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T h e r h e o s t a t s used b y t h e B u r e a u h a v e c o s t b e t w e e n $ I O apiecd, but it is possible t h a t c h e a p e r e q u i p m e n t c a p a b l e of g i v i n g a d e q u a t e s e r v i c e m a y b e o b t a i n a b l e in the m a r k e t . W a t e r r h e o s t a t s m i g h t be e m p l o y e d , a n d w e r e at o n e t i m e in servicz in the B u r e a u . T h e y arz, h o w e v e r , of t h e n a t u r e of a m a k e -
$9 and
shift. DETAILS O F OPERATION
The type of h e a t e r d e s c r i b e d is d e s i g n j d for the distillation of gasoline a n d s h o u l d n o t b e e m p l o y e d f o r high-boiling liquids.
T h e s u r f a c e f r o m which h e a t
is delivered is t o o s m a l l for s u c h p e t r o l z u m p r o d u c t s as kerosene, a n d f o r t h i s t y p e of work it w o u l d bd d e sirable t o c o n s t r u c t a h e a t i n g e l e m e n t with l a r g e r r a d i a t i n g surface. H e a t i n g e l e m e n t s are of course s u b j e c t t o d z t e r i o r a tion in the c o u r s e of, t i m e b u t the B u r e a u d o e s n o t know .what t h e i r a c t u a l life is. As y e t n o n e of t h z h e a t e r s hav.: b u r n e d out while b e i n g u s e d with gasoline, a l t h o u g h as i n d i c a t e d above r a p i d d e t e r i o r a t i o n
I
o c c u r r e d when k e r o s e n e w a s distilled.
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P r o b a b l y , also,
rapid d e t e r i o r a t i o n will e n s u e if a h e a t e r is l e f t for a considerable p e r i o d of t i m e at full c u r r e n t c o n s u m p t i o n w i t h o u t any liquid t o distil. I t is, h o w e v e r , d e s i r a b l e t o warm h z a t e r s u p before b e g i n n i n g a distillation, as they c o m e t o h e a t o n l y a f t e r I O or 1 5 min., and t i m e c a n be saved with t h e first distillation of a series if t h e electric c u r r e n t is t u r n e d .on before t h e o t h e r preliminary o p e r a t i o n s of m a k i n g a distillation a r e b e g u n . The c u r r e n t s h o u l d n o t b e left on b e t w e e n distillations of a series. SUMMARY
The g e n e r a l r e q u i r e m e n t s for m e t h o d s of h e a t i n g in t h e a n a l y t i c a l distillation of gasoline h a v e b e e n discussed briefly. T h e i n h e r e n t d i s a d v a n t a g e s of flame heaters h a v e been indicated a n d a convenient electric h e a t e r u s e d in t h e P e t r o l e u m L a b o r a t o r i e s of t h e B u r e a u of M i n e s has b e e n described in detail. CHEMICAL SECTION, PETROLEUM DIVISION U.S. BURBAUOF MINES, FTTTSBURCH
FOURTH NATIONAL EXPOSITION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
I
The Fourth National Exposition of Chemical Industries, held in the Grand Central Palace, New York City, September 23-28, 1918,has now become a part of the history of the American chemical industry during this remarkable period of expansion. The carrying out of the program as originally planned was made possible through the recognition by the War Department of the direct bearing of the Exposition upon the military program, and the results of Exposition Week have abundantly justified this sympathetic cooperation. The increased number of exhibitors of chemical products and machinery completely filled the vacant spaces caused by the withdrawal of support by the Railroad Administration of the railways’ program for industrial development through chemical surveys. A striking feature of many exhibits was the evident thought taken to give the lay public a clear understanding of the rela-
tions between various lines of manufacture. The recompense for such effort lay in the thoughtful study given t o these exhibits by visitors. Several exhibitors displayed attractive booths, though engaged now solely upon war problems, with n o opportunity for sales through the usual channels of commerce. The symposiums on important phases of the industry brought together a mass of well-digested material which constitutes a distinct addition to chemical literature. Once again the daily press has effectively supported the Exposition. Through the reports of the proceedings, as well as through the large attendance, the function of the Exposition in moulding a sympathetic public opinion has been realized. At a joint meeting of the Managers and the Advisory Committee it was decided to hold the Fifth Exposition a t Chicago, in the Coliseum and its Annex, during September 1919 -[EDITOR.]
