GB238565A - An improved device for regulating the pressure of mercury vapour in the working chamber of mercury-vapour apparatus and more particularly in mercury-vapour rectifiers - Google Patents

Abstract

238,565. Dõllenbach, W. Aug. 15, 1924, [Convention date]. Low-pressure metallicvapour apparatus. - In mercury-vapour apparatus, such as rectifiers, with a working chamber and a separate condensation chamber, the chambers are connected by one or more adjustable openings for the vapour. In a rectifier, the metal working chamber A and the condensation chamber B with a connection K to a p u m p are connected through a nozzle E cooperating with a pointed solid of revolution F. In modifications, a slide valve or rotary slide valve is used. The valve may be electromagnetically operated from the exterior of the apparatus, for example, by suspension of the body F from a spring-controlled armature I of an external solenoid H or by a shortcircuited rotor in the rotating field of an external stator. The valve may be arranged to give a fluid-tight joint when closed by a packing margin on the valve body dipping, when the valve closes, into a channel of mercury secured to the nozzle E or to the condensation chamber. The valve may be controlled at will or automatically; it may be opened automatically on an increase of the load current or working temperature of the chamber A or may be controlled by the voltage drop of the are or by the vapour pressure in the chamber A, a pressure gauge being interposed or the valve being sufficiently light to be raised by the vapour pressure to an extent sufficient to maintain the desired pressure in the chamber A. The valve may also be controlled by positive ion current towards the vessel A or an auxiliary electrode, this current increasing as the vapour pressure decreases. The entire working chamber may be maintained above the surrounding temperature by insulation or heating. The vapour pressure in the chamber A is thus adjustable and may be maintained steady to prevent back ignition in rectifiers, whilst gaseous impurities are carried by the vapour through the valve and removed by the pump.