Improvements in the Manufacture of Carburetted Water-gas, and in Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Jan., 1897-Accepted, 10th July, 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Carburetted Water-gas, and
in Apparatus therefor.
I, WALTER ROBARTS ADDICKS, of 24 West Street, Boston, Massachusetts, United
States of America, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to a novel method for the manufacture of carbureted
water-gas and to a novel apparatus by which to practise such method, the
apparatus including novel features also particularly well-adapted to be used in the
manufacture of uncarbureted water-gas.
In the manufacture of carbureted water gas as now commonly practised, a bed
of coal is heated to incandescence in a generator or producer, which is usually
effected by a blast of air forced through the coal, and the gases or products of
combustion pass from the generator into a structure containing fire brick or other
refractory material and commonly called as carbureter, and from which the said
gases pass into and through a superheater also containing fire-brick or other
refractory material. These gases or products of combustion generated in bringing
the coal to incandescence, are now commonly called waste gases, and are permitted
to pass from the superheater directly to the stack or chimney.
The waste gases are supplied with air in the carbureter and superheater to
obtain more perfect combustion of said gases, which heat the refractory material
in the carbureter and superheater to a high heat, and when heated to a sufficiently
high heat, the air blast is cut off and steam is admitted into the generator where it
combines with the carbon of the incandescent coal and forms water gas. The
water gas is enriched with carbonaceous gases, obtained by admitting oils directly
into the highly heated carbureter, wherein the carbureted water gas is wholly or
partially fixed or rendered permanent, and that portion of the gas which is not
fixed in ne carbureter, is rendered permanent in the superheater.
The highly heated,carbureted water gas usually passes from the superheater to
the hydraulic main or water seal, where the said gas, at substantially the tempera-
ture it possesses when it leaves the superheater, meets the cooler body of water in
the said hydraulic main or seal, which imparts a shock to the carbureted water gas.
This process as commonly practised, is defective and objectionable, owing to
the fact that the oil for enriching the water gas, first meets and is mingled with the
water gas in the highly heated carbureter, which prevents a perfect union of the
oil and water gas and causes the formation and deposition of lamp black and tarry
matters, thus reducing the illuminating power of the gas and rapidly clogging up
the apparatus; and furthermore, the sudden cooling of the gas in the hydraulic
main produces more or less condensation, which is objectionable for reasons well-
known to gas manufacturers. The present invention is directed mainly to
overcoming these defects, and in accordance with this invention, the water gas is
subjected to heat by gradual progressive and retrograde steps from the formation
of the gas to the point at which it is fixed, and is then reduced in temperature by

page_text: gradual steps from the point of fixation to the discharge from the apparatus, as
will be described, whereby shocks to the carbureted gas are avoided. By sub-
jecting the carbureted water gas to gradually progressive and retrograde
temperatures, and then to a reducing temperature, as above referred to,,a carbureted
gas of superior quality may be obtained at a minimum expense with either heavy
or light oils, at the same time avoiding the destructive action of high temperatures
upon parts of the apparatus and also obviating the disagreeable effect of overheated
tarry matters as will be described.
The gradual heating of the carbureted gas is effected primarily by means of a
mixing chamber, in which the mixing of the water gas and hydrocarbons is
effected previous to the application of extraneous heat, as will be described, and
secondly by means of a moderately heated chamber into which passes the mixture
of water gas and hydrocarbons, and from which the said mixture passes to the
fixing chamber.
The reduction of the heat of the carbureted gas, after being fixed, is accomplished,
as hereinshown, by passing the said gas through a boiler, and preferably also
through a feed water heater, which may and preferably will be connected to the said
boiler and to an auxiliary boiler, for purposes as will be described.
The feed water heater through which the carbureted gas passes, may and
preferably will be provided with an auxiliary gas outlet normally closed by a
valve, and if desired, the boiler above referred to may also be provided with an
auxiliary outlet normally closed by a suitable valve.
a.f
These and other features of this invention will be pointed out in the claim at
the end of this specification.
17
Fig. 1 is a side elevation and partial section of a carbureted water gas-producing
apparatus embodying this invention.
Fig. 2, a top or plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3, a front elevation of the main portion of the apparatus looking in the
direction of arrow 200 on Fig. 1.
Fig. 4, represents in section and elevation partially broken out, a modified
form of carbureted water gas manufacturing plant or apparatus embodying this
invention, and
Fig. 5, a detail in elevation of the producer or generator shown in Fig. 4.
