Kipp's device is a device that allows you to get gases. It is widely used in various laboratory studies, and in laboratories chemists prefer to use cylinders as gas sources. This is more convenient and safer, because in the event of improper operation of the Kipp device when producing hydrogen and combustible gases, there is the possibility of explosions.
How does it work?
Kipp's apparatus works according to a simple scheme, for example, if you need to get hydrogen. A lattice with zinc granules is laid at the bottom of a medium-sized tank. Hydrochloric or sulfuric acid is poured into it . If the valve on the exhaust pipe is closed, the acid will be in the upper funnel and lower tank. When the tap is opened, acid begins to flow out of the funnel and fill the lower part of the second reservoir. The reaction with zinc produces hydrogen. Such an experiment is often conducted in a chemistry lesson. After the experiment, the valve is closed, respectively, hydrogen no longer exits the apparatus.
What does it consist of?
The modern Kipp apparatus is two tanks of equal volume with a plastic tube that goes into the neck of the bottle. It is tightly closed on both sides by plastic plugs, 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 stopper, and tightness is achieved due to the fact that a special ring made of rubber or silicone is used. A wide cutout was made under the cork where chalk or limestone is loaded. So that the acid and these substances interact well, the tube is perforated with holes that provide free contact of the substances. Another tube passing through both plugs is needed to neutralize acid fumes in the exhaust gas.
How to get carbon dioxide?
The Kipp apparatus is often used to supply CO2 . as well as to obtain carbon dioxide. For this, just chalk and acetic acid are used. Chalk should be in the form of pieces, not dust. The device should be poured 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 CO 2 is released . It is discharged through the nozzle, after which it passes through a soda solution and is fed into the aquarium. At the outlet of the tube you can put a check valve. That is, the Kipp apparatus works so as to constantly maintain a constant gas pressure, which also depends on the immersion depth in the atomizer tank.
Where to find?
Many craftsmen prefer to assemble this unit with their own hands, especially since it is not as difficult to do as it seems. At the same time, Kippe’s special apparatus for the aquarium is being sold in stores, which produces carbon dioxide and maintains automatic pressure. The simplest model of the device includes two plugs with fittings, a pressure gauge, a needle pneumatic throttle and acrylic tubes.
The rate of the chemical reaction will depend on how much calcium is contained in the chalk or limestone, its density and porosity. That is why you should first select an acid concentration for a small volume of water: gas should be released in a small amount, but there should be no foaming or drilling. If the reaction proceeds slowly and the required amount of gas is not produced, it is worth rebuilding the unit and using larger bottles. But the concentration of acid should not be increased, because it can therefore be neutralized too quickly.
In general, the device is inexpensive, since 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 thoroughly in order to achieve reliability and tightness of the connection.