Black Corporation: Joseon - Chapter 151
151 Fire oven. (2)
The material problem was not something that could be easily solved.
Finding the optimal ratio of copper alloy to make measuring instrument parts took time and money, but it also took up time and budget for railroads, which were materials for making steam engine bodies.
Township researchers and field managers used brass to create a scale model of James Watt’s early steam engine. When the subsequent experiment was successfully completed, Hyang gathered all the researchers and field managers together and held a meeting.
“It would be difficult to make an organ out of brass, right?”
The field leaders shook their heads at the researchers’ suggestion to make the engine part out of brass.
“There will be problems with the supply and demand of copper.”
“Then what is the most appropriate material?”
All the field leaders nodded at Hyang’s question.
“There is nothing but iron.”
“Saengcheol (raw cast iron) won’t work, right?”
In response to Hyang’s question, the field leaders nodded in unison.
“Of course not.”
“It doesn’t work because it’s not elastic.”
After a series of meetings, it was decided that the material for constructing the engine section would be wrought iron.
After the meeting ended, Hyang returned to his office and could not hide his disappointment.
“It’s a bit disappointing because mass production of steel is difficult with the current level of technology.”
Iron was produced in large quantities at the steel mill built in Anju, but the one produced the most was siwoosoe.
Of course, a lot of steel was produced, but the quantity was barely enough to make various weapons and tools.
“If the expansion of the steel mill proceeds as planned, things will get better…”
After seeing the performance of the Anju steel mill, all government ministers agreed to the expansion of the Anju steel mill.
It was a scent that left me feeling disappointed, but I soon found something positive and encouraged myself.
“I like wrought iron too! The railroads and locomotives that were popular during the Industrial Revolution were made of wrought iron, and the Eiffel Tower was also made of wrought iron! Rather than sucking your fingers and waiting for the steel to come out, let’s make it first and use it! “Once people know what is comfortable, they will automatically find something better!”
In this way, the production of steam engines using wrought iron began in earnest.
However, the production of steam engines was sluggish.
“What is the reason?”
Jeongcho immediately answered Hyang’s question.
“There is too much variation in the quality of iron supplied.”
“yes?”
In response to Jeongcho’s report, the local government summoned Jang Yeong-sil and Go Yajang and ordered them to investigate the cause.
Jang Yeong-sil and Go Field Manager, who went to Anju to conduct the investigation at the direction of the village, exchanged opinions over the materials they investigated.
“Stone and iron come from the same mine every time, and coal is used every time…”
Jang Yeong-sil and Go Yae-jung, who were erasing suspect points one by one using the elimination method, found the most likely suspect point.
“Wind as expected?”
“There is nothing but wind.”
Jang Yeong-sil and Go Yajang, who discovered the problem, immediately reported it to Hyang.
“It is not a problem with the raw materials, iron ore, or coal. “The problem is the wind.”
“wind?”
According to the explanations of Jang Yeong-sil and Go Yajang, firebrands used bellows to supply air to the kiln during the process of melting iron. However, when working with bellows by manpower, it was not possible to always blow air consistently due to various factors such as physical strength and experience.
“But until now this problem has never been highlighted, has it?”
Jang Yeong-sil immediately responded to Hyang’s point.
“Because we didn’t build anything like a steam engine.”
“Ah…”
To solve this problem, Hyang searched through his memories.
“As expected, that’s all there is….”
The incense, which reminded me of the centrifugal blower that supplied air to the kiln in the 21st century blacksmith shop, was immediately put into design.
After confirming that the scale model created by the late Yajang and Jang Yeong-sil was working well, Hyang soon began manufacturing a large centrifugal blower using axial force.
The completed blower was soon disassembled into parts and sent to Anju. The quality of the iron produced was maintained at a constant level by providing a stable supply of large quantities of air on behalf of the boycotters.
The process of overcoming this trial and error brought about great changes in Joseon’s metal technology.
Immediately, the classification of copper alloy and iron became more detailed, and as the quality improved, the quality of tools and inorganic metal products that used these materials also improved.
