GB830210A - Improvements in high pressure apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0830210/III/1> <PICT:0830210/III/2> A high-pressure apparatus comprises a pair of opposed dies, each tapered towards one end, means for exerting pressure on the dies whereby an object positioned between the dies is subjected to high pressure, and retaining means adapted to prevent lateral expansion of the object subjected to high pressure. As shown in Fig. 1 an hydraulic press comprises a pair of opposed recessed pistons 15, 16 each of which carries a die 17, a layer of insulation 20 being provided between at least one of the pistons and its associated die. A reaction vessel is positioned between the dies and comprises a pair of spaced conductive discs 32, Fig. 3, between which is a hollow conductive cylinder 33 surrounded by an insulating washer 35. A washer 36 is positioned between each die and its associated disc 32 to provide a heat insulating core with a surrounding conductive ring 38 in electrical contact with the die and the reaction chamber. A laminated conical gasket assembly surrounds each die and comprises at least two thermally and electrically insulating and pressure resisting conical washers 40 with a metallic washer 41 between adjacent washers 40. The gasket assembly is surrounded by a pressure resisting member comprising an inner ring 27 surrounded by one or more binding rings and a soft steel safety ring. Electrical connections can be made to the dies so that an electric current can pass through the reaction chamber to maintain it at a temperature higher than 2000 DEG C. whilst the pressure is above 95,000 atmospheres. The space between the dies 17 and the pressure-resisting member 21 may be cooled by air or water. Specification 829,990 is referred to.