Lead in Cathode Ray Tubes/Electron Guns

Originally Posted by logansryche

The process is quite simple when you stop and think about it. You firstly need to find a way to puncture the neck of the tube to let the vacuum out(thankfully this vacuum is vent safe). Secondly you need to cut the weld on the tube where the two halves meet(called the dredge line). Without a machine to do it, I'd probably use gorilla tape and a cut-off wheel. After that, the top half should come off leaving an insert. This insert is the lead that reflects the cathode rays onto the screen. Once you remove the insert you're left with a fine powdery dust that should be vacuumed up right away because if you breathe it in, you're liable to get cancer(it's a phosphorus powder but what it's made up of exactly is anyone guess). Once all of that is done, you're left with two pieces of unleaded glass and a hunk of lead.

How do I know the process? I studied a machine that does this exact process. Ohio State Recycling has one and showed it off on their youtube chanell. I'm told the machine costs $10,000 and has to be imported from Tiawan(so $15,000 including shipping). Doing it this way I see is a better handling process then melting the glass and hope you get the lead out plus you're able to get the trigger out of the neck and I hear that has some precious metal in it.

-Matt

Where do you come up with some of this stuff!?!?!?!?


#1. You don't let a vacuum out, air enters really not dangerous.



#2. The insert is invar not lead. Shadow mask - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

#3. The phosphor powder is not toxic but in some specialty CRTs not saying you should not wear some protection for the dust. this is a list for you. Phosphor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

#4. The glass contains the lead and only the back half for the past 30yrs the front contains beryllium that does not leach.

sometimes its better to say nothing than to speak without knowledge of the subject. If this is something you were studying you should at least read about it first.

For some informal info read this. Cathode ray tube - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Eric