OPENING ADDRESSES
by the industrial departments of the several railroads for presenting here a marvelous display of those natural resources of this country which still await the touch of the chemist to rise t o their true dignity as invaluable assets. It has been deemed necessary to eliminate during war times this most promising and well-inaugurated line of development. This backward step is a matter of keen regret, taken, strange t o say, just a t a time when, for economic efficiency, increase rather than curtailment of such development was to be expected, and when the call for the chemist was insistent from all other centers of industrial life. It is sincerely to be hoped that maturer consideration will result in a reversal of this gravely erroneous policy.
September 23, 1918 PERMANENT CHEMICAL INDEPENDENCE By CHARLES H. HIIRTY Chairman Advisory Committee of the Chemical Exposition
This annual assemblage of the products of American chemical industry and of the mechanical appliances by which these products are manufactured provides fitting occasion for a stocktaking of past accomplishments and a care-taking for the permanency of those additions to our national wealth whereby economic independence may be assured. To secure this independence it is essential t h a t there should be close cooperation between the chemist and the American people, which can only be brought about when the chemist takes the people into his full confidence regarding the problems whose successful solution is a matter of joint responsibility. By the presentation of these exhibits and by open discussion of the problems confronting the industry, a sympathetic understanding is produced which creates a sound, intelligent public opinion, which is the greatest asset any industry can possess. The number of exhibitors continues to grow, in keeping with the continued expansion of the industry throughout the nation. The only disappointment is the setting aside by the Railroad Administration of the large plans which had been inaugurated
MEASURES OF EXPANSION
In taking stock of the chemical industry first thought t u r n s naturally to the matter of available capital. The amount of capital accessions has continued to grow. During the first eight months of 1918,$59,164,000was added, making the aggregate authorized capital invested in the industry since August I, ~ 9 1 4the , date of the outbreak of the war, $386,967,000. These figures do not include, of course, the investments made by the Kational Government in the great chemical plants whose output is used solely for war purposes. The total production of these plants sets our Government apart as the largest manu-
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There was an additional argument for such legislation, however, undreamed of by any of us a t that time. We had n o t entered the war and gave no thought to the efforts which might be required of us in the matter of poison gas production. But when our authorities, following our entrance into the war, determined to meet the Germans with their own weapons and on a scale far greater then they had ever contemplated, it became necessary to make use of every available means for manufacture of toxic material. The great plants planned for Government construction and operation were not sufficient for the program. I am violating no confidence in telling you t h a t a t this juncture the Government turned t o the young dye industry for plants and trained organizations t o augment its poison gas output, and splendidly has the young industry responded. 68,000,000 lbe. Sulfuric acid.. . . . . . , . . . . , . . . . 12~000,000lbs. For military reasons I am advised not to mention specific plants 334,000,000 Ibs. Negligible Caustic soda and soda ash.. . . . . , Negligible 25,000,000 lbs. or the products manufactured therein, but with official sanction .. $357,000 $17,000,000 I may say that five dyestuff plants are now participating in the Doubtless in future years these figures will appear diminu- production of this material, while many others are contributing tive, but a t the present they constitute an inspiring hope for indirectly t o the same end. The plants were suited to the that future. needs, staffs and workmen were familiar with this kind of work, A fair measure of the increasing participation of the Governand the conversion to the new rBle was thus enabled quickly ment in chemical activity is shown in the supplemental ap- to be made. propriation estimates submitted by the War Department to In view of the adaptability of the dyestuff industry to such Congress on September 17,1918. Aside from the great approserioris national needs, it is difficult to be patient with many priations for explosives, there has been requested for the Chemof our mercantile establishments which still insist upon placardical Warfare Service, the recently organized division having to ing their counters with signs such as “The color of these goods do solely with offensive and defensive gas warfare, $198,704,000, cannot be guaranteed.” What a sweet morsel of comfort these a sum greater than was asked for the clothing of the increased placards are to the enemy, in effect an effort to preserve the army we are now raising. Germany began poison gas warfare; market for him by our own people, if such they are! Was within the next twelve months it will have more than its fill it ever the practice to guarantee all colors’ Certainly not, for of it. even before the war nine-tenths of the dyes used were not fast PUBLIC SUPPORT and did not need to be. Moreover, are our merchants not yet The present status of the American chemical industry and its aware of the conditions which led for a time to the uncertainties prospects for the future must prove gratifying to all good citi- as to color fastness? Do they not know that in the period of zens of this republic, but these prospects can never be fully acute shortage of German dyes, before the American industry realized unless the work of the chemist is supported by sound and was started, many German dyes were used for purposes never loyal public opinion, which, in turn, will eventually manifest intended, and so gave