mystery very old "gold filter" item from Bethlehem Apparatus

[william_b_noble]

I figured with all the expertise here, someone would have used this and could tell me what it's for, and a diligent search of the internet got me nowhere. the filter replacement instructions say to rub both sides with mercury, and the box says "gold filter". I would guess that it was a backup for a lab in one of the large aerospace companies but that is just a guess.

anyone seen one of these or used it?

 

[Yggdrasil]

I figured with all the expertise here, someone would have used this and could tell me what it's for, and a diligent search of the internet got me nowhere. the filter replacement instructions say to rub both sides with mercury, and the box says "gold filter". I would guess that it was a backup for a lab in one of the large aerospace companies but that is just a guess.

anyone seen one of these or used it?

Welcome to us.

 

[goldshark]

I am wondering if it was used to filter either nano size particles, or Au which doesn't settle quickly, after dropping from solution. Do you have a mesh size on the filter? Also wondering if it was used in conjunction with either a pressure or vacuum filter.

 

[4metals]

Bethlehem apparatus is a mercury refiner. They also process amalgam for dentists. This is possibly a trap to retain the heavy loaded amalgams from mercury processing. It is possible that if it was used, it contains gold.
Bethlehem Apparatus.

 

[william_b_noble]

well, one thing for sure, this was never used, I'm certain of that, so I have no illusions of gold trapped in the filter. I did spend a whole bunch of time browsing the Bethlehem site, they don't even have a history page, and my search for old catalogs turned up nothing at all, just a few magazine ads, mostly for glass blowing equipment.

I also don't know the filter details, I have the one unopened filter shown in the photo but I also haven't found anything with that part number. nor did I find anything with the slightly different part number written on the box.

this could be for dental use, the reason I think it was more likely to be from a research lab is that the vendor I got this from mostly carries industrial surplus from clearing out labs that are being repurposed for a new job, he carries lots of RF cables, and analysis tools from radar development and laser/optical work, and some more normal things like high power connectors and switches - he rarely has stuff that is obviously medical