Kipp's apparatus is a device that allows you to get gases. It is widely used in various laboratory research, and in laboratories, chemists prefer to use cylinders as sources of gases. It is more convenient and safer, because if the Kipp device is used incorrectly, there is a possibility of explosions when producing hydrogen and combustible gases.
How does it work?
Kipp's apparatus works according to a simple scheme, for example, if you need to get hydrogen. A grid with zinc granules is placed on the bottom of a medium-sized tank. Hydrochloric or sulfuric acid is poured into it. If the tap on the fumes pipe is closed, the acid will be in the upper funnel and the lower reservoir. When the faucet is opened, the acid begins to flow out of the funnel and fill the lower part of the second tank. As a result of the reaction with zinc, hydrogen is released. Such an experiment is often carried out in a chemistry lesson. After the end of the experiment, the valve is closed, respectively, hydrogen no longer leaves the apparatus.
What is it made of?
The modern Kipp apparatus consists of two tanks of equal volume with plastica tube that enters the neck of the bottle. It is sealed on both sides with plastic stoppers, which ensures tightness. The upper part of the tube is equipped with a glued fitting, with which carbon dioxide can be removed. Even lower, the tube has a bottle cap, and tightness is achieved due to the fact that a special rubber or silicone ring is used. A wide cutout has been made under the cork, where chalk or limestone is loaded. In order for the acid and these substances to interact well, the tube is perforated with holes that ensure free contact of the substances. Another tube passing through both plugs is needed in order to neutralize acid vapors in the exhaust gas.
How to get carbon dioxide?
Kipp's apparatus is often used to supply CO2. and also to produce carbon dioxide. For this, just chalk and acetic acid are used. Chalk should be in the form of pieces, not dust. The apparatus should be filled with a weak solution of acetic acid, chalk is loaded into the tube from above, after which the tube itself is inserted into the bottle. This is how CO2 is released. It is discharged through a fitting, after which it passes through a soda solution and is fed into the aquarium. A non-return valve can be installed at the outlet of the tube. That is, the Kipp apparatus works in such a way as to constantly maintain a constant gas pressure, which also depends on the depth of immersion in the atomizer tank.
Where to find it?
Many craftsmen prefer to assemble this unit with their own hands, somoreover, it is not as difficult to do as it seems. At the same time, a special Kipp apparatus for the aquarium is sold in stores, with the help of which carbon dioxide is produced and the pressure is maintained at an automatic level. The simplest model of the device includes two plugs with fittings, a pressure gauge, a needle air throttle and acrylic tubes.
The rate of a chemical reaction will depend on how much calcium is contained in chalk or limestone, its density and porosity. That is why, first, you should select the concentration of acid for a small volume of water: the gas should be released in a small amount, but there should be no foaming or bubbling. If the reaction is slow and the required amount of gas is not produced, it is worth reassembling the unit and using larger bottles. But the concentration of acid should not be increased, because it may, as a result, be neutralized too quickly.
In general, the device is inexpensive, since the reagents in the form of chalk and acid are quite cheap. And the device itself is very simple. The only problem may arise with the assembly - it must be done carefully and carefully in order to achieve a reliable and tight connection.