bad results, in most cases falsely attributed itself in the form of a thoroughly sympathetic attitude on the to American origin, and so when remaining German stocks appart of official representatives of that public opinion. proached depletion, and the American products began t o apThe stress of war preparations and the great part we feel pear on the markets, these were likewise used in ways never inthat we are destined to play in the decision have aroused a whole- tended, with equally as poor results as in the case of the misuse some national pride, which should contribute to the developof the German dyes? With the present adequate domestic ment of an atmosphere of good will! America must make good! production, these matters are correcting themselves. Public America can make good! America shall make good! These sentiment can, and I believe will, make an end of the disloyal thoughts fill the minds of our people to-day. The craze for placards. “imported goods” which has so often palsied industrial effort NEEDED LEGISLATION is now being supplanted by pride in domestic achievement. Certainly the label “Made in Germany” no longer exerts its Assurance of the future of the coal-tar chemical industry lies hypnotic influence over the masses of the world. Yet German not only with our people as a whole but even more directly with propaganda is insidious, is ever present, and must constantly their representatives in Congress, for it must not be forgotten be combated if we are to gain that measure of national self- that legislation stands to-day, as a result of the enactment of containedness in essential industries which will guard us against the 1916 General Revenue Bill, which is directly in favor of a recurrence of the economic tribulations which characterized the German industry, at the risk of the very life of the American the period immediately following the blockading of German industry. Every phase of the domestic industry has been studied ports. The chief centers of that disturbance were coal-tar by the Tariff Commission, and, according to a recent statement chemicals (dyes and medicinals) and potash; and I beg to ask of a representative of the Commission, its report to Congress your serious attention to certain conditions attending the ef- will be published soon after the passage of the Revenue Bill. forts to create these industries in this country. While nothing is known of the character of this report, 1 am confident that when the results of this impartial study of the inDYES AND GAS WARFARE dustry are presented to Congress the same unanimous vote KO word is needed concerning the marvelous development of will characterize the correction of errors of existing legislation I t is here to-day for your inspection. Nor the dye industry. as has just marked the passage by the House of the $8,000,need 1 dwell upon the close relation of this industry to that of ooo,ooo revenue measure. But the time for action is short, if high explosives. T h a t point has already sunk deep into our we achieve the great military victory in 1919to which all look national consciousness. It was appreciation of this relation perhaps even more than economic need, which brought together forward with supreme confidence. No opportunity must be afforded for the practice of industrial infiltration which may producers and consumers in a unique display of unanimity which procured from Congress a protective tariff and anti-dumping sap the very foundations of the coal-tar chemical industry. I n this connection may I suggest the legislative correction of legislation guaranteeing life for the young industry.
facturer of chemicals in the world. I n the after-war period when the story may be told of the rapidity of construction and of the enormous output of these plants it will add a brilliant chapter to the romance of chemistry. Meanwhile we can rest content in the assurance that the great army which we are now hurrying to Europe will be abundantly supplied. Perhaps the picture of the growth of the industry can best be gathered from a few figures concerning our export trade, for export statistics indicate production in excess of domestic needs, great as these demands have been during the past year. Four items have been selected, three because of their fundamental character, and one on account of the rapidity of its development. GXPORTS 1913/1914 1917/1918
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an error for which we chemists are primarily responsible. I n the existing Act intermediates are assessed one-half the duties of finished dyes, which ratio was adopted by Congress upon our recommendation. Experience has shown that this differentiation is a mistake. The difficult stage of production is from the crudes t o the intermediates, far more difficult than from the intermediates to the finished dyes. And it is in the field of intermediates that dyestuffs, high explosives, and medicinals meet upon common ground. Furthermore, it is evident that when these industries bear the brunt of foreign attack the enemy will take advantage of questions of definition to avoid the higher duties, or will seek t o accomplish the same purpose by shipping the lower-assessed intermediates for assemblage here into finished dyes by simple processes requiring little outlay. Justification of this contention is furnished by the following extract (page 2 2 ) from the “Census of Dyes and Coal-Tar Chemicals, 1917” just issued by the Tariff Commission: “With these exceptions the American dye industry was based entirely on imported intermediates. * * * * This peculiar situation was due primarily to the provisions of the tariff laws of 1897, 1909, and 1913, which have consistently placed a higher duty on dyes than on intermediates. I n general, the German industry dominated the field, and the Americans were unable to compete. It happens, however, that in the making of certain dyes the last chemical step of transforming the intermediate into the finished dyes is a comparatively simple and cheap process. As the rate of duty on intermediates was lower than that on the finished dyes, the margin in some instances was sufficient to make it profitable t o avoid paying the higher duty on dyes, by importing the intermediates and completing the manufacture of the dyes in the United States.” Knowing therefore where the attack will be made, would i t not be the part of wisdom for us to strengthen our forces a t this point by legislation which will place all of these products on the same dutiable basis? COAL-TAR MEDICINALS
