Patent GB-190324305-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Means for the Production of Continuous High Potential Electrical Discharges applicable' for the Deposition of Dust, Fume, Smoke, Fog and Mist for the Production of Rain, and for other purposes.
Inventor: LODGE OLIVER JOSEPH
IPC: A01G15/00
Filed: 1903-11-09
Granted: 1904-10-06
Abstract: 24,305. Lodge, Sir O. J. Nov. 9. Smoke and fumes, treating.-The Figures show apparatus adapted to give a continuous high-potential discharge of electricity in one direction, suitable for inducing the coalescence of fine particles of smoke, mist, fog, lead fumes evolved in furnace processes for the manufacture of white lead, dust, &c., by the use of mercury lamp rectifiers. In the form shown in Fig. 1, a battery a or other continuous-current generator, a revolving mercury or other break b, and the primary d of a Ruhmkorff coil are arranged in series, a condenser c being in parallel with the break. The ends of the secondary of the Ruhmkorff coil are connected with mercury lamp rectifiers f, g, arranged in series, the other terminals of which are connected to the inner coatings of a pair of Leyden jars having their outer coatings mutually connected. From the terminals of the inner coatings of the jars proceed the discharging-means o, p, supported by insulators n ; these may consist of barbed wire, or of barbed wire fencing or other metal areas. Points or flames or, according to the Provisional Specification, radium or "bulbs such " as are used in X-ray work " may be used as the discharging-means. In the deposition of lead fumes, the gases containing the fumes may be passed through a flue in which parallel insulated dischargers are placed, or only one discharger may be used, the other terminal being earthed. Fig. 2 shows an arrangement of apparatus for use with a source of alternating current, such as a dynamo, as shown, or a series of condensers. The dynamo 1 is in circuit with a condenser 2 and the primary 3 of an alternating-current transformer. The rectifiers r are arranged in four groups in series forming a quadrilateral ; in the apparatus shown, each group is constituted by one mercury lamp only. The terminals of the secondary of the transformer are connected with opposite corners of the quadrilateral, and the rectifiers are disposed in opposite directions on the two sides of the secondary. Leyden jars may be connected between the rectifiers and the discharging-means. The rectifier used, shown in Fig. 3, consists of a thick glass tube with an iron anode 9 connected by a vessel 14 of mercury and an insulated wire to an outer metal band surrounding a mercury cathode 10, which dips in an U-tube of mercury. The rectifiers may sometimes be submerged in oil. Figs, 4, 5, and 6 show various forms of insulators used to support the discharging-means. In the first, the conductor 22 is supported by a rod of insulating-material from a beam 20, and the rod is protected from damp by covers 23, 25 and a cylindrical vessel 24, all of insulating-material. In the form shown in Fig. 5, the conductor is suspended by a rod 27 surrounded an insulating-cover and vessels 28, 29. Fig. 6 shows a form of insulator suitable for the passage of the conductor through a wall. The conductor passes through an insulating-tube 31 supported by insulating-partitions 34 in a tube 36 which passes through an ebonite window. Umbrellashaped pieces 32 may be fixed at the ends of the tube 36, and an insulating-roof 33 may afford further protection.