Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 7th Feb., 1888
Specification Accepted, 23rd Mar., 1888
I, OMAR HESTREN JEWELL, of Chicago, in the State of Illinois, United States of
America, Mechanical 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 :-
My invention relates to apparatus for purifying and filtering water, being adapted
more particularly for carrying on this process upon a large scale. My improvements
relate to an apparatus for performing the ordinary operation of filtering by which
substances held in suspension are caught and retained by the filtering body through
which the water passes. This apparatus is designed to operate with the water under
pressure, by which it is forced through the filter, and also includes means for readily
and thoroughly washing the filtering body while in the tank.
My invention also relates to the removal from water of substances which are held
in solution and the means for accomplishing this result constitute a main feature of
the improvements. It is well-known that ordinary processes for filtering are adapted
to remove only organic matter which is held in suspension. In some instances there
may be an additional slight chemical action, such as oxydization; but the main
purpose is to catch and hold suspended matter. Other substances are often present in
water, however, which are held in solution and cannot be removed by ordinary
filtering processes; at the same time they may be highly objectionable rendering
water unfit for use, either for drinking or mechanical purposes. These are generally
metal or mineral substances held in solution in the water, though some times the
point of saturation may be passed and the matter partially held in suspension. The
salt water of the ocean and other alkaline waters will be recognized at once as
illustrations of this description.
In order to remove such substances there must be chemical action, or rather
reaction, by which new and insoluble compounds are formed. Sometimes it is
sufficient simply to introduce into the water a suitable chemical reagent, which will at
once unite with the matter held in solution, forming an insoluble compound or
compounds, which will, of course, be removed by the ordinary subsequent process of
iltration. More frequently, however, this simple device will not effect the required
esult. The matter held in solution is of such a nature that it will not unite with the
eagent, unless there is decomposition, or, if any reaction does take place, it is so

page_text: limited as to be practically useless. I therefore submit the water to electrolytic
action and the appliances whereby such action is obtained form an important part of
my invention. These devices I prefer to apply directly to the filter, so as to effect
the decomposition within the filter, or as the water enters the latter. Of course the
reagents to be employed must be selected with reference to the substance or 5
substances in the water and are preferably introduced at some suitable point before
the water is submitted to electrolysis.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1 represents an apparatus for filtering only, which embodies my improve-
ments, the apparatus being shown in elevation, except the tank which is in vertical L
section.
Figure 2, a plan view of the same.
Figure 3, a plan section of the same, taken on the line 1.1 Figure 1.
Figure 4, a detail vertical section of one of the distributors at the bottom of the
tank through which water enters for washing; and
Figure 5 a plan section of the same, taken on the line 2, 2, of Figure 4; these two
last Figures being drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 6 represents another form of filtering apparatus, constructed for electrolytic
action in accordance with my invention, partly in elevation and partly in section, as
in figure 1; and
Figure 7, a detail section of an attachment thereto, employed when a gaseous
reagent is to be introduced.
Figure 8 represents a modified form of a filtering apparatus embodying my
improvements, adapted for uso either with or without an electrical appliance, portions.
of the tank being broken away.
Figure 9 a plan section of the same, taken on the line 3, 3, of figure 8; and
Figure 10, a detail showing a section of the inner chamber in the upper part of the
tank and the battery connection thereto.
A represents the tank of the filter, which as shown, is a cylinder, though it may be
any other convenient form, and is filled with gravel and sand, or any other filtering
material, up to about the line marked "sand line" in Figure 1. This tank is provided
with manholes, a, at one side thereof, one near the top and the other near the bottom,
through which access may be had to the interior for any purpose desired. In a large
structure for filtering a large quantity of water it will be necessary sometimes to
of the drawings, in which
strengthen the tank by braces a, as shown in Figure
these braces are seen attached respectively to the top and bottom of the tank and the
tank wall.
