carnkie
  • carnkie
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16 years ago
I've just realised one these was introduced to the Basset Mine latish in the 19th century to improve the throughput of arsenic. Also for a time I believe at DGCs, Wheal Jane, Carn Brea and Pendarves. They weren't that popular because of maintenance problems. It was probably the last development in arsenic technology in the West Country.
I just wondered if any remains of these had survived?
The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.
stuey
  • stuey
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16 years ago
Is that the device which made the sodium salt of tungsten hydroxide? which was then dissolved thus allowing the separation of W and Sn?

I think there may be ruins at DGC, but there is very limited info on what the oxland process actually entailed (in my literature). DGC also didn't actually mine any tin or tungsten, but mines in the area did.... I'll have a look at a good book I have.....

I'd be interested in how it worked....
carnkie
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16 years ago
The tube consisted of a barrel made up of riveted iron plates, lined internally with firebricks. This was set lengthways at a slight inclination, and had gearing attached to it to provide a slow rotation, the whole tube being carried on rollers. A firebox was set at the lower end, the feed coming in at the higher. The ore was calcinated as it rolled down the tube, being discharged at the lower end into a pit. The tube was connected to the usual flue arrangement. An example of the tube installed at Basset Mine was 28ft long, 4ft diameter and inclined at one in sixteen. The coal consumption was 17 to 18 cwt per 24 hours for an output of seven tons. The furnace was turned at 4 revolutions per hour.

© Bryan Earl "The Cornish Arsenic Industry".
The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.
carnkie
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16 years ago
Could well be. mystery solved. Any idea if there was one at Kitty?
The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.
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