IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF GASES AND VAPOURS FOR HEATING AND ILLUMINATING PURPOSES AND OTHER PURPOSES AND IN THE APPARATUS " TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN
Year: 1883

page_text: ETTERS PATENT to William Arthur of Cork Street in the County of
Middlesex Captain in the Royal Navy for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF GASES AND VAPOURS FOR HEATING
AND ILLUMINATING PURPOSES AND OTHER PURPOSES AND IN THE APPARATUS
"
TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN Communicated to him from Joseph Pearson Gill
a person resident at 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 20th February 1883.
WILLIAM ARTHUR of Cork Street in the County of Middlesex Captain in the
Royal Navy "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF GASES
AND VAPOURS FOR HEATING AND ILLUMINATING PURPOSES AND OTHER PURPOSES
AND IN THE APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN a communication to me
from Joseph Pearson Gill a person resident at the City County and State of New
York in the United States of America
"
This Invention relates to Improvements in and apparatus for the manufacture
or production of Gases and Vapours for lighting heating or other purposes as
hereinafter described.
According to the said Invention an automatic arrangement is provided for the
production of heating Gas by regulating the supply of water and of the Steam
generated therefrom to a super-heater and thence to a vapourizer in which a liquid
hydro-carbon is automatically delivered, the combined vapours being thence
conveyed to a heated retort and therein converted into a fixed non-illuminating
gas which when used for domestic purposes is conveyed by suitable connections to
a holder which when full automatically suspends the manufacture.
Or there may be provided an automatic arrangement for the production of
heating gas by regulating the supply of Steam from a boiler to a drier, thence to a

page_text: super-heater, thence to a vapourizer in which a liquid hydro-carbon is automatically
delivered, the combined vapours being thence conveyed to a heated retort and
therein converted into a fixed non-illuminating gas which when used for domestic
purposes is conveyed by suitable connections to a holder which when full
automatically suspends the manufacture.
The Invention also provides an automatic arrangement for the production of
illuminating gas in a fixing retort by the use of non-illuminating gas manufactured
by means of an apparatus similar to that herein before last mentioned for which
purpose also the apparatus hereinbefore first described may be employed when only
one fire is used.
The Invention relates also to improvements in the construction of a gas furnace
whereby the heating surface and capacity for Gas production is increased and also
to retorts or heaters and a needle-valve.
In carrying out the first mentioned part of the Invention a furnace is provided
for the manufacture of heating gases by the decomposition of super-heated Steam.
With the furnace a water-pipe is used for the admission of water in regulated
quantity into a Syphon-pipe and thence into a U shaped chamber or retort for its
conversion into Steam, the said retort being placed in one of the lower horizontal
flues of the furnace or in such other part as may be most convenient, the Steam
passes through a pipe into a second U shaped retort where it is super-heated, the
super-heated steam passing through a pipe into the retort (preferably at the lower
part and at each side thereof) in which it is decomposed into a fixed Gas by means
of a solid or fluid hydro-carbon, the gas is thence conveyed by means of a pipe
into a gas holder. When the liquid hydro-carbon is used a tank containing naphtha
or other liquid hydro-carbon is employed and a syphon and pipe are employed to
convey the liquid to the vapourizer where it commingles with the super-heated
steam the commingled vapours passing into the heated retort as aforesaid.
water-pipe there is a valve having a lever which is preferably attached to a line
or chain passing over a wheel or pulley and having a weight on its two ends that
on the side at which the said valve is placed being the heavier. When the top of
the holder is below this heavier weight the said weight and the lever are at their
lowest point and the valve is wide open_and_will then admit just the maximum
quantity required by the furnace.
On the
As the holder becomes full, it raises the said weight and the lighter weight falls
and raises the lever when the valve is closed and no more water can enter the
furnace until the holder descends and allows the heavier weight to fall and the
valve to open.
The water-pipe has also a valve to regulate the quantity of water passing through
the pipe.
Preferably a needle-valve is used where a small quantity of water is required
but any other suitable valve may be used-This valve is operated by a flexible
diaphragm in a regulator, which diaphragm may be weighted by weights or by a
spring so as to give and maintain any pressure required. Steam is admitted under
the diaphragm through a pipe leading from the pipe which connects with the
retort in which the Steam is made. If the pressure in the first named pipe exceeds
that fixed by the weights the diaphragm rises and partially closes the needle-valvo
and less water is admitted into the Steam generator-If the pressure in the said
pipe falls below the proper limit the Diaphragm descends and opens the needle-
valve, allowing a large quantity of water to flow into the Steam generator. In
place of the flexible diaphragın any suitable regulator may be used. In the said
Deedle shaped valve instead of a flat circular disc to fit in the seat of the valve as
in the common globe valve, the needle point is used to fit in an opening of small
diameter. The pipe to the retort in which Steam is made has attached to it a
safety valve to permit the escape of the steam when in excess. The syphon pipe
is of sufficient length to hold water enough to provent the escape of steam through
it. The said pipes have valves and there is also a valve on the outlet from the
retort in which Steam is made, which valve permits the escape of Steam when it

page_text: is not required for use.-There is a pressure guage by which the pressure in the
pipe from the Syphon may always be ascertained.
The pipe connecting the retort in which Steam is made with that in which it is
superheated has a regulating reducing valve by which the pressure in the pipe is
maintained at a uniform given point; or Steam is shut off in case of stoppage.
The said valve has a flexible diaphragm under which Steam is admitted by a
special steam pipe from the main steam pipe.-There is also a valve on the main
Steam pipe which valve through the action of the Steam passing through the
aforesaid special Steam pipe and of the diaphragm admits the quantity of Steam
to the main Steam pipe to maintain the pressure therein at any point required.
Instead of the diaphragm a cylinder with a piston may be used. In the said main
or connecting Steam pipe is a small valve which will, with the pressure in the pipe,
admit the exact amount of Steam required into the retorts. On the pipe, which
conducts the superheated Steam to the furnace, there is a pressure guage and an
outlet and a valve to permit the escape of Steam when it is not required in the
decomposing retort. Water is admitted into the water-pipe from a reservoir and is
discharged from it into the syphon pipe.
The tank containing naphtha or other hydro-carbon liquid for supplying the
decomposing retort with vapour is provided with a syphon and pipe for conveying
the naphtha into the vapourizer where it becomes vapourized and commingled with
the super-heated Steam and also with a regulating valve, preferably a needle valve.
There is also a regulator with a flexible diaphragm which is operated by the Steam
pressure in the apparatus, the movement of which diaphragm governs the movemont
of the valve and thus automatically regulates the supply of naphtha to the vapourizer.
The commingled super-heated Steam and hydro-carbon vapour thence pass into
the decomposing retort and are therein converted into a fixed gas which is thence
conveyed to the gas holder-By means of the two regulators on the water and
liquid hydro-carbon supply pipes, each being simultaneously operated by the
pressure of the Steam generated from the water supplied, the relative proportion
between the water and the hydro-carbon liquid having been fixed is automatically
and invariably maintained. Whenever the use of the hydro-carbon liquid is omitted
in the manufacture of non-illuminating gas the regulating device on the Steam
pipe or its equivalent is attached to the water supply pipe, the regulator being
operated by means of the pressure of the water in the same manner as the steam
regulator is operated by the pressure of the Steam.
In place of the U shaped retorts a small pipe inside a large one or a D shaped
retort with a pipe in it for an outlet or a double retort; or any kind of super-
heating apparatus may be used which may be put in any convenient place or places
in the bench.
When the shaped retorts or other retorts or superheating apparatus are placed
in the lower horizontal flues of the furnace the flues are constructed in the following
manner in order to heat them more effectually.
The retort rests upon fire-clay blocks, there being spaces between them for the
circulation of the draught. There is a longitudinal flue under the blocks opening
into a space next to the rear wall of the bench leading to the uptake or escape flue
of the bench. The brick wall between the uptake and the said space is carried
below the bottom of the blocks to compel the circulation of the heat through the
flues before it escapes into the uptake. The said longitudinal flue is narrowed
under the blocks to form a support therefor. Between the said blocks the sides of
the flue are made sloping. This arrangement prevents the accumulation of ashes
or dust and enables cleaning out through a stopper in front of the bench to be
readily effected.
According to a modification a boiler is employed having a steam pipe connecting
the boiler with the super-heaters in the furnace. The gas holder valve lever cord
or chain and weights are used in the same manner when Steam from a boiler is
employed in the production of Gas as when water is employed as hereinbefore
described.