As already stated the water is to he forced into and through the filter; for this
purpose a pump B, may be used of any suitable construction, or any other forcing
device may be employed; and this pump bas a suction-pipe b, connected to it and
leading to the water supply. A feed pipe B, connects with the pump and extends
upward above the tank and then is bent so as to pass over and above the top of the
latter. A service pipe 61, extends downward from this horizontal portion of the feed
pipe and is tapped into the top of the tank, thereby providing an inlet for water into
the tank as it is forced by the pump through the pipe B'. A perforated plate a², is
suspended from the top of the tank just underneath the water inlet, which serves to
distribute the water over the surface of the filter bed and also to catch any large
particles which may come through the pipe. A pipe C, is arranged vertically within
the tank, its lower end being at the bottom of the latter and provided with any
suitable collector c, through which water is received into the pipe at the bottom of the
filter bed. This is the outlet or discharge pipe and extends up through the top of th
tank and thence to the horizontal portion of the feed pipe to which it is joined. Jus
above the tank it is provided with a horizontal branch c', which is intended for th
regular discharge and is provided with an ordinary valve c³, by which the outle
A pipe D, is tapped into th
through this branch may be opened or closed at will.
horizontal portion of the feed pipe, just beyond the bend, and is extended thence dow
through the top of the tank and inside the latter to the bottom thereof. Towards i
1

page_text: lower end it is bent inward horizontally, until it is carried in to about the centre of
the tank, when it is again bent downward. Smaller branch pipes d, are inserted in
the lower portion of this pipe D and extended outward radially therefrom to
different distances and thence bent downward, being connected at their lower
5 ends to cup distributors D', arranged on the bottom of the tank at suitable
distances apart and distributed over the entire area of the tank bottom.
The construction of these cups is shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings,
the bottom of the cup is solid, the body is of conical form and has a diaphragm d¹,
fixed to it and extending across the cup near its upper end. A hollow stem d², on
this diaphragmn extends upward above the top of the cup and the diaphragm outside of
this stem is perforated. A disc d³, is fitted loosely upon this stem and is constructed
just to fit within the upper end of the cup, leaving a small space between it and the
diaphragm. This disc is free to slide up and down on the stem and the latter is
threaded at its upper end, whereby the lower ends of the small pipes d, are connected
to it by means of a coupling collar d', which is suitably threaded to fit the threaded
ends of the respective pipes and stems of the cups. This pipe D is the wash pipe and
when the stream of water is forced by the pump down through this pipe, the water,
obviously, enters first the lower portion of the distributing cups, thence is forced
upward through the perforated diaphragm, and thence outward and upward through
the top of the cup, raising the sliding disc sufficiently for this purpose. This drives
the water outward in all directions in the filter bed, at the bottom of which are these
distributors, so that the entire area is renched by the water, which under continued
pressure, is forced upward through the entire filter bed and may he discharged
through the upper manhole in the tank, or any other suitable discharge opening.
The sliding discs, except when the operation of washing is going on, drop into the
top of the cups and provent the entrance of sand or other inatorial from the filter
bed, which would clog the discharge openings of the distributors. At the upper end
of the pipe D, where it joins the feed pipe a suitable seat d³, is provided for a conical
valve, which controls the inlet to this wash pipe. Between the wash pipe and the
inlet pipe there is located another valve, which is properly seated in a
diaphragm b, crossing the feed pipe diagonally. Between the inlet pipe and the
discharge pipe C, there is a valve 6, which with its sent, is substantially like tho
valve and its seat; and at the junction between the discharge pipo C and the feed
pipe a valve 6, is located similar to and seated like the valve b
If it is desired to use a chemical reagent, I provide a small tank or reservoir E, in
which the chemical may be prepared, or into which it may be introduced already
prepared. A small pipe e, connects the interior of this tank with the suction pipe b
of the pump, being provided with a suitable valve e', by which this passage may be
regulated. The action of the pump will draw in a portion of the contents of the
tank E through this pipe, which will be mixed with the water as it passes through the
pump and onward to the filter. The quantity of the reagent supplied is determined
by regulating the size of the opening in the tank pipe.
The filter shown in Figure 1 is also provided with a guago A', which is for the
purpose of indicating the water pressure, being connected to both the pump and the
filter tank. It need not be explained here as it does not form a part of my invention
and in fact may be used or not as desired.
