A N T I M O N Y : ITS HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY ...
A N T I M O N Y : ITS HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY ...
A N T I M O N Y : ITS HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY ...
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98 THE METALLURGY OF ANTIMONY.<br />
A / 2 j 9\ ff 2 i an ^ c > is changed into volatile oxide. The filtering<br />
and condensing chambers may be connected with h.<br />
The latest improvement in the volatilising process is embodied in<br />
a patent* obtained by M. Herrenschmidt, with which the author<br />
is personally familiar. The fundamental principle is the same as<br />
that of his earlier patent, 1903; the only difference being in the<br />
details, which are clearly shown in fig. 45, and Plate opposite p. 100.<br />
The Herrenschmidt Process of Antimony Smelting. (1) Introduction.—The<br />
present account is based upon a personal study of<br />
the new process, and contains the results of a few experiments<br />
carried out in the Laboratoire de recherches industrielles pour<br />
tous minerais of M. Herrenschmidt, at Le Genest (Mayenne),<br />
France, to whom all the credit is due. The experiments on the<br />
volatilisation process, given in the patent No. 386,107 taken out<br />
by M. Herrenschmidt April 5, 1908, in France, were carried out<br />
by that gentleman and myself on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of<br />
May 1908.<br />
(2) Description of the Apparatus.—Fig. 1 of fig. 45 is a longitudinal<br />
section. Fig. 2 is a cross-section along a h. Fig. 3 is a cross-section<br />
along c d ef Fig. 4 is a horizontal section along J Y.<br />
The broken mineral is charged, together with a certain percentage<br />
of fuel, into the roasting furnace, a, the bottom of which is<br />
formed by horizontal iron bars, 5, arranged symmetrically at even<br />
distances apart.<br />
The volatile antimony trioxide is deposited on condensation<br />
pipes, e (Fr. tuyaux a ailettes), in the condensing chambers, d, by<br />
the aid of the two ventilators, h.<br />
The last trace of the uncondensed oxide is laid down by the water<br />
coming from the coke-tower, i, at the top of which are the water-pipe,<br />
j, and the see-saw water-distributor, Jc. The roasting furnace is built<br />
partly of bricks and partly of cast metal; the condensing chambers<br />
are all of cast-iron; and the coke-tower is formed of wood. Each<br />
condensing chamber is 1 metre long.<br />
(3) Description of the Process.— (a) The guaranteed results of the<br />
apparatus just described are :—<br />
The yield in oxide is never less than 90 per cent, of the metal<br />
contained in the ore.<br />
With ores direct from the mine, containing 10 to 15 per cent,<br />
of antimony, 6 tons can be treated every twenty-four hours, with<br />
a consumption of 4 to 5 per cent, gas coke or 6 to 7 per oent.<br />
of charcoal.<br />
* French patent granted April 5, 1908, No. 836,107.