page_text: The Steam pipe has a regulating reducing valve for the purpose of maintaining
a uniform given pressure in the requisite section of the pipe. There is also a small
valve, the opening of which is just large enough with a given pressure in the said
Section to pass the maximum quantity of Steam that can be decomposed in the
decomposing retort and pressure guages are also provided by which the pressure
of the Steam in the pipes may always be known. In this modification the first
retort may be used for drying the steam before it passes into the second U shaped
retort.
By means of the two regulators on the Steam and liquid hydro-carbon supply
pipes, each being operated by the pressure of the Steam supplied, the relative
proportion of the Steam and the hydro-carbon liquid having been fixed is
automatically and invariably maintained.
When an illuminating gas or a Vapour for lighting and heating is made from a
hydro-carbon liquid without the use of Steam, the flexible diaphragm in the
regulator on the supply pipe or an equivalent device is operated by the pressure in
the Vapourizer or retort and thus the supply of the liquid is automatically regulated
and maintained.
If desired there may be provided a supplemental retort and apparatus for
supplying an additional increment of Hydro-carbon vapour to the Gas after it has
been fixed in retorts and apparatus such as have been previously described.―In
this case the Steam passes into the Super-heater, thence through pipes together
with the hydro-carbon liquid (coming from the tank) into the retorts where they
are decomposed into a fixed gas which passes to the pipe in which it meets the
liquid hydro-carbon coming from the tank and the gas combining with the liquid
passes into the vapourizer and thence into the last retort in which a fixed
illuminating gas is made.
Instead of a fluid, a solid hydro-carbon such as anthracite coal or a similar
substance may be used in the first retorts. By this combination one fire is made
to do all the work, the superheaters non-illuminating gas retorts vapourizers and
carburetting retorts being in one furnace.
The water reservoir, water supply pipe and regulating apparatus and the Steam
generator as described with regard to the first arrangement may be used instead of
the boiler Steam supply pipe and Steam regulating apparatus.
The gas from the last retort may pass through the stand-pipe hydraulic main
condenser exhauster purifiers and meter to the gas holder.
The furnace may be heated with gas brought from the gas holder, The gas
from the said holder may also be conveyed to the boiler, the stoves and ranges in
the rooms and to the burners for lighting.
In order to increase or give an illuminating power to the gas or to produce
modified temperatures in the use of non-illuminating gas for heating purposes the
gas may be passed through a carburetter containing a volatile liquid hydro-carbon.
The Invention further relates to the Combining with liquid hydro-carbons of
heated air and superheated Steam in a vapourizer in regulated proportionate
quantities at temperatures at or above the boiling point of the liquid employed and
below that of destructive distillation and in delivering the commingled hydro-
carbon vapour heated air and super-heated steam to burners in furnaces where the
air is supplied automatically in the proportion required to effect the perfect com-
bustion of the commingled gaseous vapours. It also consists in the automatically
regulating forcing devices for supplying and maintaining the definite proportions
and relative quantities of the air liquid and steam used in connection with the
hydro-carbon supply and heating apparatus and in the means employed for operating
the same.
A. pipe leads from an air forcing pump to the first superheater in the furnace
which heats the air thus forced through it, the air being thence conveyed by a con-
necting pipe to a second super-heater. Above the furnace is a tank for holding
petroleum or other liquid hydro-carbon with a valve through which the liquid
passes to a syphon pipe in a pipe connected to the last super-heater or vapourizer.
i

page_text: In order to maintain the proper proportion between the heated air and hydro-
carbon vapour a governor attached to the valve hydro-carbon tank is operated by
means of connections with the pump so that the pump moving faster and forcing
more air through the super-heater at the same time opens the said valve wider
ndmitting corresponding increase in the flow of the liquid to the vapourizer and.
decrease in the revolutions in like proportion decreases the flow: Thus an exact
proportion is maintained between the superheated air and hydro-carbon vapour.
The vapour is taken up and rarefied and becomes thoroughly commingled with the
heated air from the second super-heater.
Thus mixed they pass from the last super-heater or vapourizer through a pipe to
the fire-box or furnace through outlets having suitable burners. An air pump may
be used to supply additional air to the burners and the said pump may have a
pressure guage and a meter to measure the amount of air fed to the pump, when
great accuracy is required, but the amount of air may also be known by the
number of revolutions of the puinp which is driven from the air-pump, but each
of course may be independently regulated or the amount of air steam or liquid
passed may be known by the pressure as indicated by guages on the pipe and the
size and length of the pipe.
It will be understood that the amount of air supplied to the furnace is exactly
proportioned to the requirements of the vapours to produce perfect combustion, all
other air being excluded and the proportion is maintained by the means herein-
before described. This rarefied and dry vapour secures constantly a perfect
combustion free from smoke deposits and obstructions which heavy and moist
vapours would cause. There is used preferably with one gallon of petroleum about
650 cubic feet of air varying with the quality of the liquid used. The Superheaters
and the vapourizers may be of any suitable and known form. A boiler supplies
Steam for working the pumps and also to mix with the hydro-carbon vapour in
the vapourizer. It is conveyed to the second superheater in which the steam is
superheated together with the air from the first Superheater and the combined air
and Steam pass into the vapourizer where they are mixed with the hydro-carbon
vapours. When steam in the proper proportion is thus combined with the air and
Vapour it has the effect of expanding and rarefying the vapour to a still greater
extent and of adding to the intensity of the heat in the furnaces. It has also a
further tendency to prevent deposits and obstructions in the combustion chamber
and passages thereof.
The steam pipe has a regulator with a valve on its outlet pipe securing uniform
given pressure in the Section of pipe between the regulator and the valve and a.
uniform given flow of Steam through the valve to the Superheater. This regulator.
has a flexible diaphragm and valve on the line of the pipe and a pipe leading from
the outlet pipe into the chamber underneath the diaphragm. Increase of pressure
in the said outlet pipe therefore raises the diaphragm closing the valve and reducing
the flow of the Steam. The fall of the pressure below the normal amount reverses
the operation and opens the valve allowing larger flow. By these means a constant
and known quantity of Steam is automatically passed through the valve and may
be varied at pleasure. The pressure of the flexible diaphragm may be varied by
means of weights a spring or an analogous device. The liquid supply pipe also
has a similar automatic regulator and valve for regulating the supply of the liquid.
On the steam pipe is a valve connected to a governor operated by the pump
whereby the amount of Steam is always proportioned to the number of revolutions
of the pump and the relative proportion of superheated Steam heated air and vapour
is constant and uniformly maintained in the vapourizer. This produces perfect
combustion and intense heat in the furnace.
Steam from the boiler may pass into the first superheater provided it be made of
proper dimensions or the Steam and air may pass directly into the vaporizer if
this be sufficiently enlarged.
The commingled superheated steam. heated air and Hydro-carbon vapour or
steam and. hydro carbon vapour or air and hydro-carbon vapour may be used for

