Mercury Processing

mercury processing, preparation of the ore for use in various products.

Mercury (Hg) has a unique combination of physical properties. Its low melting point (−38.87 °C [−38 °F]) and boiling point (356.9 °C [674 °F]), high specific gravity (13.5 grams per cubic centimetre), uniform volume expansion over the entire range of temperatures in its liquid state, and high surface tension (so that it does not wet glass) make it useful for the measurement of temperature in thermometers and of pressure in barometers and manometers. In addition, the high electrical conductivity of liquid mercury has led to its use in sealed electric switches and relays, industrial power rectifiers, fluorescent and mercury-vapour lamps, mercury cell batteries, and as moving cathodes in the large-scale production of chlorine and caustic soda.

Because mercury is highly toxic, care must be exercised in its handling and transport. By limiting exposure to mercury metal, vapours, and compounds through such preventive measures as proper ventilation, plant cleanliness and personal hygiene, industrial plants can be made relatively safe from the dangers of mercury poisoning.