IMPROVE- MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING LIQUIDS OR MOISTURE
Year: 1867

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Orr, of Greenock, in the County of
Renfrew, North Britain, Sugar Refiner, for the Invention of "IMPROVE-
MENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING LIQUIDS OR MOISTURE
Sealed the 3rd December 1867, and dated the 10th June 1867.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Orr at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 10th
June 1867.
I, WILLIAM ORR, of Greenock, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain,
Sugar Refiner, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of "Iж-
PROVEMENTS IN MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING LIQUIDS OR MOISTURE
FROM SUBSTANCES, AND ALSO FOR REVIVIFYING AND COOLING ANIMAL CHARCOAL AND
OTHER SUBSTANCES, AND FOR TREATING SUGAR," to be as follows, that is to say :-
This Invention which has for its essential object certain improvements in
apparatus for treating substances in such manner that the liquid or moist
parts may be separated from the anhydrous or dry parts, and also for
revivifying or bringing back to their original condition, as far as practicable,
certain substances especially such as animal, vegetable, or mineral charcoal
[Pain

page_text: is also particularly applicable for desiccating or separating all substances of
a semifluid nature such as painter's colours, certain chemicals, potters' and
porcelain clay, distillers' wash, anylum of all kinds, starch, sugar, opaque
liquids, moist refuse from manufactories, and all matters or substances
requiring desiccation, separation, or purification.
The first part of the apparatus employed consists of desiccator, commonly
known as a centrifugal machine, the position of which is the inverse of that
ordinarily employed, that is to say, the apparatus is open at the bottom in
place of the top or side. The desiccating or separating basket is constructed
in the usual manner, the sides of which may be parallel or inclined inwards
towards the top, depending on the nature of the material to be operated
upon, for instance, if charcoal or dry grainy substances are to be treated
the sides may be parallel, but for sugar and other adhesive or oleaginous.or
gummy substances it is preferred to make the sides incline outwards towards
their lower ends to permit more freedom for detaching the substances
therefrom after the desiccation shall have been completed. As the apparatus
is generally similar for nearly all the purposes herein-before referred to, to
which it is applicable, the following description is confined to that for treating
animal charcoal as used in sugar refineries, and in any way or mode what-
soever washed, cleansed, or purified.
In the process of refining sugar after the decolorizing power or effect of the
charcoal is exhausted with solutions it becomes filled with impurities, and to
remove these, being partly the object of the present Invention, an air-tight
cylinder or cistern or tank is placed below in communication with the charcoal
cistern from the bottom. A vacuum is created in this cylinder by any of the
modes in use for that purpose, and when the sweet water is run off a com-
munication is opened between the exhausting cylinder and charcoal cistern.
By which means the hot and cold water employed to wash down is rapidly
withdrawn and the formation of acetic acid as well as the generation of noxious
gases prevented, after which the charcoal is removed to the apparatus now to
be described. The top part of the apparatus is by preference made of metal
or wood having openings at a certain distance from the centre, the lengths of
which are in proportion to the internal cylinder, or cone, or flanches, or blades,
or a perforated cone may be used as herein-after described or other similar
repelling or impelling arrangement. Over these openings on one side are
placed flanches or blades of a radial length equal to that of the holes, and
fastened on the top plate, and placed at any suitable angle over the openings,
so that when the machine rotates these flanches or blades catch the charcoal,
which falls directly through the openings on the internal arrangements

page_text: herein-before mentioned; or by preference the top plate may be made with
wide open spaces. On this top plate there is fixed a circular flanch at the
outer end of the openings, inclined towards the centre, forming a crib which
prevents the charcoal from being thrown by the rotatory motion over the top
plate, and causes the charcoal to enter through the openings in the top plate.
The top plate with the desiccating basket connected are fixed on an upright
shaft to which the necessary rotatory motion is applied. The basket may be
kept in steady position if of considerable depth by inclined rods from the
inside or outside of the top plate, or where no steam or liquid pipe or injector
is introduced from beneath by tie rods to or from the internal cone or shaft.
To the lower side of the top plate, or to the shaft under it, is fixed a cylinder
or a smooth or corrugated cone, or flanches or blades, straight or inclined,
separate or in parts, or two or more of these combined, or in place of these
other repelling or impelling arrangements or apparatus may be used. The
upper end of the cone or the other arrangements above described next to the
top plate is (or are) between the inner ends of the openings in the top plate,
and may be inclined outwards in a downward direction increasing horizontally
to within several inches of the lower edge of the desiccator, or may be
continued straight, and the flanches, or blades, or both, brought out to the
necessary distance towards the desiccating basket to intercept the charcoal
falling through the openings in the top plate. Or the cylinder or cone may
be perforated or have suitable openings, with or without flanches or projections
internally or externally, the interior and lower end of the cone or cylinder
being fitted with blast fanners or inclined blades or both, the rotatory motion
of the cone or shaft impelling the blast by the fanners to pass into the cone
or cylinder. The effect of these arrangements is that the charcoal having
passed through the openings in the top plate, by the centrifugal action of the
cylinder or cone, or flanches, or blades, or other repelling apparatus, or by the
impelling blast caused by the fanners through the perforated cylinder or cone
with openings, is thrown against the basket, and is in its position on the
basket thoroughly washed and cleansed by the desiccating action from all
impurities with hot or cold water, or steam, or other purifying and restoring
liquids, diluted acids, or other suitable chemical substances admitted by the
openings in the top plate, or by a perforated or rose pipe entering from under-
neath, or by gases, and when thoroughly desiccated the rotatory motion is
reduced until the centrifugal force is diminished sufficiently to permit the
charcoal to fall from and out of the basket to the floor underneath, or on an
appliance by which it may be removed to the kiln head or elsewhere. By
this means the machine is not required to be stopped for being emptied, for