The apparatus hereinshown for carrying out the improved process is adapted to
be applied in connection with existing apparatus, portions of which may be
retained in their existing forms and have combined with them novel appliances as
will be hereinafter described, for effecting the novel features of the process.
The apparatus hereinshown in Fig. 1 comprises a generator or producer A, a
fixing chamber G, and intermediate chambers D and E shown as one structure
and separated from each other by a perforated arch d, which supports the mixing
structure, hereinshown as brick checkerwork d. The generator or producer A,
which may be of any usual or well-known construction, is provided with the usual
fuel inlet a, ashpit and cleaning door b, and is provided at its upper end with two
distinct outlets for the products of combustion and the water-gas, one of the said
outlets being formed by the pipe C communicating with the chamber E of the
intermediate structure, and the other outlet being formed by preferably two
pipes B B (see Fig. 3) hereinshown as connected respectively to the top and
bottom of the generator at substantially diametrically opposite points and both
leading to the chamber D of the intermediate structure.
The chamber E of the intermediate structure may be the carbureter of the usual
form of apparatus, which in the present embodiment of this invention, has
applied to it the mixing chamber D, and the connections between the chamber E
and the other parts of the apparatus are modified as will be described to carry out
this invention.
The outlet pipe or passage C is provided with a cut-off valve 3, which may be of
any suitable or desired construction, and the pipes B B are also provided with
similar cut-off valves marked 4-4¹ in Fig. 2. The chamber E is connected at its

page_text: bottom by a pipe F to the bottom of the fixing chamber G, (which may be the
superheater of the usual form of apparatus) the latter, for the best results, being.
provided with a perforated arch f; above which is located the usual checkerwork
of fire brick or other refractory or baffling material g. The generator or producer A
and the fixing chamber G have connected to them near their bottom or lower
portion, air conducting pipes 10, 12, communicating with a common supply
pipe 13, the pipes 10, 12 being provided with suitable valves. 1, 2 respectively
controlling the admission of air to the generator and to, the fixing chamber G.
The fixing chamber G may and preferably will have connected to it substantially
near its centre or middle portion, a branch air conducting pipe 14 communicating
with the pipe 13 and provided with a suitable controlling valve 15, for a purpose
as will be described.
The fixing chamber G, in accordance with my invention, has communicating
with it a boiler H, which may be of any usual or well-known type and which is
hereinrepresented as of the type known as a fire tube boiler, the said boiler being
so connected with the fixing chamber as to form an outlet passage for the gases and
products of combustion, as will be described. The boiler H may be of smaller
diameter than the diameter of the fixing chamber, as hereinshown in Fig. 1, .and
may be supported on top of the fixing chamber, and practically form a cover for
the passage or opening go in the top of said chamber, but I do not desire to limit
my invention to any particular size of boiler, as it is evident the same may be
made of any desired diameter and may communicate with the fixing chamber G in
other ways than that shown in Fig. 1. The boiler H, for the best results, has
connected to it by pipe K, a feed water heater L of any usual or suitable con-
struction, through which the products of combustion and the gases produced in
the apparatus may pass. The boiler H, may, if desired, be provided with an
auxiliary gas outlet J provided with a normally closed valve 5. The feed water
heater L has connected to it a gas outlet or delivery pipe M extended into a water
receptacle N, which receptacle in practice may and preferably will be the hydraulic
main, containing sufficient water to seal the lower end of the pipe M. The pipe M
may and preferably will be provided with a branch pipe J₁ constituting a gas
escape and provided with a normally closed valve 5¹.
The water main N is connected by a pipe 0 to a condenser P, which may be of
any usual or suitable construction and hereinrepresented as a vertical tube con-
denser, the vertical tubes of which communicate with a gas inlet chamber:p and a
gas outlet chamber p located respectively at the opposite ends of the condenser.
The vertical tubes of the condenser P are located in a water chamber having a
water inlet pipe 72 and a water outlet pipe 23. The gas outlet chamber of the
condenser P is provided with an outlet pipe 2, which in practice leads to the
usual scrubbers, purifiers, meters and holders, not hereinshown, but which may be
the same as now commonly used in gas works.
The chamber D has communicating with it an oil conducting pipe p provided
with a valve i to control the admission of oil to the said chamber, the pipe p
forming the discharge or outlet pipe of a vaporizer T in which the oil is heated
and vaporized, and which vaporizer is connected through an oil meter Y to a
cylinder W and pump V1, having its steam inlet 77 connected to a steam outlet 78
hereinshown as from an auxiliary steam boiler 20 of any usual or suitable
construction.
