The 321st Rus tribe's first blast furnace was officially ignited
Waiting for the arrival of chromite ore (to make refractory bricks), laying the furnace liner, and the most critical baking and hardening furnace, things that should have been completed in July were postponed to August.
After a long time, Klavasen found time to complete the second wooden centrifugal blower, and his main task of making clay molds for casting was successfully completed.
It was a mold composed of two molds. It was fired from fine clay and mixed with lime and zircon powder. It was smoldering in the fire for two days and finally became a very hard texture.
Pottery mold.
It can be said that in order to meet the needs of Clavarson, the potters of the Ross tribe finally had the intention to make more advanced pottery.
For ordinary household pottery, clay is simply burned. The black pottery and brown pottery produced are suitable for daily use.
Potters have long known that adding some mineral powder to clay can greatly improve the performance of pottery. However, the result of this is that the cost has soared, and its selling price has naturally increased. For a long time, the higher selling price of pottery has been due to the lack of consumers.
Yes, since Klavason came with his own money, the skills everyone had hidden in their hearts finally had a place to be put to use.
It was not just the clay mold that was needed to cast the hemispherical cauldron that was fired.
Also smoldering in the charcoal fire were as many as four sets of molds for casting ax heads.
The pottery makers joined forces with the blacksmiths, and they first cast the incredible pig iron as if it were cast like bronze. The only thing they had to pay attention to was that the temperature of the molten iron was higher.
So, apart from the slight difference in temperature, is there a big difference between the two processes?
Even Klavasen has never done pig iron casting, and his knowledge is all guesswork.
For now, let's just follow the pattern of casting bronze. Maybe as long as the mold is made stronger, everything will be fine.
They made molds according to the pattern of casting bronze axes, and one mold could cast four ax blades.
Times have changed. In today's era, no one pursues a bronze ax anymore. The reason why the Russians no longer pursue it is that the cost of materials is really high, and secondly, iron axes made from ordinary iron blocks,
Its performance is comparable to that of a bronze ax.
Especially in the current era of technological innovation, carbon steel axes with quenching and carburizing processes are now available, which makes the previous tools seem to be too poor.
After all, the purpose of pouring molten iron is to obtain iron tools more efficiently.
But from the beginning, Klavasen ignored Rurik's teachings on carbon proportions.
He felt that there was not much difference in essence between cast iron and forged iron. He thought that if he worked hard to produce axes and swords, it would be faster than casting them directly. Perhaps only after experiencing a real failure could he realize that,
Pig iron, wrought iron and steel are essentially similar but also fundamentally different.
However, it is just an ax blade that can be tied to a wooden stick. This kind of ax can be used as a daily tool or a weapon in battle. It is actually adequate. At least it is completely sufficient for enemies who only wear animal skins.
A total of five sets of molds have undergone complete firing, and they have become hard objects.
They are indeed hard, and their resistance to the erosion of molten pig iron is still a bit worrying. The only good thing is that no one thinks that these molds can be used a second time.
In the minds of potters and blacksmiths, the mold that can be used many times is probably the iron mold. It is an expensive treasure and its use is limited to the casting of bronze utensils.
To make larger bronze castings, the Russians have always used disposable molds. The casting is naturally cooled, and the way to take out the castings is to smash the molds with a sledgehammer.
Even with the planned pig iron casting and the painstakingly crafted molds, it cannot avoid the fate of being smashed into pieces.
Fortunately, the broken pieces can be mixed with new clay and reshaped into new molds in the fire.
Before the casting took place, no one could see its future clearly.
Even Rurik, when all these molds were moved to the stove and to the exit of the hardened pottery tap trough, when he saw these well-made molds, he first praised them, and after asking about the materials used, he also
A little worried.
Rurik's biggest worry was that he was afraid that the hot molten iron would melt through the mold.
He grabbed his hair and asked Klavason: "Maybe you should add some chrome ore powder to the mold to make it more resistant to high temperatures."
"Oh, my lord, this is the best mold that brothers can make. When the new mold is made, I will try it according to your plan."
After saying that, the potters behind Klavasen all laughed.
Rurik looked at them and nodded with satisfaction: "I originally thought that you, Klavassen, could complete the casting. Now it seems that I must unite all the potters."