In action, when the filter is ready for operation, the inlet to the wash pipe is
closed by the valve 6 and the valve 6 is opened; the valves 65 and 66 are both
closed and the valve in the service pipe is opened. It will be seen that there is
how a passage from the pump to the interior of the tank through the pipe and the
water will be forced into the tank and through the filtering bed, collected at tho
ottom thereof by the pipe C, and discharged through the pipe c'. Now, whenever it
desired to wash the filter, the valve c is closed; the valve is also closed and the
alve & oponed. The upper manhole must also be opened, or some other discharge
rovides for the wash water at the top of the tank. The water will now be forced by
o pump down through the wash pipo D into the bottom of the tank, where it will be
riven outward and upward through the distributing cups and up through the filter

page_text: bed loosening up the material of the latter and washing out all dirt that has been
collected. When the washing is completed the wash pipe is closed and the feed
pipe opened; but at first the valve 6 is opened, while cremains closed. The
discharge will then be up through the pipe C into the waste section of the feed pipe B¹
and out through the latter. This is for the purpose of carrying off the dirty water 5
that remains and when this is done the valve be is closed and opened for regular
service as before. The arrangement of the tank for chemicals so as to introduce the
reagent into the suction pipe before the water enters the pump, is of much advantage
for the disturbance of the water by the action of the pump, through which it passes,
thoroughly mixes the reagent with the water, which would not always be the case 1
if the reagent is introduced into a standing body or steadily flowing stream of
water.
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawings is constructed so as to obtain
electrolytic action if desired. All the main parts of this apparatus are like or
substantially like the corresponding parts shown in Figures 1 to 5 they are, therefore,
indicated by the same letters and will not be further described in this connection.
The filter tank A. in this instance is surmounted by a dome F, somewhat smaller in
cross-section than the tank and open at its bottom into the latter. In this dome are
arranged two electrodes, one of them is a hollow cylinder G, of zinc, the diameter of
which is slightly less than that of the dome, while its length is about the same as the
height of the latter. It is suspended from the top of the dome by bolts or rols g,
which are insulated from the dome itself by suitable insulators g₁ surrounding the
bolts. The cylinder does not extend quite to the top of the dome, a slight space being
left between it and the dome in all directions. The other electrode H, is a solid
cylinder of carbon and is of less diameter than the zinc electrode within which it is
arranged, being also suspended by bolts or rods h, from the top of the dome, which
are insulated from the latter by insulators h¹, similar to g'. The upper end of the
carbon electrode does not extend up quite even with that of the zinc and, as seen
in Figuro 6 of the drawings, it is arranged directly underneath the inlet pipe, which
delivers water into the filter.
An electric battery 1, or other electric generator of such power as may be
required, has its respective poles connected by wires i, , to the respective
electrodes Hand G, whereby current may be sent to one of the electrodes within tho
tank dome, through the electrolyte to the other electrode, the circuit being completed
by the wire thence to the battery.
Now, when water is delivered into the filter through the inlet pipe, it is obvious that
it flows upon and around the electrodes within the dome and, if the battery is applied,
electrolysis will take place and any chemical compounds held in solution in the water
will be decomposed. If the water has been previously charged with suitable reagents,
or the latter are introduced into the dome and properly mixed with the water, now
and insoluble compounds will be formed, simultaneously with the decomposition, by
chemical reaction between the said agents and the substance or substances set free by
electrolysis. As the water passes through the filter bed below the electrodes, the
insoluble matter thus produced is caught and retained in the filter bed, together with
any other substances present which the ordinary filtering process will remove.
It may be desirable, in some instances, to employ a receiver or gasometer, so as to
collect and retain a quantity of gas whenever the reagent to be used is of this nature
I have shown such an additional device in Figure 7 of the drawings, in which the
receptacle E is used as a generator and is connected by a suitable pipe j, with
receiver J, of any ordinary construction for the purpose of receiving, retaining and
delivering gas. Connection may be established by a pipe j, between this receive
and the suction pipe of the pump, or such other point as is selected for the introduction
of the reagent.
As an illustration of the action of this apparatus, I will describe its operation in
particular instance. Suppose it is desired to treat common salt water, common sal
is chloride of sodium and, of course, the decomposition effected by electrolysis wi
produce chlorine and sodium. The proper reagent in this case is carbonic acid ga

page_text: which should be present in excess, and which then unites with the sodium set free and,
by reason of the excess of the gas, forms an insoluble carbonate of soda that will be
caught by the filter bed through which the water subsequently passes. The chlorine
sei free naturally escapes from the water upon the first opportunity offered. The
carbonic acid gas may be generated in the receptacle E in any cheap way, if desired;
a well-known method is the treatment of chalk or lime stone with sulphuric acid and
the receptacle, as shown in the drawings, is adapted to this method.
In some instances, where the water is otherwise pure or is to be used for certain
purposes the method and apparatus described, may be used without filtering, the
insoluble compounds formed being precipitated and collected at the bottom of the
tank, in which the water is received. A change of electrodes in the treatment of
special waters may be necessary but any one familiar with chemistry will be able to
make such changes as will be necessary in this direction and also to select the required
reagents.