page_text: as soon as the contents fall out full speed is applied and it is recharged, the
charcoal is then according to the amount of cleansing, desiccating action, and
purification applied, restored to a considerable extent, and for many ordinary
purposes ready for use, but to be fully restored it may be burned by kilns and
rapidly cooled. The outside case is not connected to the revolving portion
of the machine, but rests on the floor, or is otherwise fixed round and over the
revolving part, and receives the liquid extracted by the centrifugal force which
then falls into a gutter or rone of dimensions sufficient to allow clearing out,
the gutter being suspended to the outside case, or otherwise fixed, and leading
to a receiver, where any fine charcoal that may have passed through the
perforated plate or wire gauze of the basket, or other organic substance of
greater specific gravity than water is precipitated, and the foul water with
other injurious matter is passed off. The charcoal is then conveyed to the
kiln head which is fitted with iron or fire-clay pipes or retorts in the usual
way with coolers, and this constitutes the second part of this Invention.
The arch, or by preference the inverted arch of the furnace, is constructed
about two-thirds or thereabouts up the kiln, and slabs or tiles of fire-clay are
placed inclined at a considerable angle downwards from the haunch of the arch
to a certain distance above the lower end of the back row of retorts where the
wall is constructed with flue spaces and draft slides. The first or prime heat
of the furnace is thus brought on the lower part of the retorts, and conveyed
by the flues in the wall to the upper part of the retorts, thence into the empty
space
direct over the furnace arch, which thus forms the bottom of the flue, and
the smoke carried out by the front or back of the kiln as may be convenient
to the stalk or chimney. The top of the flue is formed by a flat metal
case or boiler in which the water is heated by the surplus heat from the
kiln, and supplies hot water for purging the charcoal in the centrifugal
machine. The charcoal from its dry purified state as passed or brought from
the centrifugal machine will be sufficiently burned in a comparatively short
time and passed into the coolers which are of the ordinary construction.
In a few minutes the red heat will pass off from the charcoal, and it
may then be allowed to fall into the barrow with water coolers. The
employment of this barrow forms an important part of the Invention. This
barrow is made in two or more divisions. A barrow of three divisions where
the two water divisions are connected is here described; the central part to
be made as narrow and deep as the space between the cooler and floor will
admit, but of sufficient capacity to contain the contents of one or more coolers.
The slide of the cooler being opened the hot charcoal falls into this division of
the barrow on which there is a funnel-shaped mouth furnished with a lid or

page_text: slide, to exclude the open air from the hot charcoal. To the sides of this hot
charcoal chamberand round its front end are fitted water-tight compartments
or chambers open at the top, these compartments are filled with cold water,
and the hot charcoal in their centre is in a few minutes made cool for exposure,
the centre of the barrow being furnished with the usual slide bottom and the
water division in front with a draw-off cock, by which the water made hot with
the charcoal is run out, the barrow is again filled at the next cooler or coolers.
By this means the present construction of coolers are made available, and the
charcoal rapidly cooled spread out and turned over for two or three hours to
receive the necessary atmospheric action when it will be rendered equal to new
charcoal if not over burned. By reason of the fine and dry state of the
charcoal, as coming from the centrifugal machine, it may become partially
whitened and rendered useless where exposed to the open air. To prevent
this as soon as the retort is filled a loose fitting cover is placed over it in which
is a small hole to permit of evaporation, and the escape of noxious gases, or
a bin and heap may be raised over the retorts. A much lower degree of heat
is required in the kiln, and the great destruction of kiln pipes and loss of
charcoal and time replacing pipes caused by the ordinary mode is entirely
avoided with a great saving of fuel when fire-clay pipes are employed; this
loss will not occur with ordinary attention.
Inoperating with sugar or similar substances, which constitutes the third part
of this Invention, before passing it through the desiccator before referred to,
it is dissolved at a low temperature by rapid agitation in the receptacle
commonly called the "blow up;" to the agitators are attached perforated
receptacles, bags, or baskets, into which the sugar is placed, and out of which
it is washed and dissolved. To the lower part of the agitator loose hinged
projections are attached which prevent the accumulation of undissolved sugar
in the bottom, when dissolved it is run through a large valve or cock at the
bottom of the "blow-up" into a cistern having three chambers formed by
perforated plates. The upper and lower division plates are near to the top
and bottom. In the central chamber hollow cones are fixed in the perforations
of the division plates above and below, to these coues are attached circular
cloths. The solution flows from the "blow-up" into either the upper or lower
chambers, and entering the circular cloths the gross impurities are separated,
and fall to the bottom chamber, while the partially cleansed solution passes
through the cloths into the central chamber, and is drawn off by preference
from near the surface by a pipe leading to the bottom of the chamber, so as to
keep the circular cloths floating in the solution while they are filled with the
impure liquor or mixture, and are thus prevented from bursting. The solution,

