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Steeping, evaporating and crystallising, Hurlet Alum Works
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Steeping, evaporating and crystallising, Hurlet Alum Works
Three stages in the production of alum -- steeping pits, evaporating boiler and crystallising coolers at the Hurlet Alum Works, near Glasgow, Scotland. Date: 1843
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Media ID 23214186
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1840s 1843 Alum Glasgow Manufacture Manufacturing Mineral Minerals Operating Pits Process Scots Workman Workmen Steeping
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1843, offers a rare glimpse into the intricate and labor-intensive process of producing alum at the Hurlet Alum Works near Glasgow, Scotland during the early Victorian era. Alum, a mineral used primarily as a mordant in dyeing and tanning, was an essential component of the textile and leather industries. The first stage of the process is depicted in the steeping pits, where large vats filled with water and alum ore are left to soak for several weeks. The alum ore, rich in aluminum sulfate, slowly dissolves in the water, releasing its minerals. Next, the solution is transferred to the evaporating boiler, where it is heated to concentrate the alum solution. The water evaporates, leaving behind a thick, viscous residue. This residue is then transferred to the crystallising coolers, where it is cooled and agitated to form crystals. The men operating the equipment in this photograph are likely alum workers, tasked with overseeing each stage of the production process. Their faces are etched with determination and focus, reflecting the importance of their role in the manufacturing industry. The steam-powered machinery, a testament to the technological advancements of the time, hums in the background, driving the production forward. The Hurlet Alum Works, a significant contributor to Scotland's industrial landscape, produced alum for both domestic and international markets. This photograph offers a unique window into the past, showcasing the early stages of the alum production process and the dedicated individuals who made it possible.
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