The sorption of carbon tetrachloride at low pressures by activated charcoals. Part I.—Apparatus and method

The term “sorption,” as used in this paper, has the significance given to it by McBain, that is to say, it denotes simply the taking up of substances by charcoal without reference to the nature of the process. The few data available on the subject of sorption at low pressures show that it is in this pressure region that the best promise of the establishment of a general sorption theory lies; for certain effects which occur simultaneously at higher pressures may be observed separately at low pressures, which greatly simplifies the problem. On the practical side a knowledge of the capacities of different charcoals for absorbing traces of impurities, for producing a high vacuum, etc., is most important. The practical applications of charcoal have, in fact, outstripped not only theory, but also practical methods for assessing the relevant efficiencies of different charcoals.