page_text: if of
Isugar, is then conveyed to the receiving cistern before being run into the
charcoal cistern; or if the solution is of a substance not requiring to be clarified,
it is conveyed to the centrifugal machine which is charged with charcoal or
other detergent substance. When the circular cloths become clogged with the
glutinous matter it is removed by a brush or other appliance which passes
down through the perforations in the upper plate and come to the circular
cloths, and then admitting steam to the central chamber. After the glutinous
matter is removed with the brush it is washed down with water and carried
into the lower chamber, and from thence conveyed away through a suitable
cock or valve. The top of the lower chamber is provided with an air cock to
promote a current of steam downwards in the interior of the circular cloth;
this cock also indicates when the chamber is filled with impure matter. To
the under side of the lower division plate are fitted valves for the exit of the
lower cones, each row of cones having one long valve with perforations under
each cone when open; these valves are worked through a stuffing box on the
outside of the lower chamber, and enable it to be emptied without emptying
the circular cloths in the central chamber. By "blowing up" at a low tempera-
ture the formation of such caramel and consequently glucose is prevented, and
the colder it can practically be operated on in the various purifying stages
the better. The passage from the "blow up" and cloth cistern having been
effected comparatively cool, it must on being placed in the charcoal be heated
to permit of free percolation by reducing its density, and also raised to the
requisite degree of heat to promote decolorization according to the quality of
charcoal in use, and this is obtained when the liquor is run into the charcoal
cistern from the cool receiver by passing the liquor through a series of pipes
placed within a steam chest by which no more liquid is kept in heat than what
passes direct into the charcoal cistern, and the temperature regulated by the
steam valve. The same means are also applied for increasing the temperature
of the clarified liquid when passing into the vacuum pan, by which means
more rapid evaporation is promoted, and consequent crystallization, while the
previously formed crystals are not injured by the introduction of colder liquor.
This superheated liquor is introduced into the vacuum pan through a
perforated or rose pipe carried round the interior of the vacuum pan above the
boiling liquid, where falling on and amongst the weaker portion of the boiling
liquidits crystallization is promoted. Sugarsolution passing from the charcoal
cistern retains nearly all the heat it had when entering the charcoal. If not
immediately taken to the vacuum pan, but accumulated in a large body for
eight or ten hours, this heat becomes injarious; it is observable when a perfectly
pure bright liquid from the charcoal has lain for twenty-four hours it has

page_text: assumed a yellowish tint and dimness, and to prevent this the pipes from the
charcoal cistern to the receiver are laid in a trough, and when the liquor has
to be kept over six or eight hours, a stream of cold water is turned into this
trough, which immediately cools down the liquid and no further injury is done;
and when required in the vacuum pan it is brought to the necessary heat in
the ste amchest before referred to.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said William Orr in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
9th December 1867.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
ORR, of Greenock, in the County of Renfrew, North Britain, Sugar Refiner,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, in the thirtieth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said William Orr, Her special license that I, the said William
Orr, my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I; the
said William Orr, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at
any time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times there.
after during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,
the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING LIQUIDS OR MOISTURE FROM SUB-
STANCES, AND ALSO FOR REVIVIFYING AND COOLING ANIMAL CHARCOAL AND OTHER
SUBSTANCES, AND FOR TREATING SUGAR," upon the condition (amongst others)
that I, the said William Orr, by an instrument in writing under my hand
and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said
Invention, and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause
the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Orr, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and
to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say.

page_text: My said Invention, which has for its essential object certain improvements in
apparatus for treating substances in such a manner that the liquid or moist part
may be separated from the anhydrous or dry parts, and also for revivifying or
bringing back to their original condition, so far as practicable, certain sub-
stances, especially such as animal, vegetable, or mineral charcoal, and is
also particularly applicable for desiccating or separating all substances of a
semi-fluid nature, such as painters' colour, certain chemicals, potters' and
porcelain clay, distillers' wash, anylum of all kinds, starch, sugar, opaque
liquids, moist refuse from manufactories, and all matters or substances
requiring desiccation, separation, or purification.
The first part of this apparatus employed consists of a desiccator commonly
known as a centrifugal machine, the position of which is the inverse of
that ordinarily employed, that is to say, the apparatus is open at the bottom
in place of the top or side. The desiccating or separating basket is con-
structed in the usual manner, the sides of which may be parallel or inclined
inwards towards the top or curved, depending upon the nature of the
material to be operated upon; for instance, if charcoal or dry grainy sub-
stances are to be treated the sides may be parallel, but for sugar and other
adhesive or oleaginous or gummy substances it is preferred to make the sides
incline outwards or curved towards their lower ends to permit more freedom
for detaching the substances therefrom after the desiccation shall have been
completed. As the apparatus is generally similar for nearly all the purposes
herein-before referred to, to which it is applicable, the following description is
confined to that for treating animal charcoal as used in sugar refineries, and
in any way or mode washed, cleaned, or purified.
In the process of refining sugar after the decolorizing power or effect of the
charcoal is exhausted with solutions it becomes filled with impurities, and to re-
move these,being partly the object of the present Invention,an air-tight cylinder,
or cistern, or tank is placed below in communication with the charcoal cistern
from the bottom. A vacuum is created in the cylinder by any of the modes
in use for that purpose, and when the sweet water is run off a communication
is opened between the exhausting cylinder and the charcoal cistern, by which
means the hot and cold water employed to wash down is rapidly withdrawn,
and the formation of acetic acid, as well as the generation of noxious gases
prevented, after which the charcoal is removed to the apparatus now to be
described.
The top partoftheapparatus is by preference made of metal or wood, having
openings a certain distance from the centre, the lengths of which are in proportion
to the internal cylinder, or cone, or flanches, or blades, or a perforated cone