In figures 8 to 10 of the drawings, I have shown an apparatus with some modifica-
tions in construction and arrangement of devices, but the plan and mode of operation
are substantially the same as heretofore explained. In this modification the dome is
of the same diameter as the filter tank and the two are secured together by exterior
flanges, through which bolts are passed, as seen in Figure 8 of the drawings. The feed
pipe, instead of being carried up over the top of the dome is extended only to about the
top of the tank proper and is then carried across by the side of the tank. The pipes
which enter the tank are, therefore, at first horizontal and are then bent into the
vertical position which they are to occupy within the tank. The arrangement_of the
valves is also horizontal, as shown in Figures 8 and 9 of the drawings. In this
apparatus I have also shown a different construction and arrangement of electrodes
and of the device for delivering the water into the apparatus. Within the dome F is
a second cylinder chamber K, which is somewhat smaller than the dome in all its
dimensions. This inner cylinder is closed at the top, but open at the bottom, and is
suspended from the top of the dome by means of a bolt, or supported on the inlet
pipe, as will be described presently. This inner cylinder is one of the electrodes and
if suspended from the dome, as described, must be insulated therefrom. The inlet
pipe enters the tank horizontally, as seen in Figure 9 of the drawings, and is then
bent upward into a vertical direction and extended upward just into the open end of
the cylinder K. This pipe is surmounted by a somewhat larger pipe or hollow
cylinder L, which extends up within the chamber nearly to the top thereof. This
cylinder constitutes the other electrode and is supported upon the projecting
horizontal flange of a collar I, on the upper end of the inlet pipe. This collar be
attached to the pipe by screw threading the parts, as seen in figure 10 of the drawings,
or in any other suitable manner. A flanged sleeve l, of insulating material is arranged
between the cylinder L and the supporting collar 1. At the upper end of this small
inner cylinder I, there are several short rods or posts k, which are connected to the
top of the cylinder K and may be sufficiently strong to support the latter. Insulators k¹,
are arranged between these posts and the cylinder K, so that the inner electrode L
will be properly insulated therefrom.
may
A series of diaphragms M, of perforated metal, are arranged across the interior of
the cylinder K and around the smaller cylinder L. They are fastened to the cylinder K
or to the cylinder L or to both so as to be supported in proper position; but in either
case insulating material m, must be placed between their outer edges and the outer
cylinder, or between their inner edges and the inner cylinder, so that the latter may
be insulated from the former. The electrodes are made of material selected us specified
above. If zinc and carbon are employed, K should be of zinc and L of carbon. The
battery is connected to the rospective electrodes, the wires being passed through the
dome F for this purpose.
At these points obviously insulators f, must be inserted
through which the wires pass; and the latter must also be covered with insulating
material, at least within the dome, so that they will be insulated from the water through
which they pass to the respective electrodes. With this construction and arrangement
the water is delivered by the pump up through the inlet pipe b' and the interior hollow

page_text: electrode; it flows out at the upper end of the latter and flows down through the
several perforated diaphragms and electrolysis takes place if the battery is applied.
The operation of the apparatus, in other respects, will be understood from the
explanations already given of the devices, which are substantially the same, as in the
apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 7 and are indicated by the same letters as in the said
figures.
The devices for introducing reagents is also somewhat modified, as shown in
Figures 8 to 10 and two forms are illustrated, one for a liquid and the other for a
gascous substance. At the pump this device is shown adapted for use with a
fiquid. The reservoir tank E is connected to the suction pipe of the pump by the
pipe e, as already described, but this connecting pipe enters the lower portion of the
tank. A second pipe e, connects the upper portion of the tank with the discharge
chamber or discharge valve chamber of the pump, thereby providing for a supply of
water to the tank E from the pump. In order to regulate this supply, as required, a
valve e, is applied to the end of the pipe inside of the tank and a floate, is connected
to this valve. The float rests upon the surface of tho liquid within the tank and, as
the latter is drawn off by the action of the pump, the Hoat will turn the valve to
admit more water. It will be understood, of course, that the substance to be dissolved
by the water to form the necessary reagent is placed within the tank E. The pipe e²
is provided with a suitable stop valve e, to shut off communication with the pump
whenever desired.
