Abstract
EVERY electrical engineer will admit that the science of electro-chemistry is of vital importance to his industry. All the copper he uses is refined exclusively by electro-deposition, and all the aluminium is produced electro-chemically. The electric refining of steel is now widely used, and so also is the electric production of ferro-alloys. These alloys,have enabled wonderful results to be- obtained in the construction of aircraft. Supply engineers have to be very careful not to let electricity leak from their mains, as the resulting “vagabond” currents corrode water- and gas-pipes. It is therefore advisable that they should know to what extent their stray currents produce this corrosion, and whether they will corrode reinforced concrete or not. We were particularly interested in the chapter on electrical precipitation of dust, smoke, and fume, and its commercial applications. Unfortunately the costs, vary greatly with circumstances, so no general figures can be given; but we think that if the laws, regulating the emission of smoke into the atmosphere-were made a little more stringent, manufacturers would soon find it more economical to prevent it electrically. The chapter on electro-culture gives excellently and very briefly the present state of the art. Mr. Cooper's knowledge is acquired at first hand. In the final chapter he discusses the relative importance of cheap power and cheap freights. In some countries the cheap power available is more than counterbalanced by the high cost of transport. To scientific workers, and more especially to electricians, this book will prove useful.
Electro-Chemistry related, to Engineering.
By W. R. Cooper. (“A Treatise of Electro-Chemistry,” edited by Bertram Blount.) Pp. xiv + 136. (London, Bombay and Sydney: Constable and Co., Ltd., 1923.) 12s. 6d. net.
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[Book Reviews]. Nature 112, 824 (1923). https://doi.org/10.1038/112824b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/112824b0