IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF IRON AND STEEL FOR PROTECTING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE - SAME AND IN APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE SAID TREATMENT
Year: 1883

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Arthur of Cowes Isle of Wight Captain in the
11
Royal Navy for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF
IRON AND STEEL FOR PROTECTING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE
-
SAME AND IN APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE SAID TREATMENT."-
communicated to him from Joseph Pearson Gill a person resident in the City
County and State of New York in the United States of America
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Arthur at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 28th August 1883.
WILLIAM ARTHUR of Cowes Isle of Wight Captain in the Royal Navy
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF IRON AND STEEL FOR PROTECTING AND
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE SAME AND IN APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN
THE SAID TREATMENT" A Communication to him from Joseph Pearson Gill &
person resident in the City County and State of New York in the United States of
America
This Invention relates to the treatment of iron and steel and has for its principal
object the incorporation of the rustless principle into their Surfaces, producing a
non-corrosive surface capable of resisting the action of the elements, acids and salt
water and which withstands rough usage and the hammer stroke. By this
treatment the bulk of the articles is not increased and the quality of the articles is
not injured Iron articles are also toughened and strengthened.
The said Invention consists in certain improvements in the apparatus and in the
mode of the treatment of the materials within the apparatus all as hereinafter
fully set forth.
For the specific treatment of iron and steel surfaces, to render them non-corrosive,
by the use of superheated steam and hydro-carbou, the following apparatus is
employed A furnace is provided containing a muffle or retort or retorts, or closed
chamber or chambers from which the outside air and the products of combustion.
are excluded Beneath is the fire box of the furnace and there is a space or
.
CD 077

page_text: combustion chamber over the fire box in which the retort or muffle is placed.
There is a chamber located above the said space and a superheater is located in
this Chamber. A vaporizer is also located in the said chamber and there are flues
or pipes in the bottom of the retorts which flues open laterally into the retorts.
Flues lead from the bottom of the combustion chamber to the bottom of the
chamber above. The products of combustion from the fire in the fire box having
passed through the combustion chamber (thereby heating it) pass through the flues
into the upper chamber and heating it by passing through it, thence pass out by
uptake or chimney. Dampers are provided in the flues for regulating the draught
and also in the uptake or escape flue. There is a tank for containing oil or naptha
with a guage and graduated scalo and a pipe with a valve for delivering the oil
through a gas tight glass cylinder into a syphon pipe thence through a pipe and
branch pipe into the vaporizer or through another branch pipe into the retort or
muffle. In this case the oil or naphtha runs into the vapourizer or retort by
gravitation. There is also another similar oil tank with a guage and graduated
scale and a pipe (with a valve) rising to another gas tight glass cylinder. In this
case the oil is forced up by means of the pressure of air to the point from whence
it descends by gravitation to and through the pipe and thence to the vapourizer and
muflle. A pipe with automatic regulator valve and pressure guage is connected
with the steam generator and by another pipe with the superheater. There is also
a pipe or pipes with valves for conveying gases from holders or other sources of
supply under automatic regulation to and through the pipe to the superheater and
there is a further pipe with valves for conveying air from a pump or automatically
regulated forcing devico and receiver (such as those described in my application
for Letters Patent of even date with this) to the superheater. A branch pipe is
provided for conveying steam gas or air into the rotort.
When articles are to be treated for the production of a non-corrosive surface
they are to be suspended or laid on suitable supports in the muffle or retort; a
supporting frame, if light may be slid in on bars resting on the bottom of the
muflle, or if heavy, run in on a truck or movable platform on wheels or rollers or
on balls. The iron or steel articles before being placed in the retort or muffle, are
cleaned from external impurities in any suitable manner by washing friction or
pickling as may be required. The articles having been placed in the muflle and
brought to a red heat, hydrogen gas is admitted through the gas pipe through the
superheater into the muffle which removes from the surface of the iron any
remaining or acquired rust and other impurities thus preparing it for the efficient
action of the gases and vapours. The hydrogen being shut off there is then
admitted under one process, steam through the steam pipe superheater and
vapourizer and thence by a pipe and branch pipe into the muffle. Through the
action of this steam, the surface of the iron becomes coated with an oxide, in the
course of about 15 minutes naphtha or oil is admitted from one or other of the
tanks into the vapourizer and thence the commingled steam and vapor is conveyed
into the muffle the hydro-Carbon vapour acting upon the surface of the iron which
has become oxidized combines therewith forming a homogeneous surface which
resists the effects of atmospheric exposure or acid vapors or strong acids the
hardness and durability of the surface varies with the length of the treatment
which may vary to accomplish the result dosirod from a few minutes to soveral
hours. The steam and vapor may also be admitted simultaneously into the muffle.
