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From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter from C.C. Wakefield & Co. Ltd. discussing the chemical analysis of vermillion colouring on pinions.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 145\2\  scan0141
Date  21th April 1937
  
1231
BY APPOINTMENT
Makers of the Famous “PATENT CASTROL” Motor Oils.

C. C. Wakefield & Co., Limited.
MANUFACTURERS OF HIGH CLASS LUBRICANTS.

GOVERNING DIRECTOR,
VISCOUNT WAKEFIELD OF HYTHE.

MANAGING DIRECTOR,
W.R.GRAHAM.

DIRECTOR & SECRETARY,
J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} BROWNE.

TELEPHONES: CITY 4411 (10 Lines)

RESEARCH DEPARTMENT.

Wakefield House,
30 & 32, Cheapside,
London, E.C.2.

EAE/AF
21st April, 1937.

Messrs. Rolls-Royce, Ltd.,
DERBY.

For the attention of Mr. Grylls.

Dear Sirs,

The vermillion colouring which you have observed on the pinions appears to be the ferrous compound of the thio-ether. The ferric compound is a deep brownish purple. This explanation seems to correspond with your observations. As the ferrous compound rapidly changes into the ferric in the presence of air it is reasonable to understand the change which you noticed.

You are of the opinion that no measurable change has taken place on the parts which are coloured. The ring which I brought away from Derby has an almost immeasurable layer on it. Of course, one must realize that the thio-ether is a material of very high molecular weight, therefore it would only require a very small quantity of iron to produce the colour.

Yours faithfully,
C. C. WAKEFIELD & CO. LIMITED.
E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} A.{Mr Adams} Evans
CHIEF CHEMIST
  
  


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