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.
234 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