A modified treatment is obtained by using the steam and hydro-Carbon vapours
alternately that is using the steam, first, then the vapor with the steam shut off
and then repeating the alternate use until. the desired surface is obtained or the
steam may be admitted into the superheating tube on the bottom of the muffle and
the oil may be admitted to the top of the mufllo and dropping on a sloping pan is
partly vaporized as it flows along it and the residuum dropping upon the heated
floor of the muffle as near the front.as will secure a rapid and perfect evaporation
the action of the superheated steam and hydro-carbon vapor by this latter method
is substantially the same as the one hereinbefore described. This method is adapted

page_text: to heavy work that does not require delicate treatment and also for the use of
heavy oils including oils containing nitrogen or nitrogeneous compounds as well as
mineral and other oils as the specific treatment may require and which oils require
a higher temperature for their evaporation and which are more apt to clog up small
pipes and vaporizers These heavy oils under a high temperature form a deposit of
Carbon in the muffle which in this Invention is utilized in combination with the
superheated steam to impart a protecting surface to the iron. Thus the lighter and
more volatile portion of the oils is used first and subsequently the heavier portion
which adds to the efficiency of the treatment and economises the use of the
materials. This method produces a homogeneous surface which is non-corrosive
withstands the action of acids and being also tough and adhesive resists concussion
and rough usage. Any waste gases from the treatment are conveyed by means of
a pipe which leads from the rear and bottom of the muffle into a main or trap
which is filled with water or other liquid up to the level of the escape pipe the
first named pipe dipping into the liquid sufficiently deep to cause a pressure in the
muffle and prevent a too rapid escape of the steam vapor or gas.
The muffle may extend through the rear wall of the furnace and be open at both
ends in this case the waste gas pipe is taken out of the bottom of the retort. This
form of muffle is useful for heavier articles of iron or steel which can be entered
and removed at the rear end. In case of operations where the escape of products
through the waste gas pipe or pipes is in large quantities the products may be
saved or utilized for heating purposes.
Air may also be introduced through the air pipe above referred to which air
passes through the superheaters becomes highly heated in the same manner as the
steam and is used for the same purpose viz to oxidise the surface of the iron, and
in combination with the hydro-carbon vapors as above stated to produce a non-
corrosive surface in a manner similar to that of the steam and hydro-carbon vapors.
The air is used with or without its combination with the steam simultaneously or
alternately with hydro-Carbon vapours. The air is used in this connection because
the action of the Agents in the muffle on the iron takes place in the presence of
nitrogen which is one of the constituents of the air and is useful in the treatment.
There is also introduced into the muffle through the gas pipe and thence through
the superheaters carbonic acid gas obtained by the methods described in the before
named application for Letters Patent of even date herewith or from other sources
for the purpose of oxidising the surface of the iron by imparting a portion of its
oxygen to it and subsequently carbonic oxide gas is admitted which by imparting a
portion of its Carbon to it forms a non-corrosive surface similar to that before
mentioned.
Carbonic acid gas is also used in combination with Steam and carbonic oxide
gas in combination with hydro-carbon vapors in modification of the foregoing
treatment.
I also treat the surface of iron and steel by the use of the gas produced by means
of air. The surfaces of the iron having been oxidised by means of the superheated
steam and carbonic acid gas the air gas charged with hydro-Carbon is admitted to
the muffle the gas being alternately applied until the proper surface has been
obtained and the air gas is also commingled with the superheated steam or carbonic
acid gas in this treatment the nitrogen contained in the air gas aiding to produce
the result required.
