Sulphide of carbon (CS_2) is prepared by passing the vapors of sulphur
over charcoal heated to redness. In laboratories, charcoal and roll
brimstone are employed so as to obtain as pure a product as possible;
but sulphide of carbon having now become so important a commercial
product, and being employed for so large a number of industrial
purposes, it has been found more economical to substitute coke for
charcoal and pyrites for brimstone.
The Messrs. Labois, in their system of furnace represented herewith,
have had in view the manufacture of this product under as economical
conditions as possible, by coupling over two connected fireplaces the
retort in which the pyrites is distilled, and that in which the reaction
of the sulphur and carbon takes place.
The pyrites is fed from the hopper, A, into a distributing box, B,
furnished with a valve which is maneuvered by a lever. From thence it
descends into the retort, G, where it is roasted by the heat of the
fireplace, L. The sulphur converted into a state of vapor passes through
the conduit, R, into the coke or charcoal retort, G', which is divided
into two parts by the partition, _g g'_, of refractory clay, and heated
by the fireplace, L'.
[Illustration: LABOIS'S SULPHIDE OF CARBON FURNACE.]
The conduit, R', leads the sulphide of carbon in a state of vapor to the
condensing apparatus. The uncombined sulphur which is carried along is
deposited in the first part of the retort by the arrangement of the
partition, which permits of passage only below. The registers, V and
V', permit of the introduction of the sulphur vapor and the exit of the
sulphide of carbon being regulated.
The apparatus is so easy of installation that it may be applied without
much expense to pyrites furnaces already in operation.
Wherever a manufactory of the product is to be started, the system
recommends itself by its simplicity, and by the facility with which the
operation may be watched and conducted.
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