Hg (hydrargyrum).

[Debs.]

Hiya!

I`ve just re-discovered that I own (circa) 2+ Kg. of clean Mercury.....originally bought for use in a high-vacuum diffusion pump.

It presents little-danger to me stored here, but does Mercury have any 'practical' (metalworking?) uses....or is this, perhaps something that future eco-troubled generations will discover (long after I`ve departed) that crazy woman was hoarding in her workshop, ready to defile the planet.

 

[onenastyviper]

Just keep it and leave it for future generations, you never know, it might become exceedingly expensive and you have a rare commodity!

From a mercury diffusion pump eh? Nice.

 

[Furry Freak]

I have about 5 kg of the stuff too. One thing that it is very good at is absorbing other metals. Copper for example has a very high affinity with Hg and will quickly form an amalgam (I think). I have used it occasionally in rifle barrels to get copper fouling out. Stick a plug on one end and pour the Hg in the other. Doesn't touch steel etc, but the softer metals, it loves. Can't think of another use but also make a handy weight for pressing home-made Gravadlax!!!

Didn't it somehow used to be used in panel beating and repairs?

FF

 

[brightspark]

its used in teeth fillings

 

[Sparkey]

Here's what wiki says:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_(element)

 

[TechnicAl]

You are aware that the fumes given off are highly toxic. Remember its molten at room temp so basically it is like water "steaming". If you take off the lid (if it has a lid) you will expose yourself to a very high dose probably a higher dose than would be allowed in a workshop. You really should make sure its well contained

Im not sure but it could also be illegal to hold that much Mercury.

As far as Im aware its virtually worthless. It may be a good idea to contact your local Environmental Health and find out how to dispose of it.

 

[TechnicAl]

found this
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/alerts/970626.html

 

[Omniata]

Hiya!

I`ve just re-discovered that I own (circa) 2+ Kg. of clean Mercury.....originally bought for use in a high-vacuum diffusion pump.

It presents little-danger to me stored here, but does Mercury have any 'practical' (metalworking?) uses....or is this, perhaps something that future eco-troubled generations will discover (long after I`ve departed) that crazy woman was hoarding in her workshop, ready to defile the planet.

I have about 5 kg of the stuff too. One thing that it is very good at is absorbing other metals. Copper for example has a very high affinity with Hg and will quickly form an amalgam (I think). I have used it occasionally in rifle barrels to get copper fouling out. Stick a plug on one end and pour the Hg in the other. Doesn't touch steel etc, but the softer metals, it loves. Can't think of another use but also make a handy weight for pressing home-made Gravadlax!!!

Didn't it somehow used to be used in panel beating and repairs?

FF

If neither of you want it I'll quite happily take it off your hands...

I perform quite a lot of "organomercury" chemistry and it costs me a fortune to buy fresh...
I have access to disposal facilities too, again costing a packet to use...

pm me if your willing or able to deliver or I could arrange to meet you half way...


Jim.

 

[brightspark]

If neither of you want it I'll quite happily take it off your hands...

I perform quite a lot of "organomercury" chemistry and it costs me a fortune to buy fresh...
I have access to disposal facilities too, again costing a packet to use...

pm me if your willing or able to deliver or I could arrange to meet you half way...


Jim.

pms l the postage cost will be quite heavy

 

[Sparkey]

pms??? maybe if you sniff the mercury too much you will get pms...

 

[penfold]

Flog it on ebay as the rare 'red' mercury? Hard-of-thinking terrorists will bid it into the millions!

 

[Sparkey]

Hehe...silence!!! or i will kill you!!!

 

[Debs.]

pms???

maybe if you sniff the mercury too much you will get pms...

Happily, Sparkey; it`s already way-too late for me to suffer any of that.......although I can still be 'mercurial'.

 

[Debs.]

Flog it on ebay as the rare 'red' mercury? Hard-of-thinking terrorists will bid it into the millions!

Everything on eBay is described as "Rare" !

 

[Sparkey]

Hehe...nooo, t'wasn't meant for you!
Sometimes brightsparks' posts confuse me a bit!
No offense brightspark!

 

[Wedg1e]

I have a set of mercury manometers for balancing carburettors... kept them in my house for years, didn't know about the fumes

 

[dopplershift]

I thought mercury vapour wasn't much of a health issue in a well ventilated environment (for low temps, smallish quantities, short-term non-repetitive exposure)?

My reasoning is that the vapour pressure of mercury is so very, very low. For instance, at 42*C, the vapour pressure of Hg is only 1 Pa... compared to atmospheric pressure of 101.3 kPa (101,300 Pa).

Someone please correct me if thats incorrect?

 

[Furry Freak]

You are correct. It's not one sniff and you're dead, but remember where the phrase 'As mad as a hatter' comes form. Mercury was used in hat making and it's not good for the brain box. You shouldn't play around with it without reading up on sensible precautions really. If used as you describe, you'll make it to old age without a problem. It is all about exposure and what you are doing with it. Best not heat pans full of the stuff on the stove, eh?

FF

 

[Drains]

Re mercury fumes - I am under the impression that at room temperature, risks are negligible. Hatters used a bit of heat....

In the meantime Debs, as you live in North Wales, I suggest you find yourself a seam of gold ore, and apply your recent find appropriately.

 

[steve202]

Look at an open pot of Mercury under UV light to see the vapour given off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpZF88fqrl8&feature=related