Method and apparatus for growing crystals
First Claim
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1. A method for growing crystals comprising the steps of:
- establishing a column of layers within a capillary tube, the column comprising a solution of a substance to be crystallized and a solvent, an absorbent, and a gaseous layer separating the solution and the absorbent from each other; and
increasing the concentration of said substance in the solution by gradually evaporating the solvent and absorbing at least a part of the evaporated solvent in the absorbent, thereby causing crystallization of said substance to take place.
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Abstract
For growing crystals, either in ground testing or in space, a capillary tube is used, which contains the solution of the substance to be crystallized, a layer of absorbent and a layer of air or other gas separating the solution from the absorbent. Two absorbent layers may be used on opposite sides of the solution, each separated from the solution by a gaseous layer. To delay the onset of crystallization, the absorbent on each side may be separated from the solution by two gaseous layers, with a charge of absorbable liquid between them. An absorbent may be removed or modified by removing or perforating an end cap used to seal the absorbent within the capillary tube.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for growing crystals comprising the steps of:
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establishing a column of layers within a capillary tube, the column comprising a solution of a substance to be crystallized and a solvent, an absorbent, and a gaseous layer separating the solution and the absorbent from each other; and increasing the concentration of said substance in the solution by gradually evaporating the solvent and absorbing at least a part of the evaporated solvent in the absorbent, thereby causing crystallization of said substance to take place. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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- 13. Apparatus for growing crystals comprising a capillary tube, a column of layers within the capillary tube, the column comprising a solution of a substance to be crystallized in a solvent, an absorbent, and a gaseous layer separating the solution and the absorbent from each other, in which the absorbent is a first absorbent and the gaseous layer is a first gaseous layer, in which the first gaseous layer is in contact with the solution on one side thereof, and having a second absorbent on the opposite side of the solution and a second gaseous layer in contact with the solution and located between the solution and the second absorbent.
- 16. Apparatus for growing crystals comprising a capillary tube, a column of layers within the capillary tube, the column comprising a solution of a substance to be crystallized in a solvent, an absorbent, and a gaseous layer separating the solution and the absorbent from each other, in which the gaseous layer is a first gaseous layer in contact with the solution, and including a second gaseous layer in contact with the absorbent and a layer of liquid capable of being absorbed by the absorbent, the layer of liquid being located between the first and second gaseous layers.
Specification