Gilchrist–Thomas process
Convertidor Thomas
- Date
- 1877-1878 · confidence high
- Place
- Blaenavon, Wales, United Kingdom
- Credited to
- Sidney Gilchrist Thomas y Percy Gilchrist
- Field
- Matter & energy
What it is
Process for converting phosphorus-rich pig iron into steel, derived from the Bessemer converter but with a basic dolomite lining that neutralises phosphorus; it made it possible to exploit phosphoric ores, the most abundant in the world.
What it led to
- Rapid expansion of the steel industry in Lorraine, Germany and Belgium
- Industrial use of phosphoric iron ores previously discarded
- Production of "Thomas meal", a slag used as agricultural fertiliser
- Gradual replacement by later processes such as the LD converter