The auxiliary boiler 20 also has its steam outlet pipe 28 connected to the steam
inlet pipe p of an engine X, employed to drive a blower X10 or other suitable air
forcing apparatus, which blower has its air discharge port connected to the air
supply pipe 13 common to the generator A and fixing chamber G. The steam
chambers for the vaporizer T are connected by pipe p12 to the boiler H, which also
furnishes steam to the generator A through the pipes p13, 14, 215, the pipes p1, p15
being provided with steam controlling valves h h', or steam may be taken from the
auxiliary boiler 20 if desired.
The feed water heater L is shown in Fig. 1 as provided with two water outlet
'

page_text: pipes p1, p18, the water outlet pipe p¹ being connected to feed the boiler H, and
the outlet pipe 18 being connected to feed the auxiliary boiler 20.
The feed water heater L is preferably supplied with heated water from the
condenser P, by means of a pump V, to the inlet port of which the water outlet
pipe 3 of the condenser is connected, and to the outlet port of which is connected
the inlet pipe 30 of the feed water heater, the latter pipe being provided with a
valve 31.
The manufacture of carbureted water gas in accordance with this invention and
by means of the apparatus hereindescribed, may be considered as involving four
successive steps, which will be treated of in their order and which may be classified
under the following heads; First, preliminary heating by natural draught; second,
heating by air blast; third, eliminating deleterious gases and products from the
apparatus by water gas; and fourth, manufacturing carbureted water gas.
Broadly speaking, this succession of steps in the manufacture of carbureted water
gas is not novel, and the present invention consists in certain modifications of the
methods heretofore practised, the nature and purpose of which will be hereinafter
explained.
The condition of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 at the moment previous to
starting is as follows:-The air blast valves 1, 2 and 15 are closed; the
valves 4 and 4¹ closed, the steam valves h h¹ closed, the oil-controlling valve i
closed, the valve 5 closed, the valve 51 controlling the branch pipe J¹ open, and the
door 6 and the valve 3 in the pipe C open. Combustion is started within the
generator A and is carried on by the natural draught, the products passing from
the generator A through the pipe C into the chamber E; and from the chamber E,
the products pass through the pipe F, fixing chamber G, through the boiler H,
outlet pipe K, through the feed water heater L and pipes M, J to the stack J.
After the coal in the generator or producer A has been brought to an incandescent
state, and the fire bricks in the intermediate chamber E and fixing chamber G
have been brought to an appropriate temperature by the natural draught, the
door 6 of the generator is closed, and the blast valve 1, supplied with air from the
blower X10, is open. The air admitted into the generator A through the pipe 10
causes active though incomplete combustion in the bed of coal in the generator,
and the products of combustion thus created by the air blast, which will be
hereinafter referred to as producer gas, pass from the generator to the outlet
pipe J¹ and stack J2, as above described. The said producer gas heats the fire
brick or other refractory material e in the chamber E, by imparting a portion of
its specific heat thereto, and with the present form of intermediate structure, some
heat will also be imparted to the mixing structure in the chamber D both by
conduction and radiation, but not enough to produce any appreciable effect therein.
The producer gas referred to, passes from the chamber E through the pipe F
into the fixing chamber G, where it meets a supply of air, admitted by opening the
air blast valve 2, to provide for combustion of the said producer gas, the products
of which pass through the refractory material in the fixing chamber G, thereby
highly heating the material in said fixing chamber. In practice, it may be found
desirable to effect the combustion of a portion of the producer gas within the fixing
chamber, which may be accomplished by admitting air into the said chamber
substantially near its middle or center portion, through the valve 15 in the branch
pipe 14. In apparatus, as now commonly constructed and known to me, the
products of combustion produced by the natural draught and also by the air
blast, are permitted to pass from the fixing chamber of the apparatus directly to
the atmosphere.
These gases which are usually termed waste gases, are highly heated, and it is
one of the objects of this invention to utilize these waste gases, which is accom-
plished in the apparatus hereinshown, by passing the same through the boiler H
and preferably also through the feed water heater L, the said gases being greatly
reduced in temperature on their passage through the boiler H and feed water
heater L and escaping through the branch pipe J into the stack at a substantially

page_text: low temperature. The heat from the waste gases on their passage through the
boiler H and feed water heater L generates steam in the said boiler, which is
utilized for making the water gas as will specifically be described, and also for any
desired purpose, as for example, for furnishing the steam to the feed water pump V,
the oil pump V, and the engine X for driving the blower X 10. The steam
generated in the boiler H if desired, may also be used alone or in conjunction with
the exhaust steam from the pumps V, VI, and blower engine X, together with that
from the vaporizer T for heating a chamber S, through which is extended the air
blast supply pipe 13.
