h a l f b a k e r y
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This is an idea for a fountian that cycles pure liquid gallium. This special element is a shiny metal and is in liquid form just above room temperature (298K). So, the gallium fountian could function with little energy requirements above a normal fountian. AND, it would look way cooler. Gallium, as far
as we know, poses no toxic affects at moderate exposure, fyi.
The Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huangdi
http://www.utexas.e...ios98/smithbio.html
See the bottom of the third paragraph [ldischler, Aug 18 2006]
Mercury fountain
http://en.wikipedia...ki/Mercury_fountain
Miro's mercury fountaain, in Barcelona. I've seen it and it's quite impressive. [hippo, Aug 18 2006]
Idiot floating in pool of mercury.
http://www.theodore...es/MercuryMiner.JPG
[ldischler, Aug 18 2006]
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Apparently gallium has a tendency to supercool (i.e. it doesn't solidify below its melting point unless it's seeded) This might allow you to run your fountain at below 298K in a controlled environment such that you might be able to trigger an instant freezing of the entire fountain in mid flow. |
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Isn't there a story about a Chinese emperor who built a massive underground model of his dominion, complete with rivers and seas of free flowing mercury? |
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[zen_tom] There is just such a report but I am not sure that any western scientist has ever seen it(china tends to be funny like that) |
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Ah! Miro's mercury fountain, which was originally out in the open. What an environmental nightmare! |
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zen_tom: not *an* emperor - *the* emperor - Qin himself, the first emperor. Sadly, he seems to have died of mercury poisoning. |
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This would be beautiful and safer then mercury. Not inexpensive. One vendor offers gallium at $450 per 100g, so this would be for the very wealthy. |
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The spot price for gallium is $550/kg, but there are a number of bismuth based allows that go for as little as $10/lb. 158F is the lowest melting temp.
Also, there's an indium/gallium alloy that melts at about 45F. |
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Possible problem that affects longevity: gallium corrodes. Perhaps enclose the fountain in a glass box filled with nitrogen. Or submerge the fountain in water (mix in less noble metal as sacrificial anode?) or light mineral oil. Wouldn't an underwater fountain be cool? Maybe mounted in the floor of a swimming pool? |
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