ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the changes in technology that have been introduced in the production of iron. Traditionally, coke has been used to ensure adequate permeability, but because of its relative cost, efforts have been made to reduce coke input per ton of iron output. The chapter reviews the main techniques of steel-making and outlines the trends in their utilization, showing a marked change in the relative importance of the different processes. Steel-making can be undertaken in a number of ways which depend on quite different technological principles. There are two types of electric steel-making: the induction process and electric arc refining. The characteristic feature of converter methods of steel-making is that air or gas is blown through a converter vessel containing molten pig-iron, raising the temperature and allowing the refining process to take place. The chapter is concerned with the evolving technology in rolling and finishing.