When the steam from the boiler H is utilized to heat the chamber S, it may be
supplied to said chamber through the pipe fi connected to the pipe p13 and
controlled by the valve f. The exhaust pipes from the pumps V, VI, blower
engine X and vaporizer T, may all be connected to a single pipe f3 forming the
steam inlet pipe for the chamber S and provided as shown with a valve f', or they
may be separately connected to said chamber. The chamber S may be provided
with an outlet pipe f5 having a valve f6.
This process of heating the apparatus by the air blast is continued until the
operator considers a proper heat is obtained for decomposing the steam in the
generator A, as will be hereinafter described, and for properly fixing hydrocarbons
in the chamber G as will be described.
When this point is reached, the following action is taken, the blast valves 15, 2, 1,
are closed in the order named; the valve 3 is closed; the valve 4 open; the
steam valve h at the top of the generator A is closed, while the steam valve h at
the bottom of the generator is now open, permitting steam to pass into the
generator up through the bed of coal, where it is decomposed and forms water gas.
The water gas thus produced is employed to clear the apparatus from the deleterious
gases and products remaining in the apparatus, and which would be objectionable
to have present in the carbureted gases. The water gas passes from the generator A
through the pipe B, chambers D and E, through the outlet F, up through the fixing
chamber G, through the boiler H, feed water heater L and pipe J to the stack J³.
The water gas on its passage through the apparatus as described, forces ahead of
it all the deleterious gases and waste products, which remain in the apparatus.
The heating steps thus far described and which constitute three distinct steps:
namely, preliminary heating by natural draught, heating by the air blast, and
heating by the water gas, may be assembled under one heading, which I prefer to
designate as heating preparatory to manufacturing the carbureted gas.
In some instances, it may be found that the natural draught is not sufficiently
strong to draw the products of combustion down through the feed water heater, in
which case the said draught may be assisted by an exhaust fan, not shown, but
which may be located in the stack J³, or the valve 5' may be closed and the valve 5.
opened.
In this latter case, the products of combustion would pass directly from the
boiler H through the pipe J into the stack. I prefer to have the products of
combustion created by the natural draught pass through the feed water heater, as
the heat of such products is thus utilized to the fullest extent.
After the water gas has been permitted to run through the apparatus a sufficient
length of time to thoroughly clean the same from the deleterious gases and waste
products, the apparatus is now in condition for manufacturing the carbureted
water gas, and the next step in the process is as follows:-
:-
The operator closes the steam valve h to permit the outlet valve 5¹ in the pipe J¹
leading to the stack to be easily closed, which is then done. The valve h is again
opened and uncarbureted water gas made, as above described, passes through the
valve 4 and pipe B to the top of the chamber D at a high temperature, where it is
met by heated hydrocarbons as admitted through the valve i, which is now opened.
The hydrocarbons which are supplied in the present instance from the cylinder W
by the pump V₁ are heated or vaporized on their passage through the vaporizer T,
and the said hydrocarbons on their passage through the vaporizer T are heated to

page_text: approximately the same temperature as the steam circulating through the chambers
of the said vaporizer, so that when admitted to the chamber 1), the hydrocarbons are
in a heated state, and have their temperature further 'raised within the chamber D
by the higher heat of the water gas in said chamber. The mixing structure in the
chamber D facilitates and renders perfect the intermingling of the water gas and
the hydrocarbons, which are now more or less vaporized according to the nature of
the oil used. The intermingling of the moderately heated hydrocarbons and the
water gás, lowers somewhat the temperature of the water gas in the chamber D, as
the latter is at a low temperature as compared with that of the chamber in which the
gas meets the oil in apparatus of this class as heretofore used. The mixture of the
water gas and hydrocarbons thus produced passes into the chamber E, where
the mixture, now at a lower temperature than the water gas was when it reached
the chamber D, is for the first time subjected to extraneous heat, it meeting for the
first time moderately heated refractory material e in the chamber E, and the mixed
gases or carbureted water gas become gradually heated in their passage through
the intermediate chamber to its outlet F, where it comes in contact with the
highly heated refractory material in the fixing chamber G, which has been
previously heated as above described, and where it forms carbureted water gas
finally fixed or rendered permanent at nominal pressures and temperatures.
