A PRACTICAL APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF COAL AND WOOD The usual type of apparatus that is used to show the process of destructive distillation is unsatisfactory. This apparatus consists of a hard glass test tuhe, fitted with a rubber stopper and a glass condensing tube. The high temperature necessary for the completed reaction usually melts
the rubber stopper and very often breaks the test tuhe. Chemistry teachers know only too well the unsatisfactory results obtained with the old-type equipment, as well as the "muss" that always accompanies its use. A satisfactory apparatus, that can be cheaply made, is shown in the accompanying diagram. All of the necessary material can he purchased a t any plumbing shop for less than fifty cents. It consists of an iron pipe, 3/n" X O", capped a t one end and fitted with a 3/4" X I / & " reducer at the
other end. In the reducer is inserted a rubber hose connector. The condenser consists of a piece of 8-mm. glass tubing, bent a t a right angle. The glass tubing should fit tightly against the metal hose connector, so
that no rubber is exposed to the decomposition products. Some of the advantages of this apparatus are: 1. It is inexpensive, and can be reused many times. In the "test tube type" apparatus, the hard glass test tube is always spoiled for any other use, and it is almost as expensive as the first cost of the new type. 2. Can he easily taken apart, for loading, unloading, or cleaning. 3. Will withstand the temperature necessary for the decomposition of wood or coal. 4. Most important of all, it produces satisfactory results.
