SULFUR EXTRACTION WORKING MODEL ELBERT C. WEAVER Bulkeley High School, Hartford, Connecticut
T
HE demonstration model apparatus of the Frasch processdesaihed by Lehowitz'uses yellowed paraffin to simulate sulfur. A working model of this process using sulfur instead of p a r a n presents more problems and is consequently of greater value to the constructor. At the same time it has high instructive value in visualizing the apparatus. Such a model has been constructed and put in successful operation as a pupil undertaking. More physical than chemical problems were solved before completion of the project, but this was undoubtedly of practical value.
generator such as is used in physics laboratories. The old type copper boiler and a Florence flask steam generator with a long safety tube were both tried without success. Another 8/s" iron pipe for delivery of the sulfur projected through the solder cap of the ll/z" intermediate pipe. The steam was superheated by Bunsen burners under the coil in the copper tube
CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
The sulfur well was made from a cylindrical tin can 5'/%" in diameter and 6" high which has a "press-on" lid. The inside of the can was lined with cement, leaving a conical cavity. Powdered sulfur was placed in the cavity. The cover of the can was cut to accommodate a piece of 2'/2" iron pipe about 8" long, a 3l/%"length of which was below the cover. Inside this pipe extended another iron pipe 1'/2' in diameter and 9'' long, and inside both a s/8" pipe projecting above the others. The two outer pipes were capped with solder, and the outside pipe soldered to the cover of the can. Through the solder capping on the outside pipe a 3/s'1 copper tube extended. This tube was bent into a coil, and the outer end was connected with a Pyrex steam
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1 S. H. LEBOWITZ, "A demonstration working model of the Frasch process for mining sulfur," J. CHEM. EDUC..8, lfi3W3
(Aug.. 1931).
and became hot enough to scorch paper readily. Gentle air pressure was supplied through the central pipe, but this was found to be unnecessary in a model of this size. The lower part of the model was well insulated. After about a half hour's operation, the temperature became sufficiently high to melt the sulfur. The liquid was readily carried along by the steam and spurted out of the delivery pipe a t the mouth of which i t was caught on a piece of paper.