It will be noticed in the progress of the manufacture of the fixed carbureted gas
from the point of formation of the water gas in the generator A to the point of
fixation of the carbureted gas in the chamber G, the water gas is subjected to
progressive and retrograde steps of temperature. To illustrate, the water gas
issuing from the generator A is reduced in temperature in the mixing chamber D,
both by reason of the cooler hydrocarbons and also by reason of the fact that the
said chamber is comparatively cool, as it has not been previously subjected to any
appreciable heating action.
The mixture of water gas and hydrocarbons is then raised in temperature on its
passage through the chamber E and is still further raised in temperature in the
fixing chamber G, which latter is of sufficiently high heat to fix or render
permanent the carbureted water gas. From this point, the object of this inven-
tion is to reduce the heat of the carbureted water gas gradually, as it is one of the
essentials of perfect gas-making that all shocks to the gas, as by sudden changes
in temperature, should be avoided. The fixed carbureted water gas having reached
the top of the fixing chamber G, now passes through the boiler H, where its
temperature is materially lowered, and the heat abstracted continues the generation
of steam; and from the boiler H, the said fixed carbureted gas passes through the
feed water heater L, where its heat is still further removed and utilized. After
the further cooling of the carbureted water gas by the feed water heater D, it
passes through the delivery pipe M, (the valve 51 in the pipe J¹ being closed), and
at a comparatively low temperature, for the first time meets a hydraulic seal in the
hydraulic main N, from which it passes through the pipe O to the condenser P,
where its temperature is reduced to about the atmospheric temperature by cold
water admitted into the condenser through the pipe 22. The now cool gas issues
through the outlet pipe and thence passes to the usual scrubbers, purifiers,
meters, and gas holders, not hereinshown, but such as now commonly employed
in gas works. It will be noticed, that when the carbureted water gas meets the
water seal in the hydraulic main N, it has been reduced in its temperature by its
passage through the boiler H, feed water heater L, to such extent as to avoid all
shock which would otherwise occur, if the gas was permitted to meet the water
seal at substantially the temperature it possesses when it leaves the fixing chamber G
as has been heretofore practised. By reducing the temperature of the fixed
carbureted water gas as above described, the condenser P is relieved from the wear
and tear incident upon highly heated gas coming in contact with cool surfaces, and
such wear and tear is taken largely upon the feed water heater, which, being.
comparatively small, lessens the cost of repairs, if it is found necessary to make the
same.

page_text: Another advantage resulting from the reduction of temperature of the fixed.
carbureted gas as hereindescribed, is that a less quantity of water is required for
condensing purposes; which quantity is of such comparatively small volume as to
enable it to be employed in connection with the feed water heater without waste,
thereby economizing, in the amount of water used, and consequently effecting a
reduction in this particular in the cost of manufacturing the gas.
Still another: advantage resulting from the reduction of temperature of the
carbureted water gas as hereindescribed, is that when the said gas meets the water
in the. hydraulic main its temperature has already been greatly lowered, and the
water, is not overheated, and consequently the nuisance of overheated tarry matters
in tar wells, which, in practice, are connected with the hydraulic main and are
not hereinshown, is avoided, and, as a result, the disagreeable tarry odours now
common to gas works,, are mitigated. Furthermore, the water in the tar wells and
hydraulic main can be circulated through the hydraulic main and tar well, without
the usual attendant wear and tear on the pumps employed to thus circulate the
water. The cold water admitted into the condenser P by the pipe 22 is gradually
heated, and issues, by the pipe 23 connected to the inlet end of the pump V, and the
said water is forced by the said pump, as hereinrepresented, through the feed water
heater L into the boiler, H and auxiliary boiler 20, and in the boiler H, the said
water is transformed into steam which is used as heretofore described. Carbureted
water gas is thus made for a length of time governed by the gradual cooling of the
apparatus and determined by the judgment of the operator, at the expiration of
which time, the oil valve i is closed, the steam valve his closed, the stack valve 5!
is open, the blast valves 1 and 2 are open, and the conditions of the second step of
the preparatory heating stage are resumed, and the process repeated from that
point.
By reference to Fig. 3, it will be noticed that the pipe B leads from the top of
the generator to the chamber D), and the pipe B' leads from the bottom of the
generator below the grate surface to the mixing chamber D. By this arrangement,
the-water gas may be circulated up through the bed of coal in the generator and
out through the pipe B, or it may be circulated in the reverse direction, down
through the bed of coal and up through the pipe B, the valve 4 being closed and
the valve 4 being open in the first instance, and the valve 4 being closed and the
alve 4 being open in the second instance. When the circulation is downward
through the bed of coal, the steam valve h is closed and the valve h¹ opened to
admit, steam to the top of the generator.