page_text: may be used, as herein-before described, or other similar repelling or impelling
arrangement; over these openings on one side are or may be placed flanches
or blades of a radial length equal to that of the holes, and fastened on the top
plate, and placed at any suitable angle over the openings, so that when the
machine rotates these flanches or blades catch the charcoal which falls directly
through the openings on the internal arrangement, herein-before mentioned,
or, by preference, the top plate may be made with wide open spaces. On this
top plate there is fixed a circular flanch at the outer end of the openings
inclined towards the centre, forming a crib, which prevents the charcoal from
being thrown by the rotatory motion over the top plate, and causes the charcoal
to enter through the openings in the top plate. The top plate with a desiccating
basket connected are fixed on an upright shaft, to which the necessary
rotatory motion is applied; the basket may be kept in a steady position, if of
considerable depth, by inclined rods from the inside or outside of the top
plate, or where no steam or liquid pipe or injector is introduced from beneath,
by tie rods to or from the internal cone or shaft. To the lower side of the
top plate, or to the shaft under it, is fixed a cylinder or smooth or corrugated
cone, or flanches, or blades, straight or inclined, separate or in parts, or two
or more of these combined, or in place of these, other repelling or impelling
arrangements or apparatus may be used. The upper end of the cone, or the
other arrangements, above described, next to the top plate is (or are) between
the inner end of the openings in the top plate, and may be inclined outwards
in a downward direction, increasing horizontally to within several inches of
the lower edge of the desiccator, or may be continued straight, and the
flanches or blades, or both, brought out to the necessary distance towards the
desiccating basket to intercept the charcoal falling through the openings in
the top plate; or the cylinder or cone may be perforated or have suitable
openings with or without flanges or projections internally or externally, the
exterior and lower end of the cone or cylinder being fitted with blast fauners,
or inclined blades, or both, the rotatory motion of the cone or shaft impelling
the blast by the fanners to pass into the cone or cylinder. The effect of these
arrangements is, that the charcoal having passed through, the openings in the
top plate by the centrifugal action of the cylinder or cone, or flanches, or
blades, or other repelling apparatus, or by the impelling blast caused by the
fanners through the perforated cylinder or cone with openings is thrown
against the basket, and is in its position on the basket thoroughly washed and
cleaned by the desiccating action from all impurities with hot or cold water,
or steam or other purifying and restoring liquids, diluted acids, or other
suitable chemical substances admitted by the opening in the top plate or by a

page_text: perforated or rose pipe entering from underneath or by gases, and when
thoroughly desiccated the rotatory motion is reduced until the centrifugal
force is diminished sufficiently to permit the charcoal to fall from and out of
the basket to the floor underneath, or on an appliance by which it may be
removed to the kiln head or elsewhere. By this means the machine is not
required to be stopped to be emptied, for as soon as the contents fall out full
speed is applied, and it is recharged; the charcoal is then, according to the
amount of cleansing, desiccating action, and purification applied, restored to a
considerable extent, and for many ordinary purposes ready for use; but to be
fully restored it may be burned by kilns and rapidly cooled. The outside
case is not connected to the revolving piston of the machine, but rests on the
floor, or is otherwise fixed round and over the revolving part, and receives the
liquid extracted by the centrifugal force, which then falls into a gutter or rone
of dimensions sufficient to allow cleaning out, the gutter being suspended to
the outside case or otherwise fixed, and leading to a receiver where any fine
charcoal that may have passed through the perforated plate or wire gauze of
the basket or other organic substance of greater specific gravity than water
is precipitated, and the foul water with other injurious matter is passed off;
the charcoal is then conveyed to the kiln head, which is fitted with iron or
fire-clay pipes or retorts in the usual way with coolers, and this constitutes the
second part of this Invention.
The roof or arch of the kiln, or by preference the invented arch of the
furnace, is constructed about two-thirds or thereabouts up the kiln, and slabs
or tiles of fire-clay are placed inclined at a considerable angle downwards
from the haunch of the arch to a certain distance above the lower end of the
back row of retorts where the wall is constructed with flue spaces and draft
slides. The first or prime heat of the furnace is thus brought on the lower
part of the retorts and conveyed by the flues in the wall to the upper part of
the retorts, thence into the empty space direct over the furnace arch, which
thus forms the bottom of the flue, and the smoke carried out by the front or
back of the kiln as may by convenient to the stalk or chimney. The top of
the flue is formed by a metal case or boiler in which the water is heated by
the surplus heat from the kiln, and supplies hot water for purging the charcoal
in the centrifugal machine; the charcoal, from its dry purified state as passed
or brough from the centrifugal machine will be sufficiently burned in a com-
paratively short time, and passes into the coolers which are of the ordinary
construction; in a few minutes the red heat will pass off from the charcoal,
and it may then be allowed to fall into the barrow with water coolers. The
employment of this barrow forms an important part of the Invention; this

