O Aluminium and Double Chloride of Aluminium and Sodium.
Year: 1886

page_text: O Aluminium
and Double Chloride of Aluminium and Sodium.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the firm of Haseltine, Lake and Co, Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, do hereby declare the
nature of my invention and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:—
The invention is a process for the production, from oxide of aluminium
(alumina, Al, O₂) of both aluminium chloride and the double chloride of aluminium
and sodium. The resulting products are especially adapted to be the subjects of
further processes for the extraction of metallic aluminium. The aforesaid process
is carried into effect in the following manner.
Aluminium oxide, chloride of sodium and charcoal after being reduced to
pulverulent or comminuted form are combined intimately in equal parts by weight.
Molasses is added as a binding material, and the mass being thus moistened is
made into a paste. This paste is dried in any suitable way, as for example, on a
steam table; and, by any suitable means, is molded into lumps of about three or
four inches (cubic capacity) each. It is not absolutely necessary to mold the mass
into lumps of the aforesaid size, nor even into lumps at all; but it is preferable to
do so, inasmuch as it is found that the compound in lump shape works better in the
retorts. After the lumps are formed as described, they are dried to remove all
dampness and are then subjected to a white heat in closed crucibles, which results
in the complete carbonization of the molasses and charcoal. Finally the lumps are
cooled, and are then ready for the retorts.
The retorts may be of any desired construction and material, and should be
provided with means for conducting chlorine gas to their contents. This gas is
passed over the lumps in the retort while said lumps are maintained at a cherry or
bright red heat. The operation may continue from sixteen to eighteen hours. The
result is the production of chloride of aluminium, which distils over in the form of
& yellow powder: and of double chloride of aluminium and sodium which remains
In the retort.
About two parts of chloride to one part of double chloride ara vielded.

page_text: The sodium chloride may be omitted as an ingredient of the mixture first above
mentioned, and the oxide of aluminium and charcoal, in equal parts with molasses,
used as before. The subsequent proceedings are the same as already described;
but, of course, only the chloride of aluminium and not the double chloride of
aluminium and sodium is produced.
·
So also in lieu of sodium chloride, carbonate of soda or soda ash may be
substituted in like proportion-Either animal or vegetable charcoal may be
employed. The chlorine gas may be prepared according to any known process, care
being taken to wash, dry and cleanse the gas before admitting it to the retort.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to
me by my Foreign Correspondent I declare that what I claim is:-
1. The process of making chloride of aluminium substantially as herein before
set forth.
2. The process of making double chloride of aluminium and sodium substantially
as hereinbefore set forth.
3. The process of making double chloride of aluminium and sodium, and chloride
of aluminium, substantially as hereinbefore set forth.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.