It will be noticed that the air-blast is admitted directly to the generator A by
the pipe 10 and to the fixing chamber G by the pipe 12, but it is not supplied to
the chamber E, so that the latter is not heated to an excessively high temperature,
and, as a result, the mixture of water gas and hydrocarbons admitted into the
chamber E from the mixing chamber D is not immediately subjected to the highest
temperature, but on the other hand, is subjected to, what may be termed in gas-
making, a moderate. temperature in the chamber E and then to the highest
temperature in the 'fixing chamber G. The mixture of water gas and hydro-
carbons is thus subjected to a progressive or increasing heat, which permits of tho
thorough mixing of the water gas and the hydrocarbon vapors, and avoids the
formation of lamp-black and tarry matters from the hydrocarbon vapors, which,
formation of lamp-black and tarry matters would take place, if the water gas and
hydrocarbon vapors are subjected to a high temperature before being thoroughly
mixed. It will also be noticed that the water gas and hydrocarbons in the mixing
chamber I are not subjected to extraneous heat but are acted upon solely by their
own, heat, until they are thoroughly commingled. I prefer to heat the "hydro-
carbons, before admitting the same into the chamber D, but I do not desire to limit
my invention in this respect, for while superior results may thus be obtained,
approximate results may be obtained by admitting the hydrocarbons into the
chamber D cold or substantially cool.
Believing myself to be the first to effect a mixture of water gas and hydrocarbons

page_text: at a moderate temperature prior to subjecting the said mixture to the fixing
temperature in an apparatus of this kind, as may be accomplished by passing the
said mixture through the chamber E, into which the air-blast is not admitted, I do
not desire to limit this portion of my invention to the use of the mixing chamber D.
I prefer to employ in the manufacture of carbureted water gas, a mixing
chamber constructed as hereinshown, it forming a part with the chamber E of an
intermediate structure interposed between the generator and the fixing chamber,
but I do not desire to limit myself to any particular form of mixing chamber, as
the latter may be of other forms than that hereinshown, and may be separate from
the chamber E but connected thereto in suitable manner to permit of the passage 1
of the gases and vapors from it to the chamber E, and so also the chamber E, while
hereinshown in Fig. 1, as a separate structure from the fixing chamber, may be
included in one structure with the same, but separated therefrom in suitable
manner to preserve its function, which is to moderately heat the mixture of water
gas and hydrocarbons before the said mixture is exposed to the highest heat.
I prefer also to provide the outlet pipe M, leading from the feed water heater L,
with the branch pipe J¹ provided with a normally closed valve, but I do not desire
to limit my invention in this respect, for while such construction is preferable, it
may be omitted, and advantageous results obtained by the use of the outlet J
leading from the boiler H, which outlet is provided with a normally closed valve 5.
Referring to Fig. 4, I have shown the fixing chamber G, the mixing chamber D
and the intermediate chamber E in one structure, which is divided into the said
chambers by open arches or perforated walls pn, and in this construction, the
heavier hydrocarbons admitted into the mixing chamber descend by gravity into
the intermediate chamber, and any not broken up or vaporized in this chamber,
descend into the fixing chamber.
The generator A in Fig. 4 is shown as connected to the intermediate chamber E
by an expansible joint or pipe connection composed of a pipe section 2 connected
to the generator, a pipe section n³ connected with the intermediate chamber, and
an intermediate corrugated pipe section n* connected to a valve casing n³ provided
with a seat for a valve " located therein and connected by its stemn to a lever n8.
In Fig. 4, the fixing chamber is provided with a plurality of gas outlets, one n
of which leads to the ashpit n of the boiler H, and is provided with a valve and
a cap, which latter is normally removed, but which is adapted to be secured
gas-tight over the open end of the pipe 9 when it is desired to cut off the boiler H,
and use it separate from the gas apparatus or to repair the same. The valve n 10 is
closed before the cap 12 is applied.
In Fig. 4, the outlet pipe M for the feed water heater L is provided with a valve
casing or fitting, having a port or opening n communicating with the
atmosphere through the stack 16. The port or opening n¹5 is controlled by a
valve n having its stem n¹8 connected to a lever n¹. The valve casing n has an
opening 20 through which gas may issue and serve as a guide for the workman,
and the said casing has a second opening n21, which is designed to be connected
with the steam boiler, to supply steam to the valve casing, and kill any tendency
of combustion of the, gases in the stack 16, and thereby prevent explosions during
the operation of the apparatus.
