Steel, Guns, and the Industrial Party in Another World

Chapter 208: Iron Ambition 5

TL: Etude

The next day, everyone gathered at the small dock in Lakeheart Town and then set out on a small boat towards the location of the ironworks.

In addition to the people in the castle hall yesterday, Old Ford and Hansel from the Administration Council, and military figures such as Schroeder and Bryce, were also present.

They entered a tributary of the Weiss River, and as the small boat progressed, the stream became more turbulent. Eventually, they saw a small dock guarded by internal security soldiers. After disembarking, they followed a path into a valley full of trees, obscuring the view inside.

Guy Burns, upon receiving the sentrys report, rode out on horseback to meet them.

Alright, Burns, cut the chit-chat and lets get straight to the point.

Uh Yes, Lord Grayman.

Burns, slightly nervous, led Paul and the others towards the still under-construction Ironworks in the valley.

Like the previous Area 51, this place was also heavily guarded with layers of sentinels and internal security troops patrolling with fierce military dogs, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Though it was called the first furnace of molten iron, Burns and the craftsmen had already conducted several experiments. Otherwise, they wouldnt dare to invite Paul to visit, as it would be embarrassing if the Count had come for nothing.

Gradually, as they heard the sound of splashing water and walked past the dense forest, a waterfall appeared before them. In front of the waterfall, spanning a small river, was a building covering about 10 meters of the rivers surface.

Paul asked, Whats that building over the river?

Thats the waterwheel room, where the power for the bellows comes from.

Paul was somewhat surprised. Was it really necessary to cover the entire river like this?

There were openings in the walls of the waterwheel room, with transmission chains extending from these openings into another building on the riverbank.

Burns introduced, That building houses the bellows regulator.

Take me to see inside the waterwheel room first.

Burns led Paul into the waterwheel room, while the others were stopped by guards outside. 𝐟𝐫eewe𝗯𝐧𝚘ve𝐥.c𝚘𝚖

The scene inside was an eye-opener for Paul.

He had previously thought Burns water-powered device would be the common waterwheel he was familiar with, perhaps with a more complex transmission for the bellows.

But he hadnt expected the device to be so powerful, at least visually.

Several large water paddles were placed in the center of the room, with the rapidly flowing river water directly beneath them, almost filling the rooms water surface.

Driven by the flow, the water paddles slowly rotated, continuously transferring power through the transmission chains.

To facilitate maintenance, we built this structure over the river to protect these paddles from environmental damage.

Burns clearly cherished his creation. The interior of the waterwheel room was meticulously designed, with stone flooring, stairs, railings, and a walkway across the river for maintenance staff.

But Paul was most concerned about its efficiency.

Burns, these these water paddles, how much power can they generate?

75 horsepower. You know the term horsepower, right? They can generate at least 75 horsepower of power per second.

As they talked, they walked out of the waterwheel room, and the others who had been waiting outside immediately followed.

Burns led them to the iron blast furnace. Craftsmen stood by, waiting for the molten iron to be ready, and saluted upon seeing Paul.

Although it was already winter, the heat emitted by the blast furnace still created a searing atmosphere around it, giving those who had just approached a stark contrast of ice and fire.

Aside from the ironworking craftsmen, two other individuals were present at the site Herman and Malo from the Area 51 Armory, responsible for the research and development of firearms and cannons. The production of finalized firearms no longer required their direct involvement, as they had subordinates and craftsmen for the task. The navy had even diverted some craftsmen to build a second armory near Port Fran. Their current main task was to try various improvements on firearms and cannons.

Their presence here was naturally to assess the impact of the new iron-making method on weapon production.

Ladi, the female consultant, had some knowledge of ironmaking. She had never seen such a large furnace and couldnt help but exclaim,

Isnt it troublesome to dismantle and rebuild such a large furnace repeatedly?

Paul proudly responded, Thats where youre mistaken. This furnace is reusable and can operate continuously. Ore and fuel are added from the top, molten iron is removed from the bottom, and then ore and fuel are added again Its a continuous, unending process.

Cough! Of course, thats just in theory. How long it can actually be used depends on the fire resistance of the furnace material. This current one is just an experimental model. But I believe that with the summary and improvement of fire-resistant material formulations, this type of blast furnace can operate for a very long time. I estimate a furnace could produce several tens of tons of iron.

Several tens of tons?

Those unfamiliar with ironmaking were indifferent, but those with some knowledge in the field were stunned by Pauls numbers. It was no wonder the lord had spoken of monopolizing the steel supply in the Northwest Bay the day before.

Hansel covered his mouth in shock, then joy surged in his heart.

Given the lords history of introducing novel inventions, there was little doubt about his statement.

In reality, Paul had exaggerated a bit. He himself was not certain how much iron a blast furnace could produce; the exact figures would only be known through future practice.

The head of the ironworking craftsmen, Conrad, an old craftsman who had long served the Grayman family, ran up to Paul, beaming, holding a piece of iron.

Lord Grayman, look, this is the pig iron we produced in our earlier experiments.

Paul took the iron ingot and examined it thoroughly.

While everyone was distracted by the blast furnace, he pulled Conrad aside and quietly asked, Conrad, hows the experiment going? Any difficulties?

Conrad honestly replied, The biggest challenge is the production of fire-resistant materials. The previous one-time-use furnaces didnt need this. Later, using hard clay as the main ingredient, we got a bit closer. Uh not to hide from the Count, but we still havent found the optimal formula and production method.

Paul encouraged him, This thing can only be perfected through continuous experience accumulation. Dont stop here.

Dont worry, we will continue to improve.

At that moment, someone by the blast furnace shouted, The molten iron is coming!

Pauls attention was immediately drawn, and he turned and rushed towards the blast furnace.

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