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Pneumatic trough, as invented by Stephen Hales
A pneumatic trough is a piece of laboratory apparatus used for collecting gases, such as hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Pneumatic troughs require a liquid such as water. Scientists also have used mercury in pneumatic troughs, but usually only for the collection of water-soluble gases. Health and safety issues surrounding mercury generally prohibit its use in modern-day pneumatic troughs.
Four items are required for gas collection with a pneumatic trough:
- The trough itself, which is a large glass dish or a similar container
- A gas bottle (or bulb), to hold the gas collected
- A way to support the gas bottle or bulb, such as a Beehive shelf or a hanger (see picture)
- A liquid in the trough
The bottle is filled with water, inverted, and placed into the pneumatic trough already containing water. The outlet tube from the gas-generating apparatus is inserted into the opening of the bottle so that gas can bubble up through it, displacing the water within.
See also
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Pneumatic trough, and other equipment, used by Joseph Priestley
Further reading
- Parascandola, John; Ihde, Aaron (1969). "History of the Pneumatic Trough". Isis. 60 (3): 351–361. doi:10.1086/350503.