GB190010925A - Improvements in Apparatus and Method of Decomposing Alkaline and other Amalgams. - Google Patents

Abstract

10,925. Thompson, W. P., [Litzelmann & Tailfer]. June 15. Alkaline hydrates and carbonates.-An alkaline amalgam is led by a pipe G to a rapidly-rotating iron cylinder A having perforated sides, and the decomposing-fluid, (steam, water, carbonic acid, or solution of caustic alkali, &c.) is introduced through the tube F. The mixture is thrown out into the casing C, which may be provided with a steam jacket D having an inlet d and an outlet d'. Any gases given off escape by a tube E. A circular non-conducting plate H causes the mixture to flow through the annular space h to the floor of the chamber, wherein the liquid separates into two layers, the mercury or amalgam rising to the level l and the solution to the level N. To hasten the decomposition of the amalgam, there is immersed in the latter, above the mercury level, an iron plate I supported upon insulating-blocks i, i', and connected up as the negative pole with an electrical circuit, the mercury or amalgam and the cell itself being also included in the circuit, as shown. The mercury escapes by a seal l<1> and the pipe L to the receptacle M, from which it is returned for re-use, while the solution overflows through the tube K to the receptacle M, and is removed for use. In a modification, instead of a single layer of liquid at the bottom of the casing, there are several layers on superposed trays, each having an iron plate cathode, and all discharging to one outlet. Other amalgams, capable of being similarly treated, may be decomposed in the same apparatus.