Australia's Science Forum

We've had this kicking around for over 20 years . My off sider thinks it might have red lead in it .
Looks like sand and maybe water and something red . Chalk dust maybe

Does anyone know what it might have been . I'm pretty sure I saw one at another school so guessing they were an old demonstration or prac .

Looks like an old froth flotation experiment. If it is then it is red lead.

or sand and (rusted) iron filings??

I was thinking that it looked like red lead too. I found some kicking around here just the other day.

OK thanks . At least I now seem confident what it is .

To deal with it myself or let the nice expensive folk take it away

I have the same setup here too - none of the teachers, even the ones who have been here for ages, could give me any clues

Froth Flotation Sets
measuring cylinder, sand, red lead, water, kerosene, tight fitting rubber stopper, electrical tape to seal the measuring cylinder.

Mix 2 cms sand and 1 teaspoon of red lead and put into the measuring cylinder.
add water carefully up to the 80 mL mark
put about 2 cm of kerosene on top and seal well with the rubber stopper
seal well with the electrical tape.
Shake well and allow to settle.

This showed the process used in mineral processing, paper recycling and waste-water treatment industries.
This experiment is not recommended now because of the red lead

Prima wrote:I have the same setup here too - none of the teachers, even the ones who have been here for ages, could give me any clues

I wonder how many of these there are around the country that nowone knows what they are .
It certainly highlights the need to label stuff .

Now you know what it is prima , are you going to do anything with it ?
I'm wanting to get rid of mine as its an accident waiting to happen .
I'm wondering about just tipping the contents into the heavy metals waste jar .

Any other suggestions

And thanks again AnnNos for identifying it

Red lead it will need to be sealed labeled, Unknown because No one can really be sure what is in it. And put aside for collection. Or one could try pouring it into a Lead waste jar. 39 Lead waste only add sodium carbonate solid and when it is clear pour clear liquid down sink to waste, with plenty of tape water.

If it is all sealed up, can't you just give it to the waste collector "as is"? Worthwhile checking if they will do this so you can reduce the amount you need to handle it.