A N T I M O N Y : ITS HISTORY, CHEMISTRY, MINERALOGY ...

90 THE METALLURGY OF ANTIMONY.
oxidising flame; in this case periodic alternations of an oxidising
flame and of a reducing flame are maintained so long as necessary.
"Ventilators are used to produce a draught carrying the volatile oxide
from the furnace into the chambers for condensation. The last trace
of the oxide not yet condensed is finally absorbed in a basin of water.
A rotative furnace of the ordinary type is preferred to any other
kind. Coal gas or oil gas may be used. (Fig. 27.)
In 1903 M. Herrenschmidt patented* a process which is a great
improvement upon his former patents. In order to thoroughly
condense the oxide produced, the apparatus must possess a large
cooling surface, have a large volume for facilitating the deposition of
A, Gas-producer,
a, Air inlet.
B, Rotative roasting furnace.
C C, Condensation chambers.
c, Ventilator.
D, Reservoir containing water.
FIG. 27.
H, Flue in connection with a
•chimney, to be used when
an intense heat is required.
The water vapour used may
be introduced at J.
the oxide, and be able to subdivide the current of volatile oxide. The
apparatus described below possesses these three principal factors.
Fig. 28 is a longitudinal view, and fig, 29 is a transverse section.
Rasse-Courbet's process is as follows!:—Fig. 30 shows a longitudinal
view and a section across A A of iig. 31, which is itself a
section across B B of fig. 30. Fig. 32 shows the subsidiary parts of
the apparatus. The furnace is composed of several muffles,