NITRATES FROM THE AIR

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 265, 3 August 1920, Page 4

NITRATES FROM THE AIR

THE GERMAN METHOD. Some time ago Mr. Massey stated that during tho war period the British were' not possessed of as much information as< the Germans with regard to the best ; methods of collecting nitrates from the atmosphere by the use of water power. His statement was contradicted. Since 'then he has been in communication with Lord Moultcn, who is regarded as the leading authority in England en tie. question, and who was consulted by the I'enco Conference. Lord Moutton states:

"Firstly, during the war period Germans were in possession of more information on manufacture of nitrates from the atmosphere than the British becauso they worked on a- large scale the Haber process, which was in use nowhere else, and which was their main source of 6i;pply. The British were compelled to objain their supplies from Chile, but, cyanide process which is the next most important method ltnnwn, was used by them to a small extent, although it was unsuitable owing to the amount of power required. Secondly, the Habor process iias now been mastered by the British, and is lieing installed on a. very substantial scale. They have made very great piogress in knowledge during tho past three or four years, and it is doubtful whether they are now inferior to tho Germans although the latter have the advantage of much experience in practical production."