In the treatment of iron and steel there is employed a vaporizer or heating
jacket and a regulated supply tank substantially as hereafter described viz: There
is provided a tank or receiver for holding the hydro carbon liquid with a guage
and graduated scale for exhibiting the quantity of liquid used; there is a valve
for regulating the flow of the liquid and a gas tight glass cylinder for the purpose
of exposing the flow to view. A pipe is provided for conveying the liquid to the
top of a coil which must be of sufficient diameter and length to evaporate all the
liquid that is allowed to flow into it A drip box is provided for the purpose of

page_text: receiving any accidental overflow of liquid there being an outlet and valve for
drawing off the overflow when required. There is a pipe for conveying gas or air
to the coil a branch pipe and valve connecting the said pipe with the bottom of
the coil. A branch pipe and valve connects the said pipe with the drip box and a
pipe and valve connects the drip box-with the bottom of the coil. There is a pipe
leading from the upper part of the coil for conveying the commingled hydrocarbon
vapour and gas or air to the point of combustion or use the said pipe having a jet
photometer and a pressure guage and a burner for ascertaining the proportion of
the hydro-carbon vapour in the commingled gas or air and vapor Gas or air being
admitted to the coil or to the drip box if desired the liquid is allowed to flow from
the tank through the valve in the proportion required as indicated by the graduated
scale burner and jet photometer by opening or closing the valves and by means of
the graduated scale and jet photometer, any desired proportionate quantity of the
hydrocarbon vapour can be obtained and regulated. In case the boiling point of
the liquid used should be too great for natural evaporation the vaporizing coil is
enclosed in a steam jacket or case and also the discharge pipe is enclosed in a steam
pipe which is connected with the Jacket enclosing the coil. Steam allowed to
circulate therein assists in maintaining the temperature requisite for the vapori-
zation of the liquid. There is a thermometer for ascertaining the temperature of
the vapour By means of this vaporizer gas of low illuminating power, such as
hydrogen carbonic oxide or air gas, or air, take up on passing through the coil
such amount of hydrocarbon liquid as is admitted into it from the tank the
commingled gases and vapours then pass through the pipe to the superheaters
and muffle.
Thus the amount of Carbon used is varied and tlie consequent treatment of the
iron and steel in such manner as to meet the requirements of the special article
under treatment. These combined gases and vapours may pass through the super-
heater a vaporizer and thence into the muffle or they may pass by means of a
branch pipe direct to the muflle. The action of the nitrogen or the nitro-geneous
oils to which reference has heretofore been made is to impart to the iron or steel
an improved non-corrosive surface. It will be understood that the use of the
nitrogen or nitro-geneous oils is not always required but its employment in
the treatment of certain articles for specific uses is necessary in order to give the
particular surface required. The nitrogen or nitrogeneous oil may also be used as
a preliminary, treatment in certain cases to prepare the articles for final treatment
which is to give them a surface capable of resisting acids or other corrosive
substances.
In case the articles of iron and steel requiring treatment are not sufficiently pure
or in perfect condition to fully benefit by the treatment as hereinbefore described
the following described methods are: used whereby any deteriorated or imperfect
articles are restored to a serviceable condition as a preparation for said treatment.
As a special application of the methods above referred to for the restoration and
treatment of articles of iron I use apparatus similar to that hereinbefore described
under the following treatment. The articles of iron having been placed in the
muffle and having been brought to a low red heat, omitting the steam oil is
admitted from one or other of the tanks into the top of the mufile as hereinbefore
described, at the same time nitrogen is introduced through the pipe and branch
pipe into the bottom of the mufile by which means the hydro-carbon vapour acts
upon the iron in the presence of nitrogen or in lieu of pure nitrogen there is
admitted into the muffe, air gas produced in the mannor hereinbefore mentioned
and of low illuminating power which being without free oxygen operates in the
same manner as pure nitrogen. Or in some cases the air gas alone is used charged
with a proper quantity of suitable bydro carbons. One of the effects produced by
the foregoing treatment is, the conversion of an old deteriorated crystallised
wrought iron into a fibrous iron giving it greater strength and ductility. The
article thus produced differs both in appearance and in quality from any heretofore
produced so far as I am aware

page_text: This complete product may be given a non corrosive surface if desired by means
of the processes hereinbefore described.
