What are the most suitable of the methods available to 19th Century scientists (i.e. concentrated H2SO4, CaCl2, Soda Lime, etc.) for drying atmospheric air before analysing it for its CO2 content? It is important that the drying agent should NOT change the CO2 content.
Why does it have to be chemical method? One effective method they could have used is just running the gas through a cold trap. They could use some of those chemicals you mention, esp. CaCl2, to lower the temperature of an ice bath as low as -50C, which could reduce the water vapor partial pressure to about 4 Pa. In our lab, we also use a sonic orifice in our flow line to expand the gas which reduces the humidity even further, but the flow is driven by a vacuum pump so I guess it depends on which part of the 19th century you're interested in if they could have done that.
-Stephen
Dear f b Mudge
CaCl2 and Silica Gel are the best options to try.
Regards.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Solid State Physics
- Devices