page_text: heating either or any furnaces or for heating the boiler or a range or stove or they
may be taken to burners for lighting. The temperature of the commingled vapours
at the point of combustion should be at all times sufficient to prevent the vapours
from condensing or becoming moist and heavy.-The heat of the furnace of the
Super-heaters and vapourizer is so regulated that the temperature is maintained at
or above the boiling-point of the liquid hydro-carbon but below that of its
destructive distillation so that the liquid shall only be converted into Vapour and
be taken up by the Steam or air and thoroughly commingled therewith.
I will now describe apparatus and processes for manufacturing illuminating and
nonilluminating gases according to this Invention which includes in one apparatus
mechanism for combining heated air superheated steam non-illuminating gas
hydrocarbon liquids and vapours arising from solid hydro carbons coaltar or melted
resinous or oleaginous substances in the process of vapourization and in the
conversion of the combined vapours into fixed gases.
The apparatus may be adapted to use bituminous coal or any other similar solid
hydrocarbon for producing hydrocarbon vapours by distillation and the saturation
of steam heated air or non-illuminating fixed gas or it may be provided with
devices for holding coal tar or melted resinous or oleaginous substances to be supplied
to the retort above specified in the place of the solid hydrocarbon.
In the apparatus constructed according to the first mentioned method there are
three benches in each of which there is a retort although these retorts may if
preferred all be placed in a single larger bench.
The apparatus is capable of three distinct operations or processes. First there is
provided a boiler with pipe communications and an automatic regulator The pipe
in which the regulator is placed is connected with the first and second super-heaters.
From the second superbeater a pipe leads through a vapourizer to a retort. From
this retort a pipe leads to a second retort and from the said retort a pipe leads to
burners and to a furnace. The second retort is also connected to a third retort by
a pipe and the said third retort is connected to a pipe leading to a tank and to the
pipe leading to the burners and furnace so that both the first and second retorts
are in connection with the same source of supply and with the same destination of
consumption.
The gas from the third retort also passes through the hydraulic main a connecting
pipe a condenser an exhauster a purifier and a meter to the gas holder and thence
to the burners for lighting and to the furnace for combustion It also passes from
the gas holder by means of a pipe and the gas or air forcing device through
connecting pipes to ranges and furnaces and for general distribution for lighting
and heating Mills houses public buildings towns and cities with steady and
continuous pressure and without intermission or flicker at points of combustion for
lighting and heating.
An Oil tank is provided having its faucet over the opening of a syphon pipe
which leads first to the vapourizer second to a pipe which leads around the first
two benches and connects with the pipe leading to the third retort at a point from
which it is in communication with the third retort being shut off from the second
retort by a stop cock or valve. The pipe which leads round the first and second
retorts also connects with the pipe which connects the first and second retorts.
The Tank is provided with an automatic regulator being a diaphragm working a
needle valve the diaphragm being operated by steam taken from the pipe leading
to the vapourizer so that any increase of pressure in the said pipe will tend to
open the valve and allow more of the hydrocarbon oil to escape from the tank.
The first retort is supplied with air from a blower which is provided with
regulating devices. Air from this blower passes to a superheater to which it is
admitted by short pipes provided with valves or it may be conducted past the
superheater through the vapourizer to the first retort. A branch pipe is also
provided with connections with a short pipe attached to the pipe which connects
the first and second retorts by which the air may be conducted from the superheater
around the first retort to the third retort or to the second retort. There is also

page_text: provided another steam boiler with automatic regulators and valve and a super-
heater which is connected by a pipe with the pipe which connects the first and
second retorts and also with the syphon pipe leading to the third retort Instead
of this second boiler the superheater might be attached to the first named boiler.
It will be understood that the pipes are provided with stop-cocks or valves by
which any part of the apparatus may be shut off and the steam or air or steam
and air mixed with the hydro carbon vapours or non-illuminating gas may be
conducted through the various pipes as herein explained for carrying on the different
processes and producing the different results.
I proceed now to describe the several operations premising that the main
distinction between the apparatus above described and the method employed in its
use and the apparatus herein first described lies in the addition of the apparatus
for supplying the heated air in the second retort and in the use of the vapours
arising from the solid hydro carbon in the said retort in the process of distillation
all as hereinafter explained.
Before explaining the particular methods of operating the above described
apparatus it may be stated generally that the second retort contains bituminous
coal or any suitable solid hydrocarbon which is to be subjected to a low heat only
sufficient to vapourize the oil therefrom and that from the proper source heretofore
explained either steam or heated air or steam and air saturated with liquid hydro-
carbon vapours or a non-illuminating gas from the first retort also so saturated may
be passed through the second retort and then take up the vapours arising from the
distillation of the solid bydro carbon therein and thence bo passed either to the
furnace or to the third retort where the commingled vapours are converted into a
fixed gas.
This saturation of the air steam or gas as described by liquid hydrocarbon
vapours is an important feature in connection with the vapourizing of solid
hydrocarbons for the reason that the latter vapourizes in constantly diminishing
quantity and this variation may be compensated by the easily controlled hydro-
carbon supply.
Describing the particular operations separately I refer first to the use of steam.
Steam from the boiler in automatically regulated quantity passes through the
super-heaters of the first bench and thence to the first retort. When steam alone
is to be used the air from the blower is shut off and if a solid hydrocarbon be used.
in the first retort the liquid hydrocarbon is shut off In that case the steam in the
said first retort is decomposed by contact with the anthracite coal and forms a non-
illuminating gas. This passes to the second retort where it mingles with the
hydrocarbon vapours distilled from solid hydrocarbon therein. From this retort
the commingled gas and vapour pass to the third retort in which they are
converted into. a fixed gas and from which they are conducted through the
purifying and condensing apparatus to the storage chamber.-Or they may be
taken directly to the points of consumption.
In case it be preferred to use the liquid hydrocarbon instead of the anthracite
coal heretobefore described as used in the first retort the hydro carbon is admitted
to the vapourizer where it combines with the superheated steam from the boiler
and passes to the first retort and thence to the second retort (in the manner
heretobefore explained) as non-illuminating gas.
-
In case it be desired to use air instead of the non-illuminating gas the steam
supply is shut off and air is admitted. In this case the first retort serves simply
to heat the air from which retort it passes to the second retort where it mingles
with the vapours arising from the vapourization of the solid hydrocarbon and the
commingled air and vapour pass to the third retort where they are converted into
a fixed gas and thence are taken to the storage tank through condensing purifying "
and measuring apparatus or to the points of consumption in the manner
herein before explained.
The gas
thus produced is an illuminating gas like that made by the process first
described. As before stated in respect to the non-illuminating gas and hydrocarbon.

