NEW STEEL PROCESS IN BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25580, 23 August 1948, Page 8

NEW STEEL PROCESS IN BRITAIN

INCREASED OUTPUT A new process in making steel at a Leeds plant has given Britain what is claimed to be a world lead in an important branch of steel technology. Adopted after long research it involves introducing oxygen to the air blast in converters. It is described as the first major development for many years, making it possible to: (1) increase output by 50 per cent.; (2) give more flexibility of control; (3) provide higher quality steel; (4) reduced overhead expenses; and (5) use a greater percentage of scrap. Molten steel can be delivered direct from the furnaces to the shapes for railroads, wheels, and frames for ships, railway engines and aircraft. The process can be applied to all existing equipment. Steel which less than a year ago took 15 minutes to make is now made in eight at the Leeds foundry of Catton and Company. A problem yet to be overcome is the economic production of oxygen in sufficient quantity. . The process was developed by scientists of the British Iron and Steel Research Association, which is sponsored by the whole industry, in operation with Catton and Company.

Known for 170 Years Dr. W. C. Newell, of the association, who is in charge of the scientific controls, said: “We have proved in production what has been known in the laboratory for 170 years, that oxygen can be used to produce higher temperatures more efficiently. Only now has the time arrived for the commercial application of this principle.” Mr A. Catton, managing director of the firm using the process, said, reports the "Daily Telegraph”: "Never before have we made a development which has brought such all-round satisfaction to the men and the management. “The steel made is, if anything, of better quality. It is of more consistent composition, easier to control, and more fluid The finished casting has a better surface.

We feel sure that the use of oxygen for steel making has come to stay.’ Plants in Scotland and Sheffield and on the North-east Coast may soon adopt the process.