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Spectrum Analysis: Bessemer

The spectroscope, besides being a wonderful detector of minute substances, and as such a great aid in the discovery of adulterations, is also in other ways a most useful instrument in many manufactures. As an example, I may instance its valuable aid in the Bessemer process. In this process, as my readers may be aware, iron is converted into steel. Several tons of metal in a fused state are exposed to the action of air driven through apertures in the lower part of the vessel in which it is placed. The moment of conversion is an important one and to the unaided eye is marked by a change of tint in the brilliant flame which issues from the mouth of the vessel. But this change is not very evident except to a practised eye, and the important moment when the process should be stopped was rather hard to determine. The spectrum of the flame is marked by a number of bright lines, intermingled with which are certain green lines. At the all-important moment, these latter suddenly disappear, and the blast of air must then be stopped. The workmen are told to watch the appearance of the spectrum until this change occurs and to act accordingly. So in this instance the instrument takes the place of an intelligent and experienced hand, and, unlike a frail mortal, never makes a mistake.