The merits of the Walrand-Legenisel steel process were made the subject of discussion at the last meeting of the American Institute of Mining Engineers. This process practically supplements the Bessemer process in such a way as to permit the making of castings directly from the converter. Its essential feature consists in the addition of ferro-silicon (containing from Io to I2 per cent. of silicon) to the charge in the converter, when the flamedrop takes place, and then making an after-blow. The oxidation of the silicon which takes place generates a large amount of heat, which is imparted to the metal--as the combustion product is not volatile--and the consequence is that the steel becomes strongly superheated. The metal is very fluid, produces castings quite free from blow-holes, and permits the making of intricate castings down to a fraction of a pound in weight.
By the usual methods in vogue, the production of sound castings, especially those of small size, has always been attended with great difficulties. The high degree of superheating attained in the new method appears to Obviate this difficulty. The new process is successfully employed at large works in France and Germany, and in at least one large works in the United States.
W.