Titre du document / Document title

A practical treatise on the smelting and smithing of bloomery iron = Un traité pratique sur la fonte et la forge du fer

Auteur(s) / Author(s)

SAUDER Lee ; WILLIAMS Skip ⁽²⁾ ;

Affiliation(s) du ou des auteurs / Author(s) Affiliation(s)

⁽²⁾ University Computing, Washington & Lee University, Lexington VA 24450, ETATS-UNIS

Résumé / Abstract

For several years, we have explored many aspects of the process of bloomery smelting in a shaft furnace. In contrast to most attempted reconstructions of bloomery smelting, our work has focused on the process itself, rather than its archaeological signatures. This paper describes a typical smelt of the most efficient regimen we have yet discovered. We will pay particular attention to methods that differ from those of most experimenters, especially with regard to blowing rate, slag management, and the recycling of furnace products. A bloomsmithing experiment is also described, and yields, resources, and labour requirements are quantified. We then offer a few observations where our experience differs from what we have read in the literature. Finally, we suggest that these methods, when applied to archaeological reconstructions of ancient bloomeries, may provide some missing answers for the archaeometallurgical community.

Revue / Journal Title

Historical metallurgy    ISSN  0142-3304 

Source / Source

2002, vol. 36 (2), pp. 122-131 [10 page(s) (article)] (10 ref.)

Langue / Language

Anglais

Editeur / Publisher

Historical Metallurgy Society, [S.l.], ROYAUME-UNI  (1974) (Revue)

Mots-clés anglais / English Keywords

Furnace

;

Technique

;

Forge

;

Cast-iron

;

Iron

;

Metallurgy

;

Mots-clés français / French Keywords

Fourneau

;

Technique

;

Forge

;

Fonte

;

Fer

;

Métallurgie

;

Mots-clés espagnols / Spanish Keywords

Técnica

;

Fragua

;

Hierro fundido

;

Fierro

;

Metalurgia

;

Localisation / Location

INIST-CNRS, Cote INIST : 23216, 35400011078442.0060