting vessel M is secured,
and the said axle is supported on a pair of pedastals 44; 48 is the ordinary lining
of the ladle or converting vessel which is made of ganister or any other fire
resisting material; 49 is a shield (shown broken off in the centre) which can be
raised or lowered so that the vessel M can be tipped; 50 is the hood and chimney
which carries away the hot gases and products of combustion; the blast or current
of air passes to the blast box M 1 through the slide expansion joint S, and it will be
observed that with this improved converting vessel the full bore of the pipe A is
utilized for conveying the said current of air, instead of the said blast or current of
air being split up into a number of small currents, as is necessitated by the
construction of the ordinary trunnion illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 (Sheet 2.)
This is of great importance in my improved process, as it prevents any choking
of the air pipes by the hydrate of lime, carbonaceous material, nitrate of sodium,
or their equivalents, as herein before specified.
45 is a metal pan or vessel having a partition 46A and moveable plate or
bottom 47 fitted into the said converting vessel M so as to contain the charge of
chemical agents which I employ therewith, and which are placed between the
plates 46 and 47; the thickness of the partition 46A is so adjusted as that the
whole of the charge of molten metal can be poured on it before it melts, and
allows the charge of molten metal to come in contact with the chemical agents
underneath it.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part
recited Letters Patent is,--
Firstly: :-
The process of refining molten iron or the removal of phosphorus, sulphur, and
other impurities therefrom by the use of calcium hydrate (or its equivalents
magneso calcium hydrate, or quick lime, or magnesian lime in any intermediate
state of hydration, or as further equivalents the carbonates of the above named
chemical agents, but preferably calcium hydrate) in combination with liquid hydro-
carbon oil (for instance, petroleum), the said calcium hydrate or its equivalents as
above specified together with the said hydro-carbon oil being forced into, amongst,
and through the molten iron aforesaid in a Bessemer steel making converter, blast
furnace, cupola furnace, or other ordinary smelting or melting furnace, the
proportion of hydro-carbon oil and calcium hydrate or its equivalents employed
bearing a proportion to the molten metal under operation and to one another as the
quantity of phosphorus, sulphur, and other impurities bear to one another and to
the weight of metal in which they exist and which is under operation, the said
liquid hydro-carbon oil being atomised by the generators B, B, B, or diffuser J,
and taken up by the blast or current of air therefrom in small quantities in the
form of spray to avoid the risk of explosion, and the said calcium hydrate (or
its equivalents) being taken up by the said blast of air from a box or vessel D.

page_text: Secondly:-
:-
The combination for the purpose herein before firstly specified of nitrate of sodium
(or its equivalents as herein before specified, but preferably nitrate of sodium),
calcium hydrate (or its equivalents) as hereinbefore specified, but preferably calcium
hydrate), and hydro-carbon oil, the said nitrate of sodium being discharged into
the blast pipes A from a vessel S, and being forced or drawn into the converter
or furnace therewith as firstly described, or mixed with the calcium hydrate in the
box D.
Thirdly
The combination of blast pipes A, mixers B, B, B, (with or without the store
tank K,) lime box D, and nitrate of sodium vessel S, and as a modification the
combination of the blast pipe A and diffuser J (with or without the store tank K),
lime box D, and nitrate of sodium vessel S, used in connection and in combination
with the Bessemer converting vessel C, or used in connection and in combination with
an ordinary Bessemer converting vessel, or used in connection and in combination
with an ordinary furnace or vessel in which iron is smelted, melted, refined, or
converted into steel by the employment of a blast or current of air; and further,
the arrangement of valves N, O, P, by which the current of air can be. passed
(1), direct to the converter or furnace; or (2), through the hydro-carbon oil vessel
only; or (3), in connection with the calcium hydrate box only; or (4), through
and in connection with both the hydro-carbon oil vessel and calcium hydrate box;
or (5), in connection with the nitrate of sodium vessel S; or (6), through and in
connection with the hydro-carbon oil vessel and the nitrate of sodium vessel S ;
or (7), in connection with the calcium hydrate box D and nitrate of sodium vessel S;
or (8), through and in connection with the hydro-carbon oil vessels B or J, the
calcium hydrate box D, and nitrate of sodium vessel S, by which said arrangement
the current of air can be forced direct into the converter or furnace, or be charged
with hydro-carbon oil only, or calcium hydrate only, or nitrate of sodium only, or
be charged with any two or all of them, as required by the nature or component
parts of the molten iron under operation, and the quality of the iron or steel
required to be produced.
Fourthly-
As a modification of the process firstly described the combination of finely
powdered charcoal or other equivalent solid carbonaceous material with calcium
hydrate, the said solid carbonaceous material being either mixed with the calcium
hydrate in the box D or discharged from a box or vessel separate from and similar
to the said calcium hydrate box D, for the purpose hereinbefore firstly described.
Fifthly:
-
The construction of the converter C, as drawn and described, by which the
current of air is admitted through the bottom of the blast box instead of through
the side thereof,
Sixthly:-
:-
Refining molten iron and converting it into steel in a ladle or similar vessel by
the employment of a combination of the chemical agents hereinafter specified,
used in the manner described, namely,-
Firstly. At the bottom of the ladle a layer of spiegeleisen, ferro manganese, or
their equivalents.
Secondly. Above the first layer a layer of charcoal saturated or mixed with a
liquid or solid hydro carbon oil, or a fixed oil or fat.
Thirdly. Next above a layer of nitrate of ammonia, nitrate of potassium, or 5
nitrate of sodium, or their equivalents, as herein before specified, but preferably
nitrate of sodium.
Fourthly. Next above a layer of bydrate of lime saturated or mixed with a
fixed or volatile hydro-carbon oil.
Fifthly. Next above a layer of bydrate of lime mixed with a small proportion
(as compared with the quantity fourthly described) of hydro-carbon oil.
Sixthly. (If found necessary in practise) a layer of hydrate of lime only.

page_text: The molten metal being poured on a plate (or plates) placed on the top layer
of the above named chemical agents to ensure the molten metal acting successively
(and not simultaneously, on each layer of the above named chemical agents.
Seventhly:-
As a modification of the improvements sixthly described the employment in
combination therewith of the pan 45 (Sheet 6) with partition 464, and with or
without the loose bottom 47 instead of the plate or plates sixthly described.
Eighthly:-
In simply refining iron the use of the chemical agents, as sixthly described,
without the spiegeleisen or ferro manganese.
Ninthly-
The construction of the ladle or converting vessel M (with or without the pan 45),
herein before described, and as illustrated in Figures 32, 33, 35, 36, and 37 (Sheet 6).
Tenthly-
The employment of the ladle M (as ninthly described) in combination with my
improved process and apparatus, as firstly described, instead of the converter C.
In witness whereof, I, the said George Ellinor, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Ninth day of June, One thousand eight hundred and eighty
one.
GEORGE ELLINOR. (LS.)