Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
6-30-1957
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Chemical Engineering
First Advisor
Saul I. Kreps
Second Advisor
C. L. Mantell
Third Advisor
George C. Keeffe
Abstract
The process of zone refining involves the passage of a molten zone along a rod of solid. As the zone progresses, composition of the material freezing out generally differs from that melting, so solutes are redistributed. Enrichment of the major component occurs toward one end of the rod. (Usually the end of frozen.)
In the present work, impure anthracene was subjected to zone refining. Feed first run was C.P. anthracene with a known impurity of 2.0% phenanthrene. After two passes no phenanthren was detectable in the first layer frozen. (Analysis was by ultra-violet spectrophotometry.) Although the zones melted out were rich in phenanthrene, no mathematical correlations of the separation could be achieved because zone size varied irregularly during each pass.
For the second run, crude anthracene with a melting range of 36°C. was purified until the melting range was about 3°C.
The best of this material was selected as feed for the third run. Although no narrower melting range was achieved, fractions of higher and lower melting points than pure anthracene were obtained, as well as some material with approximately the correct melting point for anthracene.
Difficulties encountered are discussed. Recommendations for improved operation are submitted.
Recommended Citation
Perot, Charles Poultney, "Zone refining of anthracene" (1957). Theses. 2556.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2556