There is used in the treatment of iron surfaces a closed muffle from which the
products of combustion are excluded, in preference to an open hearth or chamber
for the reason that the operations can be conducted with greater accuracy and
with greater certainty of result. The articles treated in the said muffle for the
production of non corrosive surfaces vary in color after treatment from a lights
purple to dark shades or black. In order to modify the colour the articles are
withdrawn while hot from the muffle and plunged into a bath of oil in which they
are allowed to cool. A black colour may thus be obtained which is capable of a.
brilliant polish. This bath also has a tendency in some cases, as for instance when
steel is treated, to improve the temper of the articles treated. Any oil or tempering
compound may be used, but in many cases oils containing nitrogen or nitrogen and
carbon compounds are preferable.
The joint action of the Carbon and oxygen on the articles treated produces a
change in the metal, from the surface in ward the amount of change in the material
being greatest at the surface and gradually diminishing towards the centre. This:
leaves the texture or fibre homogeneous and continuous in contra-distinction to a
surface composed of film or scale. The Surface is formed in the material itself and
not upon.it

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
•
by the said William Arthur in the Patent Office on the 28th February 1884.
WILLIAM ARTHUR of Cowes Isle of Wight Captain in the Royal Navy
"IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF IRON AND STEEL FOR PROTECTING AND
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF THE SAME AND IN APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED IN 5
THE SAID TREATMENT" a communication to me from Joseph Pearson Gill a person
resident in the City County and State of New York in the United States of
America
This Invention relates to the treatment of iron and steel and has for its principal
object the incorporation of the rustless principle into their surfaces producing a
non-corrosive surface capable of resisting the action of the elements acids and salt
water and which withstands rough usago and the hammer stroke. By this
treatment the bulk of the articles is not increased and the quality of the articles is
not injured. Iron articles are also toughened and strengthened. The said Invention
consists in certain Improvements in the apparatus and in the mode of the treatment 1
of the materials within the apparatus all as hereinafter fully set forth.
The apparatus is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which :-
Figure 1 is a vertical transverse section of the bench but shewing certain of the
pipes in position. Figures 2 and 3 are longitudinal sectious drawn to a smaller scale..
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section shewing the flues. Figure 5 is a side view of a 2
vapourizing apparatus. Figures 6 and 7 represent the heating jacket as applied
respectively to the pipe and coil.
For the specific treatment of iron and steel surfaces to render them non-corrosive
by the use of super-heated steam and hydro-carbon, according to this Invention-
the following apparatus is employed.
Referring more especially to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings A is a furnace
containing à muffle or retort or closed chamber C or it may be several such muffles
retorts or closed chambers from which the outside air and the products of
combustion in the furnace are excluded. B is the fire box of the furnace. Qis
the space or combustion chamber over the fire-box B in which space or chamber
the retort or muffle C is placed. E is a chamber situated above the space Q. Fis
a superheater and G is a vapourizer both in the chamber E. D are flues or pipes
in the bottom of the retort C which flues open laterally into the said retort at a
point P, as shown in Figure 4. k k are flues leading from the bottom of the
combustion chamber Q to the bottom of the chamber E. The products of
combustion from the fire in the fire box B, having passed through the chamber Q
and heated it, pass through the flues e le into the upper chamber E and heating it.
by passing through it thence pass away by the up-take or chimney K. o o nro
dampers in the flues kk for regulating the draught, 2 (figures 2 and 3) are also
dampers in the uptake or chimney K. T (figure 1) is a tank for containing oil or
naphtha with a glass gauge and graduated scale t. II is a pipe with a valve for
delivering the oil through the gas-tight glass cylinder h. into the syphon pipe r
thence through the pipe e and through the branch pipe finto the vapourizer Gor
through the branch pipe g into the retort or muffle C. In this case the oil or
naphtha runs into the vapourizer or retort by gravitation. I is a similar oil tank
with a glass gauge and graduated scale; is a pipe (with valve) rising to the Gas
tight glass cylinder j. In this case the oil is forced up the pipe by means of the.