With a steady supply of high-quality iron and copper alloy, new types of artillery for the Joseon military began to be developed and deployed.
Additionally, the quality of movable types using these metal materials improved and the printing technology developed as distributing large quantities of documents across the country became routine. And the development of printing technology led to the development of the paper industry.
In addition to paper made using traditional methods, yellow paper using pulp developed in Area 51 began to be used in large quantities.
In addition, after the Great Hanseong Fire, a pump using a centrifugal blower was created and placed on a water discharge vehicle used by the Geumhwa Army (the official name of the disaster prevention team) or to flow water from a river or reservoir into a waterway. was used in
However, the biggest benefit was the enormous amount of data obtained through this trial and error process. As researchers at Area 51 and the research institute turned these materials into a book, Joseon was able to break away from relying solely on the experience of craftsmen.
And although it was not what Hyang wanted, statistics began to develop through this classification process.
“Statistics are, of course, tables and graphs!”
Through the fragrant seasoning, people in the lab and Area 51 began to become proficient in using tables and graphs.
And it was only a matter of time before these tables and graphs spread to the media, starting with a favorable start.
* * *
Hyang grumbled that it took nearly 6 years, but Hyang was mistaken.
It was amazing that it took only about six years to create a commercially usable steam engine, even though there were trials and errors large and small.
Even though Joseon’s metal technology was better than expected.
In the end, Hyang, who was looking through the compilation of related records, had to make a scathing self-criticism.
“You bastard. “This is not the 21st century!”
* * *
‘A steam engine that can be used commercially has been created!’
As soon as this report was posted, King Sejong headed to Area 51 with his ministers.
Chick chug!
King Sejong let out an exclamation as he saw the steam engine running with a loud noise.
“her! It’s truly amazing! Good work! “Thank you all for your hard work!”
“I am devastated!”
At the death of King Sejong, all the village heads, researchers, and field leaders bowed down and expressed their gratitude.
King Sejong, who was looking at the steam engine with curious eyes, asked Hyang.
“Seja, according to the report you posted, it is said that many things can be done with this steam engine. So where will you use it first?”
“Anju’s steel mills, glass workshops and mines are coming.”
“Steel mill, glass workshop and mine?”
“Yes Abama. You may know that the steel mill made and sent a blower due to problems with boycotters.”
“know. “He was a pretty expensive guy.”
Kim Jeom, who was behind him, nodded vigorously when Sejong started considering the price. At that time, there was less budget space than there is now. Thanks to this, I remembered the fierce struggle that Hojo had to endure to cover the manufacturing cost of the blower.
“yes. He’s expensive. But in order to use that expensive thing properly, it needs to be equipped with this steam engine.”
“Hmm…”
At Hyang’s words, King Sejong took a closer look at the steam engine once again. Sejong, who was observing the movement of the steam engine, nodded.
“I see. As long as the steam engine is properly supplied with water and something to burn, it will move without stopping, so it will be much more advantageous than manpower or axial power. The kiln in the glass workshop is also used for the same reason.”
“That’s right.”
“I know about steel mills and glass workshops, but about mines…”
Sejong, who was about to ask about mines, suddenly stopped talking and nodded.
“Right. I heard that the mine also involves pumping out water that accumulates in the mine shaft. “I guess we can just connect the water dispenser attached to the waterproof tank and the steam engine.”
Hyang nodded loudly at Sejong’s words.
“That’s right!”
‘As expected, Sejong the Great!’
“Hmm… I think it would be okay to connect this organization with the automatic looms?”
‘Now to the application!’
Hyang couldn’t hide his admiration for Sejong’s words and continued to agree with him.
“you’re right!”
“then. “I guess I’ll have to get something in addition to the bid price?”
“no. “We can’t go out together this time.”
“huh? why?”
When Sejong expressed his doubts, the scent immediately entered into the explanation.
“This is because Area 51’s productive capacity is limited.”
“Oh, I see.”
Sejong, who was nodding his head at Hyang’s words, said something to Hyang.
“You guys have done more than one or two things….”