For the purpose of illustration another tank N, is shown which is for a gaseous
substance. This tank is preferably dome shaped, so as to make a large chamber for
the gas in the upper part thereof. The feed pipe n, in this instance, enters the lower
portion of the tank but extends up on the inside of the latter nearly to the top, as
shown in dotted lines in Figure 8 of the drawings. This pipe is shown connected to
the feed pipe B₁ of the filter; but this connection is only for illustration as the
preferable connection is with the suction pipe of the pump. It is provided with a
regulating valve n¹, which may be supplied with an indicator n², if desired, to show
the degree of opening in the pipe. A second pipe n³, entors the lower portion of the
tank N and connects it directly with the water feed pipe B¹ at a point below the
junction of the pipe n. Water is supplied to the tank N through this pipe entering
at the bottom of the chamber. It gradually fills the chamber as the gas is drawn off,
thereby keeping the proper pressure upon this latter material. The pipo is supplied
with a stop valve nt, for opening and closing this connection as may be desired. It
will be understood that this device may be substituted for the one shown at the
pump and arranged accordingly, the devices being exchangeable according to the nature
of the reagent used.
Many modifications may be made in details of construction and arrangement in
carrying out of my invention, and I do not wish to be understood as limiting
myself to specify devices or constructions and arrangements of parts as herein shown
and described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it understood that
I claim :-
:-
First. A filter-tank, in combination with a pump, a feed pipe rising to the top of
the filter tank, a discharge pipe extending from the bottom of the tank up through the
latter, a wash pipe extending from the upper portion of the feed pipe down through
the filter to the bottom thereof, water distributors at the lower end of the wash pipe
under the filter bed, and a separate discharge opening in the upper part of the filter
for the escape of wash water, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Second. A filter tank A, in combination with the pump B, the feed pipe B¹
extending to the upper part of the tank proper and then bent horizontally, the
discharge pipe C extending from the bottom of the filter bed up through the tank and
out at the upper portion thereof, the wash pipe D extending from the upper portion
of the feed-pipe to the lower part of the filter bed and provided with water

page_text: distributors D¹ at its lower end, and the valves 6ª b³ 6º and 6ª, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
Third. The wash pipe D, in combination with water distributors D' cousisting of
cups provided with a fixed perforated diaphragm d³, a hollow stem d² and a sliding
disc cap or cover d³, arranged at the bottom of the filter tank and connected to the
wash pipe, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Fourth. A filter tank, in combination with a feed pipe, a pump for forcing water to
the tank through said pipe, and a tank or reservoir containing a chemical reagent and
connected by a suitable pipe with the suction pipe of the pump, substantially as and for
the purposes specified.
Fifth. A filter tank, in combination with a feed pipe, a pump for delivering water
through said pipe to the filter, a tank or reservoir for chemical reagents, a pipe
connecting said reservoir with a suction pipe of the pump to feed the said reagent
thereto, and a pipe connecting the said tank with the water supply, whereby water
may be furnished to the chemical tank as required, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
Sixth. A filter tank A. in combination with a feed pipe B¹, a pump B provided with
suction pipe b, a reservoir E for chemical reagents, a pipe e connecting the interior of
said reservoir with the suction pipe b, a pipe e connecting the discharge chamber
of the pump with the upper portion of the said reservoir, and a float valve at the
inner end of the pipe e within the said reservoir, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
Seventh. In an apparatus for purifying water, the combination, with suitable
electrodes and an electric generator, of a water tank or receptacle enclosing said
electrodes and provided with an inlet and outlet, whereby the water is subjected to
clectrolysis in passing through said tank or receptacle, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
Eighth. In an apparatus for purifying water, a filter tank containing a suitable
filtering medium and provided with inlet and outlet pipes, in combination with
electrodes arranged within the tank so that the inflowing water passes between them,
and an electric generator connected to said electrodes, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
Ninth. In an apparatus for purifying water, a filter tank, in combination with a
dome mounted upon the tank and communicating therewith, suitable electrodes arranged
within said dome, a water supply pipe opening into the dome and arranged to deliver
water between the electrodes, an outlet pipe for discharging water from the filter and
an electric generator connected to the electrodes, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
.
Tenth. In an apparatus for purifying water, a filter tank, in combination with the
electrodes arranged therein an electric generator connected to the electrodes,
a supply pipe for delivering water to the filter, and a tank or reservoir for
chemical reagents connected with the water supply, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
Eleventh. In an apparatus for purifying water, a filter-tank, in combination with
suitable supply and discharge pipes electrodes arranged within the tank, an electric
generator connected to said electrodes, a pump for delivering water to the receiver
and a reservoir for chemical reagents connected to the suction pipe of the pump,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.