Near Munhall in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Blast Furnace Bells and Hopper
Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 3, 2024
1. Blast Furnace Bells and Hopper Marker
To control the flow of materials into the blast furnace and to stop heat, gases, and raw materials from being discharged out the top during use, a double-bell-and hopper system was developed. At the top of the furnace are a mixer and a large circular hopper. Limestone, coke, and iron ore are placed in the hopper, on top of the small bell. The furnace is then opened, or closed, by raising or lowering the two steel bells inside. When the small bell is lowered, the raw materials are dropped onto the large bell, which is sealing the furnace. As the large bell lowers, the small bell is raised up, again sealing the top of the furnace. The raw materials then drop from the large bell into the blast furnace for smelting.
The bells (located here), and the hopper (opposite side of the parking lot) were from the Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation's Eliza Blast Furnaces located along 2nd Avenue in Pittsburgh.
Erected 2024 by Rivers of Steel.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.
Location. 40° 24.804′ N, 79° 53.832′ W. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Yellow Dog (a few steps from this marker); July 6, 1892 (a few steps from this marker); Labor Struggle (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Homestead
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 3, 2024
2. Blast Furnace Bells and Hopper Marker
Marker is on the left on the wooden post.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 349 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2024, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