The fixing chamber G as shown in Fig. 4, has a separate gas outlet pipe n
extended up to near the stack n26 and provided with the valve n27. The pipe n25 is
connected by a pipe n28 with the hydraulic main N and is provided with a cut-off
valve 29. The pipe 25 is also connected to a valve fitting 30 provided with a
valve n³ controlling the admission of gas into an auxiliary hydraulic main n³.
The operation of the apparatus is like that described in connection with Fig. 1.
By reference to Fig. 4, it will be seen that the boiler and feed water heater may
be cut off from the gas apparatus without interfering with the manufacture of
gas, and the boiler may be used separately after the manner of an ordinary boiler.
When the boiler is cut off, the gas may pass to the hydraulic main N and in case
of necessity it may pass to the auxiliary hydraulic main n³:

page_text: CLAIMS.
1. An apparatus for producing carbureted water-gas, comprising a gas-generator,
and a chamber containing refractory material in communication with the said
generator for the passage of the products of combustion or blast-gases, a hydro-
carbon mixing chamber provided with an oil supply, and connected with the
generator for the admission of water-gas, and located above and communicating
with the said chamber containing refractory material, for the passage of the
mixed water-gas and hydrocarbons and for the gravitation into said chamber of
the heavier hydrocarbons, for the purpose specified.
2. That improvement in the method of manufacturing water-gas, which consists
in the following steps:-viz: generating producer-gas, passing the said producer-
gas through a chamber containing refractory materials to absorb the specific heat of
the said gas, commingling air with the said producer-gas after its specific heat has
been absorbed to effect complete combustion of the said producer-gas, passing the
gaseous products of complete combustion through a chamber containing refractory
material to absorb the heat resulting from said complete combustion, bringing the
products of complete combustion into contact with material heated to steam
temperatures, that is, at or above the boiling point of, water, to absorb further,
quantities of the specific heat of said gases, and then bringing the products of
complete combustion into contact with materials at a temperature below the
boiling point of water to further absorb the specific heat of the said gases,
substantially as and for the purpose specified.
3. The improvement in the method of manufacturing carbureted water-gas,
which consists in the following steps, viz:-generating blast-gas, and internally
heating chambers containing refractory material by passing said blast gas through
them; then generating water-gas, enriching said water-gas with oils or hydro-
carbons by admitting water-gas into a mixing chamber containing refractory or
baffling material and into which chamber the said ils or hydrocarbons are
admitted, to effect a mixing of water-gas and hydrocarbons and thereby raise the
temperature of said hydrocarbons by the specific heat of the water-gas, and form a
mixture of water-gas and oils or hydrocarbons and vapors of same, the temperature
of which mixture is greater than that of the original oils and less than that of the
water-gas previous to the mixing described; passing water-gas admixed with
hydrocarbons into one of the internally heated chambers in communication with
the said mixing chamber and into which internally heated chamber the heavier
hydrocarbons gravitate from said mixing chamber, thereby further raising the
temperature of mixed water-gas and oils or hydrocarbons; and then passing said
heated mixture through a second of the internally heated chambers to still further
heat the said mixture and effect a final fixing of the carbureted water-gas,
substantially as described.
4. An apparatus for producing carbureted water gas, comprising a water-gas
generator, a heated fixing chamber, and a chamber provided with refractory
material and intermediate of the said generator and fixing chamber and com-
municating therewith, and a hydrocarbon mixing chamber provided with an oil
supply and connected with the generator for the admission of water-gas, and
12

page_text: 1°
communicating with the intermediate chamber for the passage of mixed water-gas
and hydrocarbons, substantially as described.
5. An apparatus for producing carbureted water-gas, comprising a gas-generator,
a fixing chamber, and a chamber containing refractory material and intermediate
of the fixing chamber and generator, a hydrocarbon mixing chamber adapted.to
communicate with the gas-generator and with the said intermediate chamber,
substantially as described.
6. An apparatus for producing carbureted water-gas, comprising a gas-generator,
a fixing chamber provided with refractory material, an intermediate structure
consisting of a chamber communicating with the generator and with the fixing
chamber and containing refractory material, and a mixing chamber provided
with refractory material and communicating with the intermediate chamber and
adapted to communicate with the generator, substantially as described.
7. An apparatus for producing carbureted water-gas, comprising a gas-generator
and fixing chamber, and a chamber provided with refractory material and inter-
mediate of the said generator and fixing chamber, a hydrocarbon mixing chamber
communicating with the gas generator for the admission of water-gas from the
said generator into said mixing chamber and with the said intermediate chamber
for the passage from said mixing chamber of a mixture of water-gas and hydro-
carbons, and a boiler communicating with the interior of the fixing chamber and
through which the gas fixed in the said fixing chamber is passed, substantially as
described.
