GB562108A - Improved method of and apparatus for the condensation of metallic vapours - Google Patents

Abstract

562,108. Distilling metals. CHUBB, W. F., and CHUBB, E. P. Jan. 13, 1943, No. 663. [Class 82 (i)] In a process for condensing metallic vapour, the vapour is caused to mix with vapour from the same metal boiling at low pressure and is directed against a cooled surface upon which it condenses. The process may be employed for the separation, either wholly or in part, of vaporized metals of different boiling points. Apparatus for carrying out the process comprises a container a in which metal is vaporized at low pressure, above which is a condensing surface e provided with a jacket e<2> which may contain a refrigerating coil, or through which may flow a cooling medium. The jacket may also contain a coil through which flows a different cooling-medium, so that by adjusting the temperatures of the two cooling-media any desired temperature may be produced at the condensing surface e. Vapour from the metal boiling in the container a rises through a funnel g and is forced by an overhanging cap hand baffle g<1> into admixture with the vapour entering the apparatus through' a jacketed inlet tube i<1>. The metal condensing on the surface e runs down through holes g<2> into the container a and is drawn off through a jacketed outlet pipe b. If desired, an inert gas may be introduced into the vapour through an inlet k, and a pipe l may be provided leading to a vacuum pump. When a mixture of vaporized metals is treated, the metal of lower boiling point is condensed, the vapour of the metal of higher boiling point passes into a trap m. The jacket round the inlet tube i<1> may contain insulating-medium, or may be evacuated, or a cooling medium may flow therethrough; or it may contain electric heaters, or heating gases may flow therethrough.