Figure. 8.
Huston’s Digesting Apparatus.
129. Digestion Apparatus for Reverted Phosphates.—The digestion apparatus used by Huston consists of two wheels twenty-five centimeters in diameter, mounted on the same axis, having a clear space of four and one-half centimeters between them.[118] In the periphery of each wheel are cut twelve notches, which are to receive the posts bearing the rings through which the necks of the flasks pass. The posts are held in place by nuts which are screwed down on the faces of the wheel. Should it become necessary to take the apparatus apart, it is only necessary to loosen the nuts and the set screw holding one wheel to the shaft and all the parts can at once be removed. The posts extend ten centimeters beyond the face of the wheels, and the rings are four centimeters in internal diameter. Perforated plates, bearing a cross-bar, and held in place by strong spiral springs attached to the plate and the base of the posts, serve to hold the flasks in place. Each plate has a number stenciled through it for convenience in identifying the flasks when it is time to remove them. Attached to the outside of each post, close to the outer end, is a heavy wire which passes entirely around the apparatus, serving to keep the plates in place after they are removed from the flasks.
The apparatus is mounted on a substantial framework, thirty-six centimeters high and thirty centimeters wide at the base. The space in which the wheel revolves is fourteen centimeters wide. The base bars connecting the two sides are extended seven centimeters beyond one side, and serve for the attachment of lateral bracing. At the top of the framework, at one side, is attached a heavy bar forty-five centimeters long, which serves to carry the cog gearing which transmits the power. The upright shaft carries a cone pulley to provide for varying the speed. The usual speed is two revolutions a minute for the wheel carrying the flasks. The entire apparatus is made of brass. The details of construction are shown in [Fig. 8]. Round-bottomed flasks are used, and rubber stoppers are held in place by tying or by a special clamp shown at the lower right-hand of the figure.
When high temperatures are used, the plates and flasks are handled by the hooks shown at the left and right-hand upper corners of the [figure].
When any other than room temperature is desired, the whole apparatus is immersed in water contained in the large galvanized tank forming the back-ground of the figures. The tank is seventy-five centimeters long, seventy-five centimeters high, and thirty centimeters wide. At one end, near the top, is an extension to provide space for heating the fluid in the flasks before introducing the solid in such cases as may be desired.
The apparatus is held in place by angle irons soldered to the bottom of the tank and a brace resting against the upright bar bearing the gear-wheels.
The water in the tank is heated by injecting steam, or by burners under the tank. As the tank holds about 300 pounds of water the work is not subject to sudden changes of temperature, and little trouble has been experienced in raising and maintaining the temperature of the water, especially when steam is used.
An electric motor, or a small water-motor with only a very moderate head of water, will furnish ample power.
130. Comparison of Results.—The following data show the results obtained by the digester as compared with those furnished by the official method, temperature and time of digestion being the same in each instance.