pressure of air and descends by gravitation to and through the pipe e and thence
to the vapourizer and muffle. o is a pipe (with automatic regulator valve and.
pressure gauge) connected with the steam generator and with a pipe p and thence
{

page_text: with the superheater F. b is a pipe or pipes with valves for conveying gases from
holders or other sources of supply under automatic regulation to and through the
pipe p to the superheater F. a is a pipe with valves for conveying air from a
pump or automatically regulated forcing device and receiver (such as those described
and shewn in the Specification of Letters Patent N° 4138 dated 28th August 1883
and granted to me the said William Arthur) to the superheater F. d is a branch
pipe for conveying steam, Gas, or air into the retort C.
When articles are to be treated for the production of a non-corrosive surface
they are to be suspended or laid on suitable supports in the muffle or retort C, A
supporting frame, if light, may be slid in on bars resting on the bottom of the
muffle, or, if heavy, run in on a truck or moveable platform on wheels or rollers or
on balls. The iron or steel articles, before being placed in the retort or muffle are
cleaned from external impurities in any suitable manner, by washing friction or
pickling, as may be required. The articles having been placed in the muffle and
brought to a red heat hydrogen gas is admitted through a pipe (b) through the
super heater F and through D into the muffle C, which removes from the surface
of the iron any remaining or acquired rust and other impurities thus preparing it
for the efficient action of the gases and vapours. The hydrogen being shut off,
there is then admitted (under one process) steam through the pipe c superheater F
vapourizer G pipe 7 and branch pipe m into the muffle. Through the action of
the steam the surface of the iron becomes coated with an oxide, in the course of
about fifteen minutes: Naphtha or oil is admitted from the tank T or I through
the pipe e and the branch pipe finto the vapourizer G and thence the commingled
steam and vapour is conveyed through the pipe and branch pipe m into the muffle.
The hydro carbon vapour acting upon the surface of the iron which has become
oxidized combines therewith, forming a homogeneous surface which resists the
effects of: atmospheric exposure or acid vapours or strong acids. The hardness
and durability of the surface varies with the length of the treatinent which may
vary to accomplish the result desired from a few minutes to several hours. The
steam and vapour may also be admitted simultaneously into the muffle C.
A modified treatment is obtained by using the steain and hydro-carbon vapours
alternately that is, using the steam first then the vapour with the steam shut off.
and then repeating the alternate use until the desired surface is obtained; or the
steam may be admitted through the branch pipe n into the super-heating tube D
on the bottom of the muffle and the oil or naphtha may be admitted through the
branch pipe g in the top of the muffle and dropping on the sloping pan h (shewn
in figures 2 and 3) is partly vapourized as it flows along it and the residuum drops
upon the heated floor of the muffle as near the front as will secure a rapid and
perfect evaporation. The action of the superheated steam and bydro carbon
vapour by this latter method is substantially the same as the one herein before
described, but this method is adapted to heavy work that does not require delicate
treatment, and also for the use of heavy oils, including oils containing nitrogen or
nitrogéneous compounds (or such other heavy mineral and other oils as may be
used) which oils require a higher temperature for their evaporation and which are
more apt to clog up the small pipes and vapourizers. These heavy oils under a
high temperature form a deposit of Carbon in the muffle which in the exercise of
this Invention is utilized, in combination with the superheated steam to impart
a protecting surface to the iron. Thus the lighter and more volatile portion of the
oils is used first and subsequently the heavier portion which adds to the efficiency
of the treatment and economizes the use of the materials. This method produces
a homogeneous surface which is non-corrosive withstands the action of acids and
being also tough and adhesive, resists concussion and rough usage. Any waste
gases from the treatment are or may be conveyed by means of the pipe N (figures 2
and 3) which leads from the rear and bottom of the muffle into a main or trap O
which is filled with water or other liquid up to the level of the escape pipe S.