page_text: vapours in the second retort the mixed heated air and hydrocarbon vapours may
be taken from the second retort and carried directly to the points where they are
to be consumed as a vapour.
In case the first retort is not employed in the process last described the super-
beater may be used conducting the air into the second retort the process from that
point being the same as that herein before described.
In the described apparatus there may be used superheated steam carried directly
to the second retort for mixing with the hydrocarbon vapours arising from the
solid bydrocarbon, contained therein. In this case the superheated steam is
conducted to the second retort and the commingled super-heated steam and hydro-
carbon vapours thence conveyed to the third retort for conversion into a fixed gas
or through the pipe from the second retort as a vapour in the manner hereinbefore
explained Although this may be done this direct use of the steam to take up and
convey the hydro-carbon vapours is greatly less advantageous since the liability of
the steam to condensation renders it variable in capacity as a conveyer and
interferes with the exactness of the proportions which is so desirable in this
process.
In case of inconvenience in obtaining a supply of solid hydrocarbon the
apparatus may be run by a supply of liquid hydro-carbon brought from the tank to
the pipe between the second and third retorts.
Either non-illuminating gas or heated air or superheated steam may be brought
to the said pipe whence it carries the oil through a suitable vapourizer to the
third retort.
It will be understood that in all these operations the proper valves are opened
or closed according to the direction required to be given to the gases or vapours.
In arranging the apparatus according to the hereinbefore named modification
devices are added for the purpose of vapourizing tar or any heavy liquid hydro-
carbon instead of bituminous coal or other solid hydro-carbon in the second retort.
A small tank is used placed on the top of the furnace or in some other warm position.
for the purpose of keeping the tar heavy oils or resins or oleaginous substances in
sufficient fluid condition to run freely. This tank is of a size to contain a quantity
-of-liquid-to-be-vapourized in the second retort in any given time that is to say
during a charge or run of the material. The liquid flows into the second retort
accurately and uniformly during the period in which the vapourization is to take
place. The vapourization is begun at a low red heat and gradually increased to a
cherry red to vapourize the tar to dryness. When the vapour passing from the
second retort is not otherwise required it may be allowed to pass through a
condensing coil into a reservoir thereby avoiding waste of material.
It is necessary that the flow of the tar or other substance to the second retort
should be uniform and graduated so that it may be vapourized as fast as supplied
and as the residuum accumulates in the retort it is requisite that the charge in the
Tank should be such in quantity that it will be exhausted before the retort
becomes clogged. The residuum is a very fine cake which may be removed and
used for fuel or other purposes.
The vapour from the tar or other substance is used in the same manner as that
heretofore described in connection with the vapours of solid hydro-carbon in the
second retort.
The apparatus as described is capable of supplying the air steam and non-
illuminating gas in mixture to the fixing retort.
A proportion of steam or non-illuminating gas may be supplied to the heated air
whenever it may be desirable to make a gas of less density The non-illuminating
gas may be used alone.
The apparatus hereinbefore described may be modified as hereinafter described
to adapt it to the methods hereinafter set forth.
The essential part of the Invention according to the following modification
consists in passing either a highly heated air and the vapour of a hydrocarbon
liquid or a non-illuminating gas or heated air alone through a retort containing

page_text: bituminous coal or an equivalent solid or liquid hydro carbon in a state of vapour-
ization at a heat below that of destructive distillation whereby a highly rarefied
and elastic heating vapour is formed.
To a certain extent the highly heated air commingled with the vapour of a
hydrocarbon liquid and non-illuminating gas and the highly heated air alone are
equivalents of each other that is to say they will take up the vapours arising from
the distillation of the bituminous coal, or from the other specific materials which
may be substituted for the bituminous coal under the conditions named and will
produce by the process hereinafter described a highly elastic rarefied heating vapour
but these different agents which are used to take up the hydro carbon vapours in
the retort to form the heating vapour are each adapted particularly for specific
purposes and in the apparatus hereinafter described any one of these may be used
according to the particular purpose for which the heating vapour is required so
that while the general method is the same both the method and the apparatus are
capable of variation by the selection of any one or any combination of the absorbing
and conveying gases or vapours according to the particular purpose for which they
are required.
The vapourizing retort may be adapted to receive a solid hydrocarbon or it may
be provided with appliances for supplying thereto heavy liquid hydrocarbon such
as coal tar and the like.
The apparatus is the same as that hereinbefore described with the addition of a
number of pipes as hereinafter described.
.
The first bench is provided with a retort which is adapted to hold anthracite
coal or any similar hydrocarbon to make in connection with other substances
hereinafter described a non-illuminating gas or to heat whatever may be passed
through it. The apparatus is also provided with a boiler for generating stenin
which is connected by a pipe to the superheaters in the first bench the said pipe
being provided with automatic regulators, which regulators may be of ordinary
construction. The one set of superheaters is directly connected to the first retort
by a pipe having two branches which enter the said retort on opposite sides. The
said retort is connected by a pipe with the second retort placed in the second bench
This retort is adapted to hold bituminous coal or any similar hydrocarbon and to
subject the same to vapourization. The apparatus thus far described is capable of
operation as follows. Anthracite.coal or any similar carbonaceous material being
placed in the first retort and subjected to a high heat steam from the boiler is
admitted thereto through the superheater and these products are converted in the
said retort into a non-illuminating gas which is passed into the second retort where
it takes up the hydrocarbon vapours and thence is carried to the place of
consumption.
In case it be desirable from any reason to use some other substance instead of
anthracite coal the hydrocarbon may be supplied from a liquid source. For this
purpose a tank is provided which is connected by a pipe to the pipe which conducts
the steam from the superheaters to the first retort forming with the said pipe a
vapourizer whereby the steam in a highly heated state carries the vapours into
the first retort where they become a fixed non-illuminating gas in the manner
herein before described which is carried onward and used in the same manner as the
gas produced from the anthracite coal but in case it is desired to use steam directly
for taking up the hydrocarbon vapours in the second retort a second boiler and a
superbeater may be used by means of which superheated steam may pass directly
to the second retort and there act in connection with the hydrocarbon vapours in
the manner hereinbefore described.
It is not proposed however to use steam alone to take up the vapours resulting
from distillation for the reason that it is liable to variation and thereby is not so
well fitted to act as an absorbent and conveyer of the vapours but it may be used
directly in connection with the air or non-illuminating gas. To furnish the air an
air supplying device is provided consisting of an air pump which is provided with
automatic regulators This air supply is connected by a pipe with the pipe leading

