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English inventor

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Sir Henry Bessemer (19 January 1813 – 15 March 1898) was a notable English inventor whose steel-making process became the dominant method for manufacturing steel in the 19th century, revolutionizing industries for nearly a century. He played a crucial role in establishing Sheffield as a pivotal industrial center, earning it the nickname ‘Steel City’.

Father: Anthony Bessemer

Henry Bessemer's father, Anthony Bessemer, was born in London into a Huguenot family and moved to Paris at around 21 years old. An inventor himself, Anthony developed a machine for producing medallions at the Paris Mint and improved the optical microscope, gaining membership in the French Academy of Science at age 26. He was forced to leave Paris due to the French Revolution and returned to Britain, where he successfully invented a process for making gold chains, allowing him to acquire a small estate in Charlton, near Hitchin in Hertfordshire, where Henry was born.

Early Inventions

Henry Bessemer first found financial success with a series of steam-powered machines for making bronze powder, used in gold paint manufacturing. He studied and improved upon the techniques used in Nuremberg, the only place producing bronze powder at that time. By reverse engineering, he made the process suitable for a simple production line, significantly cutting costs and retail prices. This venture funded his future endeavors.

In 1848, he patented a method for continuous plate glass production, though it was commercially unsuccessful. However, the experience in furnace design proved invaluable for his steel-making innovations.

Bessemer Process

From 1850 to 1855, Bessemer worked on creating inexpensive steel for ordnance production. He patented his method in 1855. The Bessemer process, which he presented in 1856 at the British Association meeting in Cheltenham, involved blowing air through molten pig iron to remove impurities, thus turning it into steel. This process quickly gained attention for its potential to reduce steel production costs and improve quality.

Implementation

Initially, Bessemer faced challenges in producing high-quality steel and licensed his process to five ironmasters. The breakthrough came when Swedish ironmaster Göran Fredrik Göransson used purer charcoal pig iron, achieving good results after multiple attempts. Inspired, Bessemer refined his method with further experiments, and despite initial resistance, eventually established successful steelworks in Sheffield. The firm's competitive pricing led to widespread adoption, earning Bessemer significant royalties. He earned numerous accolades, including a knighthood in 1879 and induction as a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Other Inventions

Beyond the steel-making process, Bessemer held over 129 patents in various fields, including military ordnance, sugar extraction, and postal services. His autobiography provides detailed accounts of these inventive efforts.

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In 1868, after experiencing seasickness, Bessemer designed the SS Bessemer or "Bessemer Saloon," a steamship with a gimbal-stabilized cabin intended to counteract rough seas. Although the design worked in trials, it failed during its maiden voyage, damaging investor confidence, and leading to its scrapping.

Continuous Casting

Bessemer obtained a patent in 1857 for casting metal between contrarotating rollers, a precursor to modern continuous casting processes. His idea has since been implemented for the direct continuous casting of steel strips.

Death

Henry Bessemer passed away in March 1898 at Denmark Hill, London, and was buried in West Norwood cemetery alongside other influential Victorians.

Honours and Legacy

Bessemer received numerous honors, including knighthood by Queen Victoria in 1879, honorary memberships in prestigious organizations, and the establishment of the Bessemer Gold Medal by the Iron and Steel Institute. This legacy continues with an annual award acknowledging outstanding contributions to the steel industry. Various locations and institutions bear his name, recognizing his monumental impact on industrial development.

Sources

The primary references for Henry Bessemer's life and achievements are derived from his autobiography and related historical documents, showcasing his significant role in advancing industrial technology.