Scranton in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Supplying the Blast
A strong steady blast of air was essential for the furnace to operate properly. The air was carried into the furnace by three pipes called tuyeres (pronounced twee AIRS), which passed through the archways in the rear and on the sides of each furnace, just above the hearth. Due to the intense heat, tuyere pipes were usually made of cast iron and encased in a water cooled jacket.
Initially, the power necessary to operate the blast machinery was generated by an overshot whaterwheel located on Roaring Brook. Built in 1841 by Thomas P. Harper, the wheel turned a connection shaft, which caused two reciprocating blowing tubs to raise and fall, thus forcing air into the furnaces.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 41° 24.237′ N, 75° 39.775′ W. Marker is in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in Lackawanna County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Mattes Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located at the Scranton's Iron Furnace Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scranton PA 18505, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Casting Iron (here, next to this marker); Rolling and Puddling (here, next to this marker); Making Steel (a few steps from this marker); Settlement (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lackawanna Valley (within shouting distance of this marker); Scranton Iron Furnaces (within shouting distance of this marker); City of Scranton (within shouting distance of this marker); The Blast Furnaces (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scranton.
More about this marker. On the left side of the marker is a drawing of a States High pressure Blowing Engine. Below a drawing of a tuyeres is a photo of the Whaterfall at the Blast Furnace.
Also see . . . Extracting iron from iron ore using a Blast Furnace. The technical and chemical side of iron and steel making. (Submitted on August 21, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,043 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 21, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.