page_text: to the first retort. The branch pipes connected with the superheater are provided
with stop-cocks so that the super-heater may be used or not as may be required.
The air in automatically regulated quantities may pass through the pipes specified
into the first retort and there be highly heated and thence be conveyed to the
second retort where it commingles with the vapours arising from the bituminous
coal and when saturated with such vapours may pass (as before stated in respect
to the non-illuminating gas) to the points of consumption. The heated air from
the first retort may in its passage through the pipe therefrom meet with the hydro-
carbon liquid from the tank and the air and vapourized hydro carbon pass into
the second retort for conversion into a heating vapour.
The air from the air supplying apparatus may be passed around the first retort
instead of through it. For this purpose a pipe is used by which the air may be
passed directly to the pipe to the second retort. In this case the superheater
is used for the air.
The apparatus may also be used in another way bringing into use at the same
time the third retort using it in this connection as a heating retort. This is
accomplished in this wise. A non illuminating gas may be taken prepared by any.
one of the methods hereinbefore described and stored in the holder and from the
said holder this non-illuminating gas may be passed to the third retort where it is
heated and thence it may be taken through to the second retort in which it
commingles with the vapours arising from the bituminous Coal with the result
herein before stated. These combined vapours may then be taken either to a
furnace or to burners for lighting.
In adapting the apparatus to the employment of heavy hydrocarbons there may
be provided a small tank placed on the top of the furnace or in some other warm
position where it may be suitably heated. This tank is supplied with Coal tar
heavy oils or resinous or oleaginous substances which may be melted and in a
melted condition be fed to the second retort and used for vapourizing instead of
the bituminous coal. The said tank must be of a size sufficient to contain a
quantity of the material required during a charge or run. The liquids are taken
gradually and uniformly to the second retort through a pipe. When the vapour
passing from the second retort is not otherwise required it may be allowed to pass
through a condensing coil to a tank.
Hented air from the superheaters or first retort and the superheated steam from
the superheater of the second boiler may pass together into the second retort in the
manner described for each. Steam used with the air acts as a diluent and may be
employed when a thinner or poorer vapour is required.
A pipe is provided extending from the pipe between the first and second retorts
and connected with the outlet pipe from the third retort by means of which pipe
the non-illuminating gas from the first retort may be conveyed through the usual
condensing and purifying apparatus to the gas bolder the gas from which may
pass by means of pipes into the third retort as herein before described.
I have described the apparatus and process as adapted to produce a lighting and
heating vapour by the direct application of the heated air or gas to the distilling
hydrocarbon but for the best results the liquid hydrocarbon from the tank is used
in this connection for the reason that the solid hydrocarbon does not give off its
vapours uniformly in distillation but in decreasing quantities and this variation
may be corrected and the result made uniform by the use of the vapour of hydro-
carbon liquid in the manner specified.
The gases or vapours manufactured as bereinbefore described may be used for
lighting or heating purposes for gas engines for treating minerals ores or metals in
those processes where such gases or vapours are or may be employed or for other
purposes to which they are applicable.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Arthur in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
20th August 1883.
WILLIAM ARTHUR of Cork Street in the County of Middlesex, Captain in the
Royal Navy "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OR PRODUCTION OF GASES
AND VAPOURS FOR HEATING AND ILLUMINATING PURPOSES AND IN THE APPARATUS
TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN." [A communication to him from Joseph Pearson Gill
a person resident at the City County and State of New York in the United States
of America.]
The said Invention relates firstly to improvements in and apparatus for the
manufacture or production of Gases and Vapours for lighting heating or other
purposes of which the following is a description reference being had to the
accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings represents an automatic arrangement
for the production of heating gas by regulating the supply of water and of the
steam generated therefrom to a super heater and thence to a vaporizer in which
a liquid hydro-carbon is automatically delivered the combined vapours being thence
conveyed to a heated retort and therein converted into a fixed non-illuminating
gas which when used for domestic purposes is conveyed to a holder, which when
full automatically suspends the manufacture.
Figure 2 represents an automatic arrangement for the production of heating gas
by regulating the supply of steam from a boiler to a drier, thence to a super heater,
thence to a vapourizer in which a liquid hydro-carbon is automatically delivered
the combined vapours being thence conveyed to a heated retort and therein
converted into a fixed non-illuminating gas which when used for domestic purposes
is conveyed to a holder which when full automatically suspends the manufacture.
Figure 3 represents an automatic arrangement for the production of illuminating
Gas in a fixing retort by the use of non-illuminating Gas manufactured by means
of an apparatus similar to that shewn in figure 2 for which purpose also the
apparatus shewn in figure 1 may preferably be employed when only one fire
is used.
Figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 improvements in the construction of a Gas furnace
whereby the heating surface and capacity for gas production is increased, as herein-
after described.
Figures 9, 10, and 11 represent different forms of retorts or heaters and Figure 11ª
represents a form of needle valve as hereinafter described.
In Figure 1 A represents a furnace for the manufacture of heating gases by the
decomposition of super heated steam which may conveniently be affected by
passing the said super heated steam through or over heated iron contained in
suitable retorts or vessels in the presence of a hydro-carbon. With the furnace A
is used as a water pipe P for the admission of water in regulated quantity into the
syphon pipe Q and thence into the U shaped chamber or retort at HH the said
chamber or retort constituting a steam generator for the conversion of the water
into steam. The said retort H is placed in one of the lower horizontal flues of the
furnace or in such other part as may be most convenient The steam passes
through the pipe I into a second U shaped retort in the furnace flue at K K (or
other convenient part) where the said steam is super-heated the super heated steam
passing through the pipe L into the retort A¹ at the points B. B. in which it is
decomposed into a fixed gas by means of a solid or fluid hydro-carbon. The gas
is thence conveyed by means of the pipe D. D into the gas holder X. When the