page_text: barrow is made in two or more divisions. A barrow of three divisions where
the two water divisions are connected is here described. The central part to
be made as narrow and deep as the space between the coolers and the floor
will admit but of sufficient capacity to contain the contents of one or more
coolers. The slide of the cooler being opened, the hot charcoal falls into this
division of the barrow, on which there is a funnel-shaped mouth furnished with
a lid or slide to exclude the open air from the hot charcoal. To the sides of
this hot charcoal chamber and round its front end are fitted water-tight.com-
partments or chambers covered at the top to prevent charcoal dust from falling
in; these compartments are filled with cold water, and the hot charcoal in
their centre is in a few minutes made cool for exposure, the centre of the
barrow being furnished with the usual slide bottom, and the water divisions in
front with a draw-off cock or valve by which the water made hot with the
charcoal is run out, the barrow is again filled at the next cooler or coolers.
By this means the present construction of coolers are made available and the
charcoal rapidly cooled, spread out, and turned over for two or three hours to
receive the necessary atmospheric action, when it will be rendered equal to
new charcoal if not overburned. By reason of the clean and dry state of the
charcoal as coming from the centrifugal machine it may become partially
whitened and rendered useless where exposed to the open air on the kiln
head; to prevent that, as soon as the retort is filled a loose fitting cover is
placed over it in which is a small hole to permit of evaporation and the escape
of noxious gases, or a bin or heap may be raised over the retorts. A much
lower degree of heat is required in the kiln, and the great destruction of kiln
pipes and loss of charcoal and time replacing pipes caused by the ordinary
mode is in a general measure avoided "with a great saving of fuel." When
fire-clay pipes are employed this loss will not occur with ordinary attention.
In operating with sugar or similar substances, which constitutes the third
part of this Invention, before passing it through the vacuum pan it is dissolved
at a low temperature by rapid agitation in the receptacle commonly called the
"blow up ;" to the agitators are attached perforated receptacles, bags, or
baskets into which the sugar is placed and out of which it is washed and dis-
solved. To the lower part of the agitators loose hinged projections are
attached, which prevents the accumulation of undissolved sugar in the bottom.
When dissolved it is run through a large valve or cock at the bottom of the
"blow-up" into a cistern having three chambers formed by perforated plates;
the upper and lower division plates are near to the top and bottom. In the
central chamber hollow cones, technically called "bottles," are fixed in the
perforations of the division plates above and below; to these cones are attached.

page_text: circular cloths. The solution flows from the "blow-up" into either the upper
or lower chamber, and entering the circular cloths the gross impurities are
separated and fall to the bottom chamber, while the partially cleansed solution
passes through the cloths into the central chamber, and is drawn off by pre-
ference from near the surface by a pipe leading to the bottom of the chamber
so as to keep the circular cloths floating in the solution while they are filled
with the impure liquor or mixture, and are thus prevented from bursting. The
solution, if of sugar,is then conveyed to the receiving cistern before being run
into the charcoal cistern. When the circular cloths become clogged with
glutinous matter it is removed by a brush or other appliance, which passes
down through the perforations in the upper plate and coue to the circular cloth,
and then admitting steam to the central chamber. After the glutinous matter
is removed with the brush it is washed down with water and carried into the
lower chamber, and from thence conveyed away through a suitable cock or
valve. The top of the lower chamber is provided with an air cock or pipe to
promote a current of steam downwards through the interior of the circular
cloths; this cock also indicates when the chamber is filled with impure matter.
To the under side of the lower division plate are fitted valves at the exit of
the lower cones; each row of cones having one long valve with perforations
under each cone when open; these valves are worked through a stuffing box
on the outside of the lower chamber, and enable it to be emptied without
emptying the circular cloths in the central chamber. By blowing up at a low
temperature the formation of much caramel and consequently glucose is pre-
vented, and the colder it can practically be operated on in the various purifying
stages the better. The passage from the "blow-up" and cloth cisterns having
been effected comparatively cool; it must on being placed in the charcoal be
heated to permit of free percolation by reducing its density, and also raised to
the requisite degree of heat to promote decolorization according to the quality
of charcoal in use, and this is obtained when the liquor is run into the charcoal
cistern from the cool receiver by passing the liquor through a series of pipes
placed within a steam chest, by which no more liquid is kept in heat than
what passes direct into the charcoal cistern, and the temperature regulated by
the steam valve. The same means are also applied for increasing the tem-
perature of the clarified liquid when passing into the vacuum pan, by which
means more rapid evaporation is promoted and consequent crystallization,
while the previously formed crystalls are not injured by the introduction of
colder liquor. This superheated liquor is introduced into the vacuum pan
through a perforated or rose pipe carried round the interior of the vacuum
pan, where falling on or amongst the weaker portion of the boiling liquid its

