How the Bessemer Process Changed the World of Steelmaking

By: Desiree Bowie  |  Updated: Jul 18, 2023

What Was the Bessemer Process?

In 1856, Sir Henry Bessemer, an accomplished inventor and engineer, invented the Bessemer process. After gaining experience from working with the open hearth process — which involved heating a mixture of iron and scrap steel in an open hearth furnace — the engineer came up with the idea for a new and improved steelmaking technique.

But he wasn't the only one trying to advance steel production during that time. Another notable figure in this pursuit was William Kelly, an American ironmaster. Independently, Kelly discovered a similar process involving blowing oxygen through molten iron to remove impurities.

However, there were differences between Kelly's and Bessemer's approaches. Kelly's method used a tilting converter, while Bessemer introduced a stationary converter. Additionally, Bessemer's process involved blowing air directly into the molten iron, while Kelly's process used a preliminary heating step before blowing oxygen. Despite these variances, it was Kelly's work that laid the groundwork for further advancements and served as a source of inspiration for Bessemer.

Bessemer built upon Kelly's discoveries and made significant progress in perfecting the steelmaking process. His most notable invention was the Bessemer converter, a crucial component in his method. By blowing oxygen through molten pig iron in the converter, Bessemer removed impurities and was able to transform wrought iron into high-quality steel. He also introduced innovative techniques to control airflow and temperature, making large-scale steel production more efficient and practical.

Steel Production and the Industrial Revolution 

Advancements in construction: The availability of affordable steel transformed the construction industry. Compared to iron, Bessemer steel was stronger and more durable, making it ideal for building bridges, railways and skyscrapers. This advancement allowed for the construction of larger, taller, and more resilient structures, shaping the modern urban landscape.

Growth in manufacturing: The mass production of steel fueled the growth of the manufacturing sector. Steel became a vital material for machinery, tools, and consumer goods production. Industries flourished as the availability of steel facilitated increased productivity and expanded manufacturing capabilities.

Economic development: The accessibility of cost-effective steel played a pivotal role in economic development. Its widespread use in construction and manufacturing drove industrial expansion, technological innovation and urbanization. Steel laid the foundation for the development of transportation systems, enabling efficient trade and connecting regions on a larger scale.