The pipe N dips into the liquid sufficiently deep to cause a pressure in the muffle,
and prevent a too rapid escape of the steam, vapour, or gas.
.

page_text: Figure 3 shows a longitudinal section of the furnace in which the muffle C
extends through the rear wall M. of the furnace and is open at both ends. In this
case the pipe N is taken out of the bottom of the retort as shewn. This form of
muffle is useful for heavier articles of iron or steel which can be inserted and
removed at the rear end. In case of operations where the escape of products
through the pipe or pipes N is in large quantities, the products may be saved or
utilized for heating purposes. The retorts or muftles C will of course in all cases be
securely closed by doors at the end or ends.
Air may also be introduced through the pipe a (Figure 1) which passing through
the superheater F and through D becomes highly heated in the same manner as
the steam and is used for the same purpose namely for the purpose of oxidizing
the surface of the iron, and in combination with the hydro-carbon vapours, as
herein before described to produce a non-corrosive surface in a manner similar to
that of the action of the steam and hydro-carbon vapours. The air is used with
or without its combination with the steam simultaneously or alternately with
hydrocarbon liquid. The air is used in this connection because the action of the
agents in the inuffle on the iron takes place in the presence of nitrogen which is
one of the constituents of the air and is useful in the treatment.
There is also introduced into the muffe through the pipe b and theuce through
the superheaters carbonic acid gas, obtained by the methods described in the
specification of my before named application for Letters Patent or from other
sources for the purpose of oxidizing the surface of the iron. by imparting a portion
of its oxygen to it, and subsequently carbonic oxide gas is admitted which by
imparting a portion of its carbon to it forms a non corrosive surface similar to that
before mentioned.
Carbonic acid Gas is also used in combination with steam and Carbonic oxide
gas in combination with hydrocarbon vapours in modification of the foregoing
treatment.
The surface of iron and steel is also treated by the use of the gas produced by
means of air for example as described in the Specification of Letters Patent N° 916
granted to me and dated February 20th 1883-and as described in the Specification
of my before mentioned Letters Patent N° 4138 in the year of our Lord 1883. The
surfaces of the iron having been oxidized by means of the super heated steam and
carbonic acid gas the air gas charged with hydro carbon is admitted through the
pipe b to the muffle C the gas being alternately applied until the proper surface.
has been obtained and the air gas is also commingled with the super-heated steam
or carbonic aoid gas in this treatment, the nitrogen. contained in the air gas aiding
to produce the result required.
In the treatment of Iron and steel by this means there are employed a
vapourizer, a heating jacket, and a regulated supply tank, substantially as herein-
after described with reference to Figure 5. T is a tank or receiver for holding the
hydro-carbon liquid, t is a glass guage and graduated scale for exhibiting the quantity
of liquid used, is a valve for regulating the flow of the liquid through the pipe H.
is a gas tight glass cylinder for the purpose of exposing the flow to view, is a
pipe for conveying the liquid to the top of a coil P which must be of sufficient
diameter and length to evaporate all the liquid that is allowed to flow into it..
pis a drip box for the purpose of receiving any accidental overflow of liquid..
23 is an outlet and valve for drawing off the overflow when required, a³ is a pipe:
for conveying gas or air to the coil P. P2 is a branch pipe and valve connecting
the pipe a² with the bottom of the coil P. a³ is a branch pipe and valve connecting
the pipe a with the drip-box p. p is a pipe and valve connecting the drip-box p.
with the bottom of the coil P. P is a pipe for conveying tho commingled hydro-
carbon vapour and gas or air to the point of combustion or use. n* is a jet
photometer. s is a pressure gunge and g is a burner for ascertaining the
proportion of the hydro-carbon vapour in the commingled gas or air and vapour.
Gas or air being admitted to the coil P through the pipe a and branch pipe Pa or
to the drip-box by the branch pipe a³ if desired, the liquid is allowed to flow from.