page_text: crystallization is promoted. Sugar solution passing from the close or pressure
charcoal cistern retains nearly all the heat it had when entering the charcoal.
If not immediately taken to the vacuum pan, but accumulated in a large body
for eight or ten hours this heat becomes injurious. It is observable when a
perfectly pure bright liquid from the charcoal has lain for twenty-four hours
it has assumed a yellowish tint and dimness, and to prevent this the pipes from
the charcoal cistern to the receiver are laid in a trough or refrigerator, and
when the liquor has to be kept over six or eight hours a stream of cold water
is turned into this trough or refrigerator, which immediately cools down the
liquid and no further injury is done. And when required in the vacuum pan
it is brought to the necessary heat in a steam chest, as before referred to.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood I now
proceed more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or manner in or under
which the same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, reference
being had to the accompanying Drawings which I have hereunto appended,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
On Sheet 1, Figure 1 is a vertical sectional elevation; Figure 2 a horizontal
section on the line a, a, Figure 1; Figure 3 another horizontal section on the
line b, b, Figure 1. In each of the Drawings similar parts or indicated by
the same letters of reference.
A is a vertical shaft, on which is keyed the internal cone B, shown at
Figure 1, half in elevation and half in section, and having ribs or flanges C
on its circumference. To the upper end of this cone is bolted the top plate D,
havings arms E on the under side to strengthen it. On the top plate D holes
F are formed of such a size that their inner diameter corresponds to the dia.
meter of the revolving cone at the top and the outer diameter of the holes
formed, so that the material being treated shall not fall beyond the diameter
of the cone at the bottom end. G are flanges or knives bolted to the top plate
at suitable angles; H is a crib formed of a size corresponding to the outer
diameter of the holes in the top plate so as to prevent the material about to
be desiccated from being thrown out over the top plate by the rotatory motion.
J is the desiccating basket constructed in the usual manner and fastened to
the top plate to which it is stayed by the stay rods K, as seen in Figures 1
and 3. The whole is enclosed by the outer casing L, which is left completely
open at the bottom instead of being closed as in the ordinary centrifugal
machine, so that the material after being desiccated falls from the inclined
sides of the desiccating basket on to the floor, thus saving the time and trouble
of emptying the machine. To the bottom edge of the casing a gutter or rone M
is attached (seen more particularly in Figure 1) for carrying away the water

page_text: used in purifying the charcoal, and which is supplied by the perforated pipe N.
P is a pipe or spout by which the impure water is conveyed away from the
gutter M. The casing is supported upon the wooden beams R by means of
an angle iron S securely fastened to the outer frame.
The second part of this Invention consists of an improved mode of con-
structing kilns used for reburning or revivifying charcoal.
On Sheet 2, Figure 1 is a front elevation shown partly in section; Figure 2
is a transverse vertical section; Figure 3 is a horizontal section on the line a,,
Figure 1. The kiln is formed of two chambers A with a furnace A¹ between
as shown on Figure 1, the roof of the furnace is formed by preference of
downward pointing slabs B supported at each side of the furnace by the
walls C, one pair of the slabs Bbeing shown in detached elevation at Figure 7,
Sheet 2; these wall are built solid to a sufficient height so that the fuel may
not be carried over into the side chambers, above that height they are built
in piers or have apertures formed in them to allow the heated air to pass
from the furnace to the chamber on either side. From the top of the
furnace walls C fire-clay slabs D are placed at a considerable angle and rest
on a shelf in the cast-iron frame a built into the side walls E of the kiln at
the back of the inside row of pipes. The fire-clay slabs D are fitted close
round the pipes F, as shown at Figures 6 and 7, Sheet 2, but at the bottom
flue spaces marked d are left to allow the heated air to pass into the upper
part of the chamber f. Draft slides, not shown in the Drawings, are also
placed in the frames a to regulate the heat of the chambers, and in the
wall E suitable openings are placed to clean out the soot which falls from
the inclined slabs D into the frame a. F are fire-clay pipes made in two
lengths, the lower length being made to fit into the upper by a faucet
joint, as shown at Figure 1 and 2, another mode being shown at Figure 8.
Cast-iron pipes C passing through the ordinary top plate G¹ are inserted into
the upper end of the fire-clay pipes, and the lower end of the fire-clay pipes
are fitted into the cast-iron pipes H, which are fitted into the bottom socket
plate J, the same as in kilns at present constructed. The cast-iron pipes G
and H are used so as to render the present mode of constructing kilns
available; the pipes are by preference made oval or oblong in section, as
shown in Figure 3. On the fire-clay pipes a snug is formed near the top
on the flat side, on which the cast-iron bars K rest and retain the pipes F
in the proper position. The upper set of bars have one end built in the
side wall E of the kiln, the lower set have their ends built into the furnace
piers C and the side wall E. The pipes F communicate with the coolers L
in the usual manner by means of slide valves worked by the levers M; N is

