Methods for the Estimation of Carbon Dioxide in Minerals and Rocks

There seems to be two principal methods employed for the estimation of carbon dioxide in a mineral or rock; the one devised by Fresenius and the other by his rival Bunsen. The Fresenius method has been more or less modified by different analysts. In its essential features, however, it is substantially as follows: The flask K for the decomposition of the substance has a capacity of 200 to 300 c.c. The flask is closed with a two-hole rubber stopper. The safety tube a passes through one hole, and a bulb tube b through the other. A funnel is connected with the safety tube at a by a rubber tube. Thus the addition of acid can be regulated by the pinch cock at o. d and e contain soda lime and caustic potash respectively. These are connected with the safety tube after the acid has been added and the substance in the flask K has been dissolved. The bulb tube b serves to condense the steam