On the Defects of Steelmaking I observe that the prevalent steel infusion method involves pouring molten raw i…
On the Defects of Steelmaking
I observe that the prevalent steel infusion method involves pouring molten raw iron over wrought iron and forging repeatedly. However, the resulting iron often has a dull gray color and suffers from weak steel core!
Examining the causes:
First, ore impurity: Iron ore piled in the open gets rained on, forming red rust, and sulfurous soil becomes more mixed in;
Second, coarse particles: Crushed ore is thrown into the furnace, wind and fire cannot penetrate, charcoal burns incompletely while iron already forms slag;
Third, high consumption: To obtain refined iron, one must increase charcoal and prolong firing time. The people say, 'Ten catties of charcoal, one catty of iron.' How painful!
Now, I try forming fine ore into balls. This is not mere cleverness; it truly solves the three harms.