page_text: one of the barrows into which the charcoal is discharged when it has cooled
sufficiently, but which barrows are herein-after more particularly described;
O is a trough or gutter into which the water is run from the barrow; P is
a water pipe with flexible tube and cock attached for supplying the barrows;
Qan ash pan fixed under the grate bars; R, the standards on which the kiln
rests; S, the firing stage from which the furnace is supplied with fuel. Im-
mediately over the furnace roof a cast-iron boiler T is set resting on flanges on
the top plate, and forming the flue K leading to the flue U.
The hot gases
in passing to the flue U, shown at Figure 2, are utilized in heating water;
c, c, Figure 2, are pipes for supplying and drawing off the water from the
boiler. The top of the boiler T and the top of the flue U are also used as
drying floors on which the charcoal is dryed before being put into the fire-clay
retorts F.
Another part of this Invention consists of an improved water barrow used
for cooling the charcoal.
On Sheet 2,Figure 4 is a side elevation, and Figure5 a transverse section of
the barrow. As seen in Figure 5 the barrow is formed of three compartments,
the outer space a, a, are for water and are connected by a passage at the
bottom not shown on the Drawings; the central space is formed with a V-
shaped mouth, and into it the charcoal is discharged from the coolers L,
Figures 1 and 2, the sides of the barrow are stiffened by the stay rods b; c is
the valve by which the water is run off; d, the valve rod, and e, the lever, by
which it is worked; f is the ordinary slide bottom by which the barrow is
emptied of charcoal; g, the lever by which it is wrought, and the handle for
drawing the barrow.
The manner of operating with the herein-before described parts of this
Invention is as follows:-The decolorizing power of the charcoal having been
exhausted in the charcoal cistern it is removed to the centrifugal machine to
be rivivified, the machine having been set in motion the charcoal is thrown in
at the top, being caught and passed in through the holes F by the cone and
blades G. As the charcoal falls upon the cone B it is thrown by the centri-
fugal force against the desiccating basket J and held against that till it is
thoroughly washed and purified by hot or cold water or steam which is ejected
by the perforated pipe N against the side of the basket. the refuse being
carried away by the gutter M. When the charcoal has been thoroughly
desiccated the speed of the machine is reduced and the centrifugal force being
insufficient to support the charcoal against the basket it falls upon the floor or
receptacle placed to receive it. By this means the machine does not need
to be stopped, for as soon as the contents fall out full speed is applied and it is

page_text: recharged; to be fully restored the charcoal is now taken to be burned in the
char kiln. The retorts F having been filled and brought to a red heat for a
sufficient length of time the slides are withdrawn by means of the levers M,
and the retorts are emptied into the coolers L; as soon as the red heat has
passed off the lower slide V is withdrawn and the charcoal falls into the
water barrow cooler N where the charcoal is speedily cooled to about 130°,
and it may now be exposed to the atmosphere for two or three hours when
it will be equal to new charcoal if it has not been overburned.
The third part of this Invention consists of improvements in the vessel
commonly called the "blow-up," in which the sugar is dissolved.
valve being
On Sheet 3, Figure 1 is a vertical section, and Figure 2 a horizontal section
of the last-named apparatus. A is the pan; B, the driving shaft carried in a
suitable footstep bracket C at the bottom end, and at the upper end revolving
on a bearing attached to the tie bracket D bolted to the mouth of the pan or
blow-up." On the shaft. B are fixed the agitator arms E connected together
by the agitator bars F; parallel to and connected to the lowest agitator arm E
are other bars G carrying hinged curved bars or ploughs G¹ to prevent the
accumulation of undissolved sugar at the bottom; round the footstep of the
shaft B a copper rose H is fixed, through which the syrup is run off by
the pipe I when the valve J is withdrawn, the spindle of the
carried through the stuffing box K and in the guide bracket L. The bearing
in the bracket Lis free to slide up and down, so that the stuffing box K acts
as a fulcrum, by the weight of the hand wheel M, the valve J is pressed against
its seat when it is shut; when the valve is open the pressure is taken off the
stuffing box by the guide fork N resting on the inclined guide bar O.
the steam pipe, from which the steam is conducted to the "blow-up" by the
pipes P1 and P2. Q is a small air pipe to prevent a vacuum in the steam pipes
when the valve in the box R is shut; S, the sugar hatch; T, the beams on
which the blow-up" is supported. Figure 3 is a front elevation of the
guide bracket L, herein-before described.
P is
The fourth part of this Invention consists of improvements in the bag filter.
On Sheet 3, Figure 4 is a front elevation, Figure 5 is a vertical section.
Figure 6 a horizontal section, through the central chamber, and Figure 7 a
horizontal section through the bottom chamber looking upwards. On Figures
4 and 5, A is the upper chamber; B, the central chamber; C, the bottom
chamber. Into the division plate D of the upper and central chambers brass
nozzles or "bottles" E are screwed, and into the division plate F of the
central and bottom chamber similar "bottles" G of a smaller size are screwed,
To the necks of these "bottles" are tied circular bags or cloths H enclosed in