page_text: liquid hydro carbon is used there is provided a tank at T containing Naptha or
other liquid hydro-carbon a is a syphon and pipe to convey the liquid hydrocarbon
to the vaporizer L where it commingles with the super-heated steam therein the
commingled vapours passing into the heated retort A' at the points B. On the
water pipe P there is a valve V baving a lever h which is preferably attached to a
line or chain passing over a wheel or pulley O and having on its two ends the
weights m n the weight me being the heavier. When the top of the holder is below
the weight m the said weight and the lever h are at their lowest position and the
valve V is wide open and will then admit just the maximum quantity required by
the furnace. As the holder X becomes full it raises the weight m and the weight n
falls and raises the lever h to the position indicated by the dotted line h' when the
valve V is closed and no more water can enter the furnace until the holder X
descends and allows the weight m to fall to open the valve V The pipe. P has
also a valve at N' to regulate the quantity of water passing through the pipe P.
The needle valve illustrated in section in figure 11 is preferably used where a
small quantity of water is required but any other suitable valve may be used. The
said needle valve instead of having a flat circular disc to fit in a large opening of
the valve there is an opening of small diameter in which the needle valve proper
fits is operated by a flexible diaphragm r in a regulator R (see figure I) This
diaphragm may be weighted by weights w or by a spring so as to give and
maintain any pressure required. Steam is admitted under the diaphragm r from
the pipe G (which communicates with the retort H in which the steam is made)
through the pipe E. If the pressure in the said pipe E exceeds that fixed by the
weighta w the diaphragm rises and partially closes the needle valve N¹ and less
water is admitted into the steam generator H. If the pressure in the said pipe E
falls below the proper limit; the diaphragm r descends and opens the needle
valve N' allowing a larger quantity of water to flow into the steam generator H-
In place of the flexible diaphragm r any other suitable or equivalent regulator may
be used.
The pipe G has attached to it a safety valve S to permit the escape of excess of
steam. The syphon pipe Qis of sufficient length to hold water enough to prevent
the escape of steam through it The pipes G and E have valves at g, e. There is
also a valve k on the outlet from the chamber H to permit the escape of steam
when it is not required for use. There is a pressure guage at u by which the
pressure in the pipe G may be ascertained. The pipe I connecting the chamber H
with the chamber K has a regulating reducing valve M by which the pressure in
the pipe at s is maintained at a uniform given point or steam is shut off in case of
stoppage. The said valve M has a flexible diaphragın at under which steam
is admitted from the steam pipe 8 through the pipe t¹. There is also a valve at 81
on the steam pipe which valve through the action of the steam passing through
the pipe t and of the diaphragm r¹ admits the quantity of steam into s to maintain
the pressure therein at any point required. Instead of the diaphragm at r¹ a
cylinder with a piston may be used. At N is a small valve which will with the
pressure in 8 admit the exact amount of steam required into the retorts. On the
pipe L there is a pressure guage u¹ and an outlet and a valve at k¹ to permit the
escape of steam when it is not required in the retort A'. Water is admitted into
the pipe P from a reservoir W and is discharged from it at the point p--T is a
tank containing Naphtha or other hydro-carbon liquid, a is a syphon and pipe for
conveying the liquid bydrocarbon into the pipe and vapourizer, L where it becomes
voporized and commingled with the superheated steam.-N is a regulating valve
preferably a needle valve and R' is a regulator with a flexible diaphragm which
is operated (through the pipe E') by the steam pressure in the apparatus, the
inovement of which diaphragm governs the movement of the valve N and thus
automatically regulates the supply of the liquid hydro carbon to the vapourizer.
The commingled super heated steam and hydro-carbon vapour thence pass into the
retort A' and are therein converted into a fixed gas, which is thence conveyed to
the holder ✗. By means of the two regulators on the water and liquid hydro-

page_text: carbon supply pipes each being simultaneously operated by the pressure of the
steam generated from the water supplied, the relative proportion between the
Water and the Hydro-carbon liquid (having been fixed) is automatically and
invariably maintained. Whenever the use of the hydrocarbon liquid is omitted in
the manufacture of non-illuminating Gas the regulating device M N shewn on the
steam pipe I in Figure 1 and on the steam pipe P in Figure 2 or its equivalent is
attached to the Water supply pipe P figure 1 the regulator being operated by
means of the pressure of the water in the section of the pipe between M and N
in the same manner as the steam regulator is operated by the pressure of the
steam.
In place of the U shaped retorts H K (as shewn separately in Figure 11) a small
pipe inside of a large one or a D shaped retort with a pipe in it for an outlet as in
figure 9 or a double retort as in figure 10 or any suitable kind of generating and
superheating apparatus may be used which may be put in any convenient place or
places in the bench.
When the U shaped or other retorts HK are placed in the lower horizontal
flues of the furnace as in Figure 1 the flues are constructed in the following
manner as shewn in Figures 4. 5. 6. 7 and 8 in order to heat the said retorts more
effectually The same letters refer to similar parts in these figures. L represents
fire clay blocks upon which the retort rests B the spaces between them for the
circulation of the draught C a longitudinal flue under the blocks L and opening
into the space D next to the rear wall of the bench. E the uptake or escape flues
of the bench, F the inlet to the uptake, G the brick wall between the uptake and
the space D which is carried to below the level of the bottom of the blocks L to
compel the circulation of the heat through the flues B. C. before it escapes into the
uptake E The flue C is narrowed under the blocks L to form a support for the
said blocks as shewn in Figure 7 Between the blocks L the sides of the flue B
are made sloping as shewn in Figure 8. This arrangement prevents the accumu-
lation of ashes or dust and enables the flue C to be readily cleaned out through a
stopper in front of the bench.
In figure 2 W1 represents a Boiler and P a steam pipe connecting the boiler with
the retort. HH in the furnace A. The gas holder X valve V lever h cord or chain
and weights m n are used in the same manner when steam from a boiler is
employed in the production of Gas as when water is employed as hereinbefore
described and illustrated in Figure 1.
The pipe P has a regulating reducing valve M for the purpose of maintaining a
uniform given pressure in the section 8 of the pipe P. At N there is a small valve
the opening of which is just large enough with a given pressure in the section 8
to pass the maximum quantity of Steam that can be decomposed in the retort A¹.
At u and u' are pressure gauges by which the pressure of the steam in the
pipes P. L may always be known. At S is a safety valve. The U shaped
retort H H in this case is used for drying the steam before it passes into the
superheater K. K. T is a tank containing hydrocarbon liquid for supplying the
retort A¹ with vapour in the saine manner and by the same automatic device as
set forth in the description of Figure 1. By means of the two regulators on the
steam and liquid hydrocarbon supply pipes each being operated by the pressure of
the Steam supplied the relative proportion of the steam and the hydrocarbon liquid
(having been fixed) is automatically and invariably maintained.
When an illuminating gas or a vapour for lighting and heating is made from a
hydrocarbon liquid without the use of steam, the flexible diaphragin² in the
regulator R² on the supply pipe or an equivalent device is operated by the pressure
in the vapourizer or retort and thus the supply of the liquid is automatically
regulated and maintained. The remainder of the apparatus shewn in Figure 2 is
in duplicate of that shewn in Figure 1.
The apparatus illustrated in Figure 3 is similar in construction and use to that
herein before described and illustrated in Figure 2 with the exception of the
arrangement of the furnace A in which is shewn a supplemental retort and