Clavarson, who smelled something different, hurriedly said: "Sir, if you want to cast on a large scale, you must rely on their strength. And I, I am weak."
"That's true."
For a long time, Rurik focused most on the blacksmiths, shipbuilders and carpenters. It seemed that the potter's work was limited to making cooking utensils and other cheap containers, which led to his neglect.
Rurik hurriedly asked the names of all six potters, confirmed their family addresses in the tribe, and nodded silently to remember them in his heart.
He composed himself: "It seems that the future work will really require the cooperation of the blacksmith and the potter."
"Indeed. They can make the best clay molds, and my family is responsible for the smelting."
Klavason said a lot of nonsense, but in fact he just hoped that he would not take on other jobs too much, because there are specialties in the art industry.
"It seems that I have given you a lot of work." Rurik put his hands on his waist and called the potter to his side, "Let's do this. From now on, pottery making and iron smelting will be combined, and you people will specialize in making the pottery I need.
Mold. As for the price, I will pay according to the usual rules." Rurik also added that he would not default on wages.
Usually the potters of the Rus tribe sell their products, and most of the time they price based on weight. In order to sell more money, of course they can make the pottery small and heavy. Even if they do this, the buyer will also realize that they will
Encountered deception.
Both buyers and sellers are smart people, so the weight of this set of pottery within the tribe is exchanged for silver coins and copper coins in equal proportions, and it exists relatively steadily.
A huge furnace that was burned black gives a sense of oppression to everyone who approaches it.
Rurik often paid attention to the occasional twitching eyes of the potters, who were looking at the blast furnace!
"Oh, it seems that the opportunity is ripe. Klavason, you come with the mold, and we can finally start work."
"Of course. There is also a second blower, which has not been moved out yet." Klavasen added enthusiastically.
This old guy has always been particularly interested in the smelting process, and it is obvious that he is now eager to become a witness to the miracle immediately.
"Then let's get started!"
Rurik announced a great start. He clapped his hands vigorously and shouted slogans.
The first to take action were children like Kamne. After a while, Kawei, who was holding the blower together with the mercenary captain Yevro, finally walked out of the house.
At the same time, a group of mercenaries became the cheapest labor force. They wore simple and compact linen shirts, ignoring that the blue-gray clothes were dyed with toner. They did not mind getting dirty because the clothes would soon be soaked with sweat.
, everyone is almost destined to end up shirtless.
There are mercenaries on the steps next to the blast furnace, taking the bundled charcoal blocks handed by their companions one after another, or simply throwing a bundle of firewood into the furnace.
There are also mercenaries who are checking whether the clay that seals the slag outlet and taphole is properly filled.
The slag outlet is designed at a higher position, and the diversion trough is also located at a higher position.
There is only the taphole, which is at the bottom of the furnace. It is an inclined hole leading from the bottom of the furnace for the pig iron to flow out. The molten iron will flow into the clay-fired drainage trough, and finally a clay crucible will take over it, or it will be directly
Drainage is like a mold for casting.
It took them nearly half a day to stuff a large amount of firewood and charcoal into the stove.
It was almost evening again, and Kawei handed a fire to Rurik who was standing on the top step.
"Honey, throw it in and light the stove."
"Okay! Let's put the ore in when the furnace is hot." After saying that, Rurik glanced at the ordinary hematite and magnetite piled on the ground like a hill.
At the same time, hundreds of people gathered around the huge stove, including Rurik's mother and his future wives and concubines.
Seeing that his friend was a little hesitant, Kawei shouted one last time: "Rurik, throw it away!"
There is nothing to hesitate about anymore.
Rurik's little hand loosened and the torch disappeared into the stove.
At this moment, two centrifugal blowers that had been on standby, controlled by strong mercenaries, began to spray strong airflow into the furnace.
In the dark furnace, a solitary fire was supposed to take some time to ignite the charcoal firewood. However, the influx of fresh air was too strong, and the charcoal firewood was igniting quickly.
At first it was just some green smoke, but the smoke became thicker and thicker, and the strong smell of burning wood forced Rurik to cover his mouth and nose and retreat from the steps.