page_text: the tank T2 through the valve t³ in the proportion required as indicated by the
graduated scale t, burner q, and jet photometer n*. By opening. or closing the
valves ts and by means of the graduated scale and jet photometer any desired.
proportionate quantity of the hydro-carbon vapour can be obtained and regulated.
In case the boiling point of the liquid used should be too great for the -natural
evaporation the vaporizing coil is enclosed in a steam jacket or case, P5, as shewn
in figure 7. and also the discharge pipe P is enclosed in a steam pipe, P, as shewn
in figure 6 which is connected with the jacket enclosing the coil. Steam allowed.
to circulate therein, assists in maintaining the temperature requisite for the
vapourization of the liquid. P³ is a thermometer for ascertaining the temperature
of the vapour. By means of this vapourizer gas of low illuminating power-such
as hydrogen carbonic oxide, or air-gas, or air,-take up on. passing through the
coil P. such amount of hydrocarbon liquid as is admitted into it from the
tank T. The commingled gases and vapours then pass through the pipe P* and
thence by the pipe b figure 1 to the superheater and muffle. Thus the amount of
carbon used is varied (and the consequent treatment of the iron and steel) in such
manner as to meet the requirements of the special article under treatment. These
combined gases and vapours may pass through the super heater and vapourizer and.
thence into the muffle C, or they may pass by means of the branch pipe d direct to
the muffle. The action of the nitrogen or the nitrogeneous oils, to which reference
has heretofore been made is to impart to the iron or steel an improved non-corrosive
surface. It is to be understood that the use of the nitrogen or nitrogeneous oils is
not always required but its employment in the treatment of certain articles for
specific uses is necessary in order to give the particular surface required. The
nitrogen or nitrogeneous oil may also be used as a preliminary treatment in certain
cases to prepare the articles for final treatment which is to give them a surface
capable of resisting acids or other corrosive substances.
In case the articles of Iron and steel requiring treatment are not sufficiently pure
or in perfect condition to fully benefit by the treatment as herein before described
the following described methods are used whereby any deteriorated or imperfect
articles are restored to a serviceable condition as a preparation for said treatment.
As a special application of the methods above referred to for the restoration and
treatment of articles of iron, apparatus similar to that shewn in Figure 1 as
herein before described is used under the following treatment: The articles of iron.
having been placed in the muffle C and having been brought to a low red heat
omitting the steam, oil is admitted from the tank T or I through the branch pipe g
into the top of the muffle as herein before shown at the same time nitrogen is
introduced through the pipe b and branch pipe d into the bottom of the muffle C
by which means the hydro carbon vapour acts upon the iron in the presence of
nitrogen; or in lieu of pure nitrogen there is admitted through the pipes b and d
into the muffle C air gas produced in the manner hereinbefore mentioned and of
low illuminating power, which, being without free oxygen, operates in the same
manner as the pure nitrogen; or in some cases the air gas alone, is used charged
with a proper quantity of suitable hydro carbon. One of the effects produced by
the foregoing treatment is the conversion of an old deteriorated crystallised
wrought iron into a fibrous iron having great strength and ductility.
This complete product may be given a non-corrosive surface, if desired, by means
of the processes hereinbefore described.
For the treatment of iron surfaces a closed muffle from which the products of
combustion are excluded is used in preference to an open hearth or chamber, for the
reason that the operations can be conducted with greater accuracy and with greater
certainty of result. The articles after treatment in the said muffle for the produc-
tion of non-corrosive surfaces vary in colour, from a light purple to dark shades, or
black. In order to modify the colour, the articles are withdrawn, while hot, from
the muffle and plunged into a bath of oil, in which they are allowed to cool. A
black colour may thus be obtained which is capable of a brilliant polish. This
bath also has a tendency in some cases (as for instance, when steel is treated) to

page_text: improve the temper of the article treated. Any oil or tempering compound may be
used; but in many cases oils containing nitrogen or nitrogen and carbon compounds
are proferable.