“It’s just that we don’t have enough personnel. If you give us more time and budget….”
“Use!”
Hyang, who was trying to take advantage of the opportunity to take advantage of the budget, immediately became a Jaramok when King Sejong’s eyes became fierce.
“They ask for budget every chance they get… How long will it take to spread steam engines to the private sector?”
“I’m thinking about five years. However, by then, products with better performance than what we have now will be created.”
“And the top companies will compete even more fiercely?”
Hyang responded to Sejong’s words with a smile.
Seeing that, Sejong shook his head slightly.
“A poisonous guy… a scary guy… who did he learn from…”
The ministers standing behind him thought the same thing at the same time.
‘Whose child is this!’
King Sejong came to a conclusion, whether he knew the feelings of the ministers or not.
“We will have to discuss the budget issue with the ministers, but for now, let’s proceed according to your plan.”
“I follow your orders!”
* * *
A few days later, a customer came to Hyang, who was working on paperwork at the lab.
“Lowering. “Grand Prince Jinpyeong – the future Suyang – asks to see you.”
Upon hearing the eunuch’s report, Hyang stopped what he was doing and raised his head.
“Oil prices? “Please stop by.”
“Yes sir.”
After a while, Yu came into Hyang’s office.
“Sir, it’s been a while.”
“okay. It’s been a while. I heard that even though he received a bonus, he worked hard at the research institute. “That’s great.”
“Thank you.”
A smile spread across Jinpyeong’s lips when Hyang, who had always been difficult with his eldest sister Princess Jeongso since childhood, praised him.
“okay. “What brings you to me today?”
At Hyang’s question, Grand Prince Jinpyeong immediately came to his senses and opened his mouth.
“I heard that the steam engine has been completed.”
When Jinpyeong mentioned the steam engine, Hyang immediately realized the purpose of Jinpyeong’s visit.
‘This bastard was Cheoldeok!’
“okay. Completed. “But we need a little more locomotives.”
“Why?”
“A usable steam engine has been created, but it is not yet a proper product. “We need a little more time.”
“Couldn’t we do that part while building the locomotive?”
“Locomotives require more advanced technology. “Now we need to develop and mature those technologies.”
“Still…”
“The people at the research institute and Area 51 have many tasks other than steam engines. Therefore, there are not enough people to allocate, and so are time and budget.”
“What is more important than the railroad! All budget and manpower must be invested…”
Before Jinpyeong could finish his sentence, Hyang shouted.
“Get out you bastard!”
* * *
Jinpyeong, who was kicked out after hearing a shout from Hyang, ran straight to Sejong.
“… So. “Get the people and budget right now…”
“Get out, you bastard!”
Jinpyeong, who was even kicked out by King Sejong, grumbled as he walked to Gwanghwamun.
“How important the railroad is! “Especially my brother, even though he made it himself… Abamamama too…”
Jinpyeong, who had been complaining to Sejong and Hyang, made a decision as he crossed Gwanghwamun.
“What the hell! “I make it!”
But Jinpyeong was not Hyang.
“No matter how hard I try, it’s hard for me alone. But let’s gather people…”
Jinpyeong, who remembered that all the useful people he knew were in Area 51 of the government and research institute, struggled to find a solution.
After thinking about it for a while, Jinpyeong finally came to one conclusion.
“If there are no people, wouldn’t it be okay to raise people?”
A few days later, Hyang received an unusual report from the eunuch.
“Jinpyeong is taking Gu – the future Grand Prince Im Yeong – with him?”
“Yes sir. “You came with us today too.”
“So where are you now?”
“Where there is a model railroad….”
“Let’s go.”
Hyang arrived at the room with the model railroad and stopped when he heard a voice coming from inside.
“This is the railroad and the locomotive. “Isn’t it amazing?”
“Yes brother!”
“Wouldn’t it be amazing if it were actually made?”
“Yes brother!”
“Why don’t we join together?”
“Yes brother!”
Hyang, who was listening to Jinpyeong telling Gu to work, muttered without realizing it.
“Is it a multi-level…?”