Coal-tar dyes have received an abnormal amount of attention from our people and our press. Of equal importance and of far greater meaning to the comfort and well-being of our people are the coal-tar medicinals. In spite of unfavorable legislation our manufacturers have worthily met their responsibilities in this field. Especially is this noted in the recent statements of Government officers that the needs of our Army for these materials have been fully met by our home output. Congress, I am again confident, will correct the unevenness in legislation which hangs as a life-threat over this line of production. Congressional action, however, will not suffice in itself, for, in the matter of medicinals, we are particularly susceptible to our prejudices. A well-advertised name frequently means more to us than a knowledge of quality. In this connection it has been amazing t o note a persistent campaign of newspaper advertising, seeking t o convince our people that only tablets of aspirin stamped with the magic word “Bayer” (A German name! In such times as these!) give assurance of genuine acetylsalicylic acid. These tablets are “made on the banks of the Hudson,” but in the plant of an enemy-owned corporation now controlled by the Alien Property Custodian. This particular brand of material, no longer patented, sells to-day in large quantities and a t a price greatly above that of the same substance manufactured by American firms, whose product has been shown by official tests to be of equal purity. The most remarkable feature of this advertising campaign is that it is being carried on by American directors, appointed by the Alien Property Custodian, and with the American directorship emphasized in the advertising matter, thereby beclouding the main issue of enemy ownership. Zeal in trusteeship is of course commendable, but a campaign of
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misrepresentation and of exploitation is reprehensible. Good faith does not demand the piling up of undue profits for the benefit of Germany after the war. We do not need such assets for settlement of war claims, for according to recently published figures the value of German property already seized in this country is fifty times that of American property seized in Germany. Away with afly such flaunting of false German superiority. The public should rebuke it, and follow the example of pharmacist de Haven, of West Chester, who was recently reported in the press t o have burned his large stock of aspirin manufactured by the enemy-owned corporation, and then “telegraphed for a fresh supply from a real American firm!” INDEPENDENCE I N POTASH S U P P L I E S
The blockade of German ports produced a great shortage not only of coal-tar chemicals, but also of potash for fertilizers. I n many respects the two situations were closely analogous, the acute shortage, the complete dependence, and the consequent sharp rise in prices. In the case of the coal-tar products the situation was met by a prompt union of forces on the part of producers and consumers, the latter being largely New England mill men who would not shy a t the matter of protection of a home industry by tariff. The chief consumers of potash, however, are the cotton planters of our Southern states, and, among these, advocacy of a protective tariff was unthinkable. Producers and consurqers therefore failed t o get together for the common fight against foreign dependence. The abundance of raw material is just as favorable for a domestic potash industry as was the case in the coal-tar chemical industry. The brines of Nebraska, now yielding 60 per cent of our present product\ion; Searles Lake in California, estimated t o contain from IO to 2 0 million tons of potash; the giant kelps of the Pacific Coast, with their remarkable power of selective potash extraction from sea water; the alufiite of Utah; precipitated cement dust, with an estimated possibility of 50,000 tons of potash per annum; the dust from blast furnaces, with a possible yield of 200,ooo to 300,000 tons per year; the potash-rich silicates, such as the green sands of New Jersey and the Cartersville slates of Georgia-wherever we turn, potash is a t hand, in forms, however, too slowly available for plant food, but awaiting the skill of the chemist backed by necessary capital. In spite of the lack of cooperation during the past three years some progress has been made. The 1000 tons of KzO produced in 1915 was increased to 9,720 tons in 1916 and to 32,000 tons in 1917. Much fundamental investigation has been carried out, and the promise for the future is hopeful. Success can be predicted if producers and consumers get together, and if public opinion is aroused to the fact that failure t o secure national independence in this matter vitally affects the entire nation. The Mining Bill, as modified by Senator Henderson, and now before the Senate, may prove the solution. It may be that protective duties or direct subsidy will be called for, or possibly the relief from war taxation of capital investea in this industry-whatever the cost and whatever the method adopted, Government assistance is needed and may be secured if the demand is nation-wide. Independence in potash can be assured if this country makes up its mind that it will no longer be dependent upon Germany for its supplies, but its mind must be made up quickly. This is one of the most urgent questions, in both its economic and its political aspects, before this country to-day. We cannot afford to neglect it. THE EXPOSITION IN W A R AND IN PEACE B y F. J. TONE President American Electrochemical Society
During the past four years we all must agree that the chemical industry of America has passed through the most important period of its history. This has been a war not only between