page_text: apparatus for supplying an additional increment of hydrocarbon vapour to the
Gas after it has been fixed in the retorts and apparatus as herein before described.
The construction of the apparatus will be understood from an inspection of the
said figure 3 and from the following description of the operation.
The steam from the boiler W¹ passes through the pipe P into the superheater H
thence through the pipes Rrr together with the hydrocarbon liquid (coming
through the pipe 6 from the tank T) into the retorts A' B where they are
decomposed into a fixed Gas which passes through the pipes E and F to the pipe G
in which it meets the liquid hydrocarbon coming through the pipe a from the
tank T and the Gas combining with the liquid passes into the vapourizer K and
thence through the pipe L into the retort D in which a fixed illuminating Gas
is made.
Instead of a fluid a solid hydrocarbon such as anthracite coal or a similar
substance may be used in the retorts A' and B By this combination one fire is
made to do all the work the super-heaters non-illuminating gas retorts, vapourizers
and carburetting retorts being in one furnace.
The water reservoir, water supply pipe, and regulating apparatus and the steam
generator as illustrated in Figure 1 may be used instead of the boiler, steam
supply pipe, and steam regulating apparatus as illustrated in Figure 3.
The Gas from the retort D may pass through the stand pipe a hydraulic main b
connecting pipe & condenser e' exhauster f1 and purifiers g¹ meter land pipe m¹
to the holder X.
The furnace A figures 1. 2. 3 may be heated with Gas brought from the holder X
by means of the pipe and branches thereof oc leading into the fire-box. The
gas from the bolder X may also be conveyed through the pipe GI to the boiler W
and to the stoves and ranges in the rooms B¹. B. B³. and to the burners B* for
lighting or for other purpose.
Mis a branch pipe leading to-the fire box of the boiler W. H is a branch pipe
leading to a burner for heating as at I' in a kitchen range D¹. K' is a branch
pipe leading to a stove E' in the room B2 From the point L' the pipe G¹ may be
extended to any other furnace or fire place or other place to be utilized.
In order to increase or give an illuminating power to the gas or to produce-
modified temperature in the use of non-illuminating gas for heating purposes, the
Gas may be passed through a carburetter containing a volatile liquid hydrocarbon
as at M² in figure 1 The pipe G¹ and the pipes to the said carburetter have stop
cocks g¹ m'n' by which the passage of the gas is governed.
The Invention relates further to the combining with liquid hydrocarbons heated
air and superheated steam in a vaporizer in regulated proportionate quantities at
temperatures at or above the boiling point of the hydro-carbon liquid employed
and below that of its destructive distillation and to delivering the commingled
hydrocarbon vapour heated air and superheated steam to burners in furnaces where
the air is supplied automatically in the proportion required to effect the perfect
combustion of the commingled gaseous vapours It also consists in the automatically
regulated forcing devices for supplying and maintaining the definite proportions
and relative quantities of the air liquid and steam used in connection with the
hydrocarbon supply and heating apparatus and in the means employed for operating
the same of which the following is a description illustrated by Figures 12 13
and 14 of the accompanying Drawings.
Figure 12 represents a side elevation of the apparatus partly in section with the
various pipes exposed to view. Figure 13 represents detached the air forcing device
with the automatic regulators. Figure 14 shews detached and drawn to a larger
scale an automatic regulating or pressure reducing device for the steam and liquid
supply pipes.
A represents a furnace with burners adapted to burn dry highly rarefied gaseous
hydrocarbon vapours heated air and superheated steam (the superheated steam may
be omitted) A furnace W contains super-heaters and vaporizera. An air pump
(preferably rotary) is also provided as shewn at D. There is also an engine e for

page_text: This
working the pump a compensator G₁ on the pump consisting of the float f (see
Figure 13) in a tank and a valve v located between the tank and the inlet pipe of
the pump the float being operated by the pressure of the air in the outer pipe K
through the pipes the air returning in a larger or smaller quantity to the inlet of
the pump through the pipe t the valve v of the compensator and the pipe u
maintains a uniform pressure in the pipe K. By adding or removing weights on
the float for by means of a spring or equivalent device the pressure in the outlet
pipe from the pump may be varied at will without suspending operations. It
will be understood that the valve v opens and closes as the float frises and falls
An indicator at H records the number of revolutions of the pump D and indicates
the quantity of air passing. The pipe K leads from the pump to the superheater C
having a pressure guage I and valve Y The superheater Cheats the air forced
through it by the pump D the air being thence conveyed by a connecting pipe O to
a second superheater E communicating with the superheater F by the pipe O'
Above the furnace is a tank U for holding petroleum or other liquid hydrocarbon
with a valve T through which the liquid passes to the syphon pipe L on a pipe M
connected to the superheater or vaporizer F.
In order to maintain the proper proportion between the heated air and hydro-
carbon vapour a governor V attached to the valve T is operated by means of con-
nections QQ with the pump D so that the pump moving faster and forcing more
air through the superheater at the same time opens the valve T wider allowing a
corresponding increase in the flow of the liquid to the vaporizer and decrease in
the revolutions in like proportion decreases the flow. Thus an exact proportion is
maintained between the heated air and hydrocarbon vapour The vapour is taken
up and rarefied by and becomes thoroughly commingled with the heated air from
the superheater E Thus mixed they pass from the superheater F through a pipe P
to the fire box or furnace A through proper outlets a a these outlets having burners
suitable for burning gaseous vapours. An air pump D' may be used to supply
additional air through the pipe p to the burners a a The pipe p has a pressure
guage i and a metre may be used on the other side of the said pump D' to measure
the amount of air fed to the pump when great accuracy is required but the amount
of air may also be known by the number of revolutions of the pump which is
driven as represented from the pump D but each of course may be independently
regulated or the amount of air steam or liquid passed may be known by the
pressure as indicated by gauges on the pipe and the size and length of the pipe.
'
It will be understood that the amount of air supplied to the furnace is exactly
proportioned to the requirements of the vapours to produce perfect combustion all
other air being excluded and the proportion is maintained by means heretoforė
described. This rarefied and dry vapour secures constantly a perfect combustion
free from smoke deposits and obstructions which heavy and moist vapours would
cause.
There is used preferably with one gallon of petroleum about six hundred and fifty
cubic feet of air varying with the quality of liquid used The superheaters and the
vaporizers may be of any suitable form.
:
The boiler B supplies steam for working the pumps and also to mix with the
hydro-carbon vapour in the vaporizer F. It is conveyed through a pipe N to the
superheater E in which the steam is superheated together with the air from the
superheater C and the combined air and steam pass through the pipe 01 into the
vaporizer F where they are mixed with the hydrocarbon vapours. When steam
in the proper proportion is thus combined with the air and hydro-carbon vapour it
has the effect of expanding and rarefying the vapour to a still greater extent and
of adding to the intensity of the heat in the furnaces. It has also a further
tendency to prevent deposits and obstructions in the combustion chamber and
passages thereof The steam pipe N has a regulator Rv and a valve von its
outlet pipe securing uniform given pressure in the section of pipe between the
regulator Rv and the valve v³ and a uniform given flow of steam through the
valve to the superbeater E. This regulator is shown drawn to a larger scale.in

