The Flash-Point Test for Lead

IF lead be heated with concentrated sulphuric acid two distinct actions will usually be observed. In the first, bubbles begin to be evolved more or less rapidly from the lead, and in the second, which occurs at a higher temperature than the first, hydrogen and sulphur dioxide are evolved, free sulphur is liberated, and leadsulphate is formed. The second action may be violent and usually continues till the lead is all consumed.Attempts have been made to apply these reactions, by means of a standard procedure, as a "Flash test" for the acid resisting qualities of chemical sheet lead. The purpose of this article is to comment on the best method of performing the test, on the various phenomena which may be observed during the course of it and on the interpretation of the results when obtained.PREVIOUS WORKIn 1919, Barr...