Design and construction of the Boyd-England high pressure apparatus

The component materials, design, and construction procedures for a high pressure apparatus, for work in experimental petrology at temperatures up to 1600 C with pressures up to 4 GN/sq m are described. It is of simple construction, and electrical leads may readily be taken into the reaction zone, enabling measurements to be made under conditions of high pressure and high temperature. The apparatus consists of a tungsten carbide thick walled cylinder supported by a second thick walled cylinder of high strength steel, the two cylinders having a large interference fit. The compound formed by these two components is end-loaded with 400 Tonf via two water cooled pads, and a tungsten carbide piston is driven into the bore by a secondary ram to generate the high pressure within the base of the cylinder.