Bessemer Process

The Bessemer process is a method for converting pig iron into steel by blowing air through the molten iron. This process removes impurities, primarily carbon, which makes the iron stronger and more flexible. Developed in the 1850s by Henry Bessemer, it significantly lowered the cost of steel production and allowed for mass production. The Bessemer process was crucial in the industrial revolution, enabling the construction of railways, bridges, and buildings with stronger materials. Its impact on manufacturing and infrastructure has been profound and lasting.