The joint action of the carbon and oxygen on the articles treated produces a
change in the metal from the surface inward, the amount of change in the material
being greatest at the surface and gradually diminishing towards the centro. This
leaves the texture or fibre homogeneous and continuous, in contra-distinction to a
surface comprised of film or scale. In other words the improved surfaces is according
tothis Invention formed in the material itself and not upon it.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original
and therefore claim as the invention secured to me by the herein before in part
recited Letters Patent is:—
First In apparatus for treating iron and steel a furnace containing a closed
muffle retort or chamber within the combustion space but not communicating there-
with, in combination with a chamber: located preferably above, containing a
superheater and vapourizer, Bues from the lower to the upper chamber, whereby
the products of combustion are transmitted, supply tanks for the hydro carbon
and pipes for steam, air, and gas from suitable sources, the parts being combined
substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
Second-The process of treating iron or steel in a closed chamber with or
without pressure, consisting in introducing steam and hydro carbon vapour in
regulated quantities, simultaneously or in succession, to the iron or steel articles
in said chambers, substantially as described and for the purpose hereinbefore set
forth.
Third In combination with the described closed chamber for treating iron and
steel, a discharge pipe N, for the gases or vapours, and a trap, O, to regulate the
flow of the gases or vapours, and to maintain the pressure in the chamber, all
substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 2 and
3 of the accompanying drawings.
Fourth: In combination with a closed chamber for the treatment of iron or
steel a coil P, a supply pipe a² for the gas or air, a drip box p and pipes connecting
it to the coil; a tank for the oil, with adjustable outlet, a jet photometer, a burner
and pressure guage and pipe P for connection with the aforesaid closed chamber,
whereby the amount of hydrocarbon may be varied, all being constructed, connected,
or combined for operation substantially in the manner hereinbefore described with
reference to Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings and for the purpose herein-
before set forth.
Fifth The process of treating iron or steel in a closed chamber by subjecting
the iron or steel to the action of hydrocarbon vapour and nitrogen, supplied inde-
pendently or together, in regulated quantities, substantially as described and for the
purpose hereinbefore set forth.
Sixth The process of treating iron or steel in order to give it a non corrodible
surface consisting in subjecting the iron or steel to the vapour of nitrogeneous oils
in a closed chamber at a low red heat and then treating the said iron or steel in a
closed chamber in the presence of heat with bydrocarbon vapour and an oxydizing
agent, substantially as hereinbefore described."
Seventh-The process of treating iron or steel consisting in first oxydizing the
said iron or steel and then submitting it to the action of a regulated supply of
hydrocarbon vapour in a closed chamber, as herein before described
Eighth-The process of treating iron or steel in a closed chamber in the presence
of steam, by diffusing and evaporating in part the hydrocarbon oil as it flows into
the chamber causing the residuum to evaporate from the floor whereby the light
products are caused to act first with the steam, and utilizing the deposit of carbon

page_text: left in the retort in subsequent treatment, substantially in the manner and for the
purpose herein described.
Ninth In combination with a closed chamber for treating iron or steel the
employment of a sloping pan or plate h arranged beneath the end of a supply pipe g
and adapted to diffuse the hydrocarbon oil and spread it as it flows towards the
bottom in combination with the flue D through which steam is conveyed into the
said closed chamber whereby the hydrocarbon oil is more fully vaporized and
diffused substantially in the manner and for the purpose hereinbefore described and
illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
Tenth The described article of iron and steel having a practically non-
corrodible surface, formed by oxygen and carbon combined with the iron, such
surface being formed in the metal, without film or scale, substantially as herein-
before described.
It will be understood that air and carbonic acid gas may be used in whole or in
part, in the place of steam, and are included as equivalents in this respect in the .
process described; also that carbonic oxide gas carburetted hydrogen gas, and fixed
air gas may be used for the hydrocarbon vapours without departing from the spirit
of the Invention.
In witness whereof I the said William Arthur have to this my Specification set
my hand and seal this twenty-sixth day of February One thousand eight hundred.
and eighty four.
Signed Sealed and delivered by
the said William Arthur In the
presence of
HO DAMANT
Solicitor
WILLIAM ARTHUR. (L.S.)
Cowes.