Not long after he came down, he turned around suddenly amid the cheers of everyone and saw the red flame, just like the magnificent tail flame of a jet fighter. It was gushing out powerfully. Perhaps the only thing that made him unhappy was that the flame was red.
of.
"That's great. We succeeded?" Klavasen's impatient look left Rurik speechless.
“Where did we succeed?”
"Look! The stove is burning."
"No!" Rurik shook his head vigorously, "What does this mean? It's just the beginning."
Klavathon and his allies smiled warmly. "Okay, my friends. When will we put in the ore?"
"When?" Rurik held his chin and thought for a moment, then suddenly said: "We can't expect to put fresh fish on the fire and grill it for a blink of an eye, and expect the fish to be grilled with fragrance and oil. You know
I mean, right? It's that flame! When it turns yellow fire, put the ore in it."
"Well! I hope I can see molten iron soon."
"Forget it, we have to smelt a lot of ore this time, and a lot of molten iron will flow out in the end! The casting mold you can provide is not enough."
"Ah?!" Clavarson was shocked, "This... maybe we should put less ore in for safety reasons. I'm afraid it will collapse again."
"No. Don't worry about it collapsing. It's me! I'm the one who guided you to make the new stove. It won't collapse after the first use." Rurik's attitude became very determined, and he pointed at the pile that was close to itself.
A tall pile of ore, "Now that we've brought them here, let's smelt them with all our strength!"
"But there is too much molten iron, and you just let it flow and condense on the ground? We don't have enough molds."
"It doesn't matter."
Rurik not only said it with his words, but his attitude and actions showed his attitude.
"Ah. If we do this, wouldn't it be a serious waste? Hell, if it really doesn't work, let's make a simple mold now. Even if the quality is not good, at least the shape of the tool after casting can be guaranteed."
"Oh?" Rurik was a little surprised. He thought for a while, if Klavason and the potters took advantage of the fact that the molten iron had not yet been smelted and spent two or three days firing a batch of clay molds, even of poor quality, of course,
The erosion effect of molten iron is serious, but the shape of the casting can still be guaranteed to a great extent.
After all, in this era, there are not too many technical requirements for castings. They are just used as production tools, such as commonly used drafts, axes, or shovels. People do not seek exquisite craftsmanship, but only practicality and cost-effectiveness.
In fact, the problem that Rurik had in mind was not at all about how to ensure the one-stop work from opening the taphole to completing the casting as soon as possible.
Pig iron is pig iron, even if it solidifies on the ground, it is still pig iron. Even if some small sand and gravel are attached, a few pollutants will eventually turn into gas or flowing slag after secondary processing.
Rurik knew that the purpose of the Klavasen family and other blacksmith families hoarding sponge iron was to have enough primary materials for subsequent blacksmithing.
There were only five Ross blacksmith families, and they still had the habit of signing treaties with each other and became a rudimentary and primitive blacksmith guild. Their craftsmanship had long been upgraded to the level of processing mild steel.
As long as conditions permit, they will not hesitate to process the iron on hand into low carbon steel, so that the southern merchants who come to Roseburg like migratory birds every year can buy the steel tools and weapons on hand at high prices.
To process iron into steel, you need to use some processes to control the internal carbon ratio to an appropriate level.
Smelting a large amount of molten pig iron to condense it into iron ingots of white iron, which is used as an alternative to stockpile.
As long as the tribesmen are not picky, the cast white iron can be used as agricultural tools.
But here in Rurik, he just wanted to smash these iron ingots into finger-sized pieces and put them in a traditional stove to undergo long-term baking at about 900 degrees Celsius. A large number of small iron ingots were constantly turned by the tongs, and their
The carbon content decreases rapidly, and finally merges with each other, and is fished out like a huge hot iron weight for forging.
This is the method of frying steel, and it is also the method that Rurik thinks can be realized in the Rus tribe, and is the fastest and most cost-effective way to produce low carbon steel.
For the time being, Rurik had no intention of telling Klavathan about his plan to make low-carbon steel using the steel-frying method, and he couldn't force the old guy and other blacksmiths to realize it instantly.
Once the furnace is lit, it would be foolish to expect that it would take half a day to burn enough to melt pig iron.