Blast Furnaces

I've been reading quite a bit lately & have touched on some articles about blast/steam furnaces. Are these still in operation & does anyone know someone working in one? I just can't imagine being employed at a blast furnace.

Re: Blast Furnaces

I'm not even sure what a "blast furnace" is.

Re: Blast Furnaces

Blast furnaces are a major item in the steel manufacture business, in which metal is melted and most impurities removed before being cast into moulds for a myriad of purposes. They are named blast furnaces because of the high pressure air forced into the furnace to increase the temperature to the required melting point.

Re: Blast Furnaces

Ok I've just answered my own question since they are still in operation so I guess I'll ask if anyone had a family member or friend work in one.

http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-ima...t-furnace.html

Re: Blast Furnaces

Think these are still in operation in several plants in South Wales - one blew up not too long ago. I'll have a look and see if I can find details.

Re: Blast Furnaces

Thank you plantman. I don't know about now but they were a very dangerous form of employment to have a century ago.

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I can't do links, but the incident I referred to was at the steel works in Port Talbot, owned by Corus. If you Google "Explosion in blast furnace" you can find it AC.

Re: Blast Furnaces

Yes, one of my ancestors was a puddler.

You are now going to ask "what's a puddler?"

Re: Blast Furnaces

Yep

Re: Blast Furnaces

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2001/11/cor-n13.html

Here's a link to Port Talbot. I guess they're not any safer these days.