In metallurgy, the Bower–Barff process is a method of coating iron or steel with magnetic iron oxide, such as Fe2O4, in order to minimize atmospheric corrosion. The articles to be treated are put into a closed retort and a current of superheated steam passed through for twenty minutes followed by a current of producer gas (carbon monoxide), to reduce any higher oxides that may have been formed. The process is named for George Bower and Frederick S. Barff.
References ebook of creative chemistry, page 243.
Further reading The Bower-Barff Rustless Iron Process, New York 1883.