page_text: a network of cord of a little less diameter than the filter bag to prevent the
bags from being burst. Communication between the bags and the lower
chamber is regulated by the valves I, Figure 7, carried in slides J. The.
solution is drawn off by means of the pipe K provided with suitable cocks;
near the top of the pipe K a small hole a is formed to prevent it acting as a
syphon; all gross impurities fall into the sludge chamber C. When the bags
have become clogged with glutinous substance they are cleaned by means of
the brush L, Figure 5, without the bags being removed as at present. The
central chamber is provided with suitable doors M to facilitate the fixing of
the bags H. The lower chamber is also provided with doors N on one or three
sides for cleaning out the sludge which falls from the bags when the valves
are opened, and on the fourth side the valve spindles pass through suitable
stuffing boxes O. A cock P is fixed on the bottom of the chamber for drawing
off the refuse, also an air cock Q which also acts as a guage cock to indicate
when the lower chamber is full of sludge; R is an air pipe for the central
chamber, and S a steam cock; X is the liquor box as usually employed.
The mode of operating with the part of this Invention shown in Figures 1
to 7 on Sheet 3, is as follows :-The sugar is filled into the "blow up "by the
hatch S; steam is admitted by the valve R to the pipe P, and enters the "blow
up" by the pipes P1 and P2, when by the rotation of the agitators E and the
plough G the sugar is constantly stirred till dissolved, after which the valve
J is withdrawn and the solution is run off by the pipe I to the rectangular
cistern A, Figures 4 and 5, whence it passes down to the bag filters H; after
being strained through these bags it is drawn off by the pipe K to the liquor
box X. The valves, I are kept open when filtering liquid or cleaning the
bags with the brush, steam, and water, the contents of the central chamber
being withdrawn by the cock K¹; these valves are only shut when it is
necessary to withdraw the sludge while the central chamber and bags are full
of liquor, and as soon as that is done by the cock P admitting air by the
cock Qopens the valves and the filtering goes on. When the bags are worn
out, or cease to be sufficiently scoured by the brush L,the filters must then be
repacked. The filtered contents of the central chamber are withdrawn by
the cock K', while the unfiltered contents of the bags are returned to the
"blow up" through the sludge chamber, the sludge having been previously
withdrawn.
Another part of this Invention consists in heating sugar solutions before
being run into the charcoal filters by passing the solutions through a coil of
pipes contained in a steam chest. The same improvement, may be used in
superheating the solution before entering the "vacuum pan."

page_text: Having now described the nature my said Invention, and the manner
in or under which the same is or may be used or practically carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider novel and original,
and therefor claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before
in part recited Letters Patent is,
First, the general arrangement and construction of centrifugal machines, as
herein-before described, or any mere modification thereof.
Second, the special internal arrangement of the centrifugal machine for
the purpose of throwing the substance to be desiccated against the basket,after
passingthrough the revolving top plate, substantiallyas herein-before described.
Third, the construction of baskets with open bottoms, through which the
substance falls out when desiccated, as herein-before described.
Fourth, the construction of centrifugal machines, so that the contents are
discharged therefrom on a diminution of the centrifugal force, but without
stopping the rotation of such machines, as herein-before described.
Fifth, the construction of fire-clay retorts in short lengths in combination
with metallic ends, as shown at F, G, and H, on Figures 1, 2 and 3, Sheet 2
of the appended Drawings, to be used in connection with kilns as at present
usually constructed.
Sixth, the mode of supporting fire-clay retorts by means of bars K, built
into or supported by the walls, as shown at Figures 1 and 2, Sheet 2 of the
appended Drawings.
Seventh, placing the slabs D, Sheet 2, Figures 1, 2, 6 and 7 of the
appended Drawings, in charcoal kilns in such a position so that deposits of
soot may fall down the internal surface and accumulate in the box a for
removal, as shown at Figure 1, Sheet 2.
Eighth, the use of downward pointing slabs forming the roof of the furnace
for the purpose of dividing the ascending currents of heat and throwing them
into the chambers on either side in combination with kilns constructed under
this Invention.
Ninth, the placing of a flat top boiler over the flue of charcoal kilns for the
purpose of drying the charcoal previous to its being placed in the retort, also
for supplying hot water to the centrifugal machine.
Tenth, the barrow with water spaces for rapidly cooling the charcoal, and
to be used in connection with kilns, as at present or otherwise constructed.
Eleventh, the use and application of scoops, ploughs, or loose hinged pro-
jections, or trails attached to the agitators of the "blow up "for the purpose
of preventing the accumulation of undissolved matter in the lower part of
the vessel or pan.

page_text: Twelfth, the application of the special arrangement of the valve J, Figure 1,
Sheet 3, to the sugar "blow up" or melting pan, having the stuffing box as a
fulcrum for the spindle acted upon by the sliding weighted bearing in the
bracket.
Thirteenth, the internal arrangement of the bag filter or cloth filter, so that
the bags are kept floating in the liquid with a slight pressure whilst the dirt
is conveyed out of them.
Fourteenth, the method of cleaning the bags without unpacking the
filters.
Fifteenth, closing the communication between the bags and sludge chamber
by means of valves, so that the sludge may be removed without emptying
the bags.
Sixteenth, heating sugar solutions through pipes in a steam chest before
being run into the charcoal.
Seventeenth, superheating sugar solutions through pipes in a steam chest
before entering the vacuum pan.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Orr, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Third day of December, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-seven.
Witness,
ST. JOHN VINCENT DAY, C.E.,
Patent Offices,
166, Buchanan St.,
Glasgow.
WILLIAM ORR. (L.s.)