8. An apparatus for producing carbureted water-gas, comprising a gas generator,
a fixing chamber, and an intermediate-chamber provided with refractory material,
a hydrocarbon mixing chamber communicating with the gas generator for the
admission of water-gas from said generator into said mixing chamber and with the
said intermediate chamber for the passage from said inixing chamber of a mixture
of water-gas and hydrocarbons, a boiler communicating with the interior of the
fixing chamber, and a feed-water heater for said boiler connected therewith to
afford a passage for the gas from the boiler, substantially as described.
9. An apparatus for producing carbureted water-gas, comprising a generator, a
fixing chamber, and an intermediate chamber, a hydrocarbon mixing chamber
connected to the gas generator for the admission of water-gas into said mixing
chamber and with the said intermediate chamber for the passage of water-gas and
hydrocarbons into the said intermediate chamber, a boiler communicating with
the interior of the fixing chamber, and a feed-water heater for said boiler connected
therewith to afford a passage for the gas from the boiler, a gas-delivery pipe for
said heater, and a branch escape-pipe connected to said gas-delivery pipe,
substantially as described.
10. An apparatus for producing carbureted water-gas, comprising a water-gas
generator, a fixing chamber provided with refractory material, a chamber provided
with refractory material and intermediate of the said fixing chamber and generator
and connected thereto for the passage of gas from the generator to the fixing
chamber, and a hydrocarbon mixing chamber containing refractory 'mixing
material and communicating with the gas-generator and with the intermediate
chamber, air-admission pipes connected to the said generator and fixing chamber
only, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
11. The improvement in the method of manufacturing carbureted water-gas,
which consists in the following steps, viz:-generating water-gas, passing the said
water-gas through a chamber containing refractory matrials and into which oils or
hydrocarbons of either heavy or light nature are admitted to effect a mixing of the
said water-gas and hydrocarbons, and thereby raise the temperature of said hydro-
carbons by the specific heat of the said water-gas and form a mixture of water-gas
and oils and hydrocarbons and vapors of same, the temperature of which mixture is
greater than that of the original oils or hydrocarbons and less than that of the
water-gas previous to the mixing described; passing the said mixture through a
chamber containing heated refractory materials to further raise the temperature of
it

page_text: the said mixture of water gas and oils; then passing the said mixture through a
chamber containing heated refractory materials to still further heat the said
mixture, and obtain a maximum temperature of the said mixture of water-gas and
hydrocarbons, then passing the said mixture of water-gas and hydrocarbons into
contact with materials heated to the boiling point of water, thence into contact
with materials heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water, and lastly
passing the said mixture through water, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
12. A water-gas apparatus comprising a separate carbureting or mixing chamber,
refractory material in said carbureting chamber, a communication from the
separate carbureting chamber to the fixing chamber, a generator provided with a
valve conduit leading to the fixing chamber, and valved pipe connections leading
from the top of the carbureting chamber to the generator, substantially as
described.
13. The improvement in the method of manufacturing carbureted water-gas,
which consists in the following steps, viz:-generating blast-gas, and internally
heating a chamber 'containing refractory material by passing said, blast-gas
through it; then generating water-gas, admixing water gas and oils or hydro-
carbons in a chamber containing baffling or refractory material located above and
communicating with said internally heated chamber for the gravitation of the
heavier hydrocarbons from the said mixing chamber into said internally heated
chamber, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
14. An apparatus for manufacturing carbureted water-gas, comprising a gas-
generator, a fixing chamber communicating therewith for the passage therethrough
of the gases created in said generator, a boiler or steam-generator, a gas-outlet-pipe
for the fixing chamber extended into and terminating within the said boiler to
leave a normally open end within the said boiler, a cover for the open end of the
gas-outlet-pipe normally removed therefrom but adapted to be secured thereto
gas-tight to permanently close said pipe, a valve in said gas-outlet-pipe
adapted to cut off the said boiler preparatory to securing the said cover in place,
a separate gas-outlet for the fixing chamber, and a valve to control said separate
gas-outlet, substantially as described.
15. An apparatus for manufacturing carbureted water-gas, comprising a gas-
generator, and a structure comprising a mixing chamber, a fixing chamber, and an
intermediate chamber, a pipe connection between the said generator and mixing
chamber, and an expansible and contractible pipe-connection between the said
generator and intermediate chamber substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
D. YOUNG & CO.,
11 & 12 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.