IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF OXIDE OF STRONTIUM AND HYPOSULPHITE OF THE ALKALIES
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to; William Moody, of West Ham, in the County of Essex,
Chemist for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
OXIDE OF STRONTIUM AND HYPOSULPHITE OF THE ALKALIES
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Moody at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd May 1883.
.
"IMPROVE-
WILLIAM MOODY, of West Ham, in the County of Essex, Chemist,
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF OXIDE OF STRONTIUM AND HYPOSULPHITE of
THE ALKALIES
"
My invention relates to certain improvements in the manufacture of oxide of
Strontium, and hyposulphite of the alkalies, such as potash and soda, whereby I
propose to utilize the sulphur and the strontium contained in Sulphate of
strontium, commercially known as "Celestine," which is not at present of much
value.
In my improved manufacture, I first deoxidize the sulphate of strontium, and
thus reduce it to sulphide, by the known method of heating with an admixture of
coal or other carbonaceous material,
The Sulphide thus formed, and whilst still bot, I mix with water to form a thin
pasty mass. To the mass I add Caustic alkali, preferably Soda or potash, in
sufficient quantity to combine with the sulphur of the sulphide, and I facilitate
this combination by boiling with steam. On cooling, Hydrate of Strontium
crystallizes out, leaving a solution of the alkali. The hydrate, being washed clear
from any of the alkali solution, may be again dissolved and crystallized in suitable
vessels and dried. The hydrate of strontium thus obtained constitutes the product
commercially known as oxide of Strontium.
The Solution of alkali left from my last operation I now treat, in any of the
methods known to to cause its absorption, with sulphurous acid, which combines
with the alkali to form hyposulphite, and precipitates sulphur. The solution of
hyposulphite of the alkali is run into concentrating pans, and, when reduced to a
suitable density to allow of it, it is allowed to crystallize, and thus forms the
hyposulphite of commerce. The Sulphur precipitated may be burned to produce
the sulphurous acid for a subsequent operation.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said William Moody in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 31st October
1883.
WILLIAM MOODY, of West Ham, in the County of Essex, Chemist, "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF OXIDE OF STRONTIUM AND HYPOSULPHITE OF
THE ALKALIES"
My invention relates to certain improvements in the manufacture of oxide of
Strontium, and hydrosulphide or byposulphite of the alkalies (say Soda or potash)
whereby I propose to utilize the sulphur and the Strontium contained in sulphate
of Strontium, commercially known as "Celestine," which is not at present of much
value.
In my improved manufacture I first deoxidize the sulphate of Strontium, and
thus reduce it to sulphide, by the known method of heating with an admixture of
coal or other carbonaceous material.
The sulphide thus formed, and whilst still hot, I mix with water to form a thin
pasty mass. To this mass I add caustic alkali of Soda or potash, in sufficient
quantity to combine with the sulphur of the sulphide, and I facilitate this com-
bination by boiling with steam. On cooling, hydrate of Strontium crystallizes out,
leaving a solution of the alkali. The hydrate of Strontium, being washed clear
from any of the alkali solution, may be again dissolved and crystallized in suitable
vessels and dried. The hydrate of Strontium thus obtained constitutes the product
commercially known as oxide of strontium.
The solution of alkali left from my last operation may be concentrated down, in
order to allow the hydrosulphide to crystallize out.
Alternatively, it may be treated with sulphurous acid, in any of the methods
known to cause the absorption thereof. The Sulphurous acid combines with the
alkali to form hyposulphite, and precipitates sulphur. The solution of hypo-
sulphite of the alkali is then run into concentrating pans, and, when reduced to a
suitable density to allow of it, it is allowed to crystallize, and then forms the
hyposulphite of commerce. The sulphur precipitated may be burned to produce
the sulphurous acid for a subsequent operation.
Having now fully described the nature of my invention and the manner of
carrying the same into effect, be it known that what I claim as novel and desire
to protect by Letters Patent is :-
=
The process for the production of Oxide of Strontium, and Hyposulphite or
Hydrosulphide of the alkalies, whereby I utilize the sulphur and the Strontium of
"Celestine," substantially as set forth.
In witness whereof I, the said William Moody, have hereunto set my hand and
seal this twenty-fourth day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight
hundred and eighty three.
Witness
S. P. WILDING.
23 Rood Lane, Fenchurch St,
London E.C.
Patent Agent.
WILLIAM MOODY (L.S.)