page_text: The
Figure 14 It shews a flexible diaphragm r and valve in the passage of the
pipe N and a pipe t' leading from the outlet pipe into the chamber underneath the
diaphragm r Increase of pressure in the said outlet pipe N thereby raises the
diaphragm thus closing the valve at v³ and reducing the flow of the steam.
fall of the pressure below the normal amount reverses the operation and opens the
valve allowing larger flow of steam. By these means a constant and known
quantity of steam is automatically passed through the valve and may be varied
at pleasure. The pressure of the flexible diaphragm r may be varied by means of
weights or a spring or equivalent device.
The liquid supply pipe M also has an automatic regulator R v³ and valve v³ for
regulating the supply of the liquid which have a similar construction and operate
in a similar manner as do the regulator Rv and valve on the steam supply
pipe N.
At S is a valve connected to a governor V1 operated by the pump D through
suitable connections X whereby the amount of steam is always proportioned to the
number of revolutions of the pump and the relative proportion of superheated
steam heated air and hydrocarbon vapour is constant and uniformly maintained
in the vapourizer. This produces perfect combustion and intense heat in the
furnace.
Steam from the boiler B may pass into the superheater C provided it be made of
proper dimensions or the steam and air may pass directly into the vapourizer F if
this be sufficiently enlarged.
The commingled superheated steam heated air and hydrocarbon vapour or steam
and hydrocarbon vapour or air and hydrocarbon vapour may be used for heating
the furnace A or by means of the pipe P¹ M' for heating the furnace W or through
pipes N' H¹ K' for heating the boiler B, range D¹ or stove E¹ or they may be taken
to burners as at B* for lighting.
The temperature of the commingled vapours at the point of combustion should
be at all times sufficient to prevent the vapours from condensing or becoming moist
and heavy.
The governors V and V₁ may be of ordinary construction.
As hereinbefore stated the heat of the furnace W is to be so regulated that the
temperature shall be maintained at or above the boiling point of the liquid
hydro carbon but below that of its destructive distillation so that the liquid shall
only be converted into vapour and be taken up by the steam or air and thoroughly
commingled therewith.
I will now describe apparatus and processes for manufacturing illuminating
and non illuminating gases including in one apparatus mechanism for combining
heated air superheated steam non illuminating gas hydro-carbon liquids and
vapours arising from solid hydro-carbons coal tar or melted resinous or oleaginous
substances in the process of vapourization and in the conversion of the combined
vapours into fixed gases.
Figure 15 represents the apparatus in a form adapted to use bituminous coal or
any other similar solid hydro-carbon for producing hydro-carbon vapours by
distillation and the saturation of Steam heated air or non-illuminating fixed gas as
hereinafter described. Figure 16 represents an apparatus in all respects similar to
that shewn in figure 15 and adapted to be used for the same purpose with the
exception in respect to the apparatus that it is provided with devices for holding
coal tar or melted resinous or oleaginous substances to be supplied to the retort
above specified (in the place of the solid hydrocarbon used in the arrangement
figure 15.) as hereinafter explained.
In the apparatus shewn in Figure 15 there are three benches marked A, y and z,
in each of which there is a retort marked respectively A' B, C. These retorts may
however if preferred all be placed in a single larger bench.
The apparatus as shewn is capable of three distinct operations or processes.
First, there is provided a boiler W with pipe communications and an automatic
regulator M N.-The pipe in which the said regulator is placed is connected with

page_text: superheaters H H and K K and from the superheaters K K a pipe leads through a
vapourizer L to the retort A'.
Figure 15 is a section of the vaporizer. The said vaporizer is of cylindrical
form, the length being greater than the diameter and divided in the middle by a
plate reaching from the top to near the bottom. The inlet pipe and valve for the
steam, air or gas connects the pipe L, with the lower part of the vaporizer; on the
opposite side of the vaporizer and from near the top is taken the exit pipe with
valve for the commingled vapours, which pipe also connects with the pipe L. To
the top of the division adjacent to the inlet pipe is connected the liquid supply
pipe which is a part or continuation of the pipe a in the tank T. There is also
a valve on L between the inlet and outlet pipes of the vaporizer.-From the retort
A' a pipe E' leads to the retort B and from the retort B a pipe F leads to the
burners B in the furnace D. The retort B is also connected to the retort C by the
pipe G, and the retort O is connected to the pipe b, leading to the tank and to
the pipe F leading to the burners and furnace so that both the retorts B and C
are in connection with the same source of supply and with the same destination of
consumption.
The gas from the retort C also passes by the pipe H¹ and K, through the
hydraulic main b connecting pipe d' condenser e¹ exhauster f¹ purifier g¹ metre 2¹
and connecting pipe m' to the holder X and thence through the connecting pipe Y,
to the burners B4 for lighting and to the furnace D for heating. It also passes
from the holder X, by means of the pipe Y' and may also pass through the gas or
air forcing device U similar to that herein before described and through connecting
pipes not shewn in the Drawing and to ranges and furnaces and for general
distribution for lighting and heating mills houses public buildings towns and cities
with steady and continuous pressure and without intermission or flicker at points
of combustion for lighting and heating.
The oil tank is indicated at T-Its faucet is over the opening of a syphon pipe a
which leads to the vapourizer Land also to a pipe b which leads around the benches A
and Y and connects with the pipe G at a point Q, from which point it is in
communication by the said pipe G with the retort C, being shut off from the
retort B by a stop cock or valve.-The pipe, b, also communicates by means of the
pipe 6, with the pipe E¹ which is connected with the retort B-The tank T, is
provided with an automatic regulator R, N₁, the vessel at R containing a diaphragm
working a needle valve at N¹ as herein before described, the diaphragm being
operated by Steam taken from the pipe leading to the vapourizer L, through the
pipe E so that any increase of pressure in the said pipe will tend to open the
valve and allow more of the hydro-carbon oil to escape from the tank or
vice versa.
The retort A' also may be supplied with air from a blower U which is provided
with regulating devices substantially such as is illustrated in Figure 13 Air from
this blower passes by the pipe u to a superheater S¹ to which it is admitted by
short pipes provided with valves as shown or it may be conducted passed the super-
heater through the vaporizer L to the retort A¹. The branch pipe is also
provided with connections with a short pipe attached to the pipe E¹ which
connections are not shown in the drawing but by which the air may be conducted
from the superheater around the retort A¹ and by pipes O and G to the retort C or
by the pipe E¹ to the retort B.
There is also provided another steam boiler W' and automatic regulators at M*
and a valve at N³ and a superheater S which is connected by a pipe p with the
pipe El and also with the pipe b by the pipe 62. Instead of this second boiler W*
the superheater might be attached to the boiler W' communicating in the same
manner with the pipe p It will be understood that these pipes are provided with
Stop cocks or valves by which any part of the apparatus may be shut off and the
steam or air or steam and air mixed with the hydrocarbon vapours or nonillumi-
nating gas may be conducted through the various pipes as herein explained for
carrying on the different processes and producing-the different results.

page_text: I proceed now to describe the several operations of the last described apparatus
premising that the main distinction between the said apparatus and the method
employed in its use and the apparatus and operations explained with regard to
Figures 1, 2 and 3 lies in the addition of the apparatus for supplying the heated
air in the retort B and in the use of the vapours arising from the solid hydrocarbon 5
in said retort in the process of distillation