pneumatic process

The term "pneumatic process" in metallurgy refers to methods that utilize compressed air. One significant application is the Bessemer process, developed in the mid-19th century. This method involved blowing air through molten pig iron in a vessel lined with refractory material. The oxygen in the air oxidized impurities like silicon and carbon, generating enough heat to convert the iron into steel without external fuel. While early versions were limited by the phosphorus content of the iron, later modifications allowed for the processing of a wider range of ores, revolutionizing steel production.1

Pneumatic devices, in general, are tools and instruments that use compressed air for power. This technology offers flexibility, safety in explosive environments, and ease of control, making it suitable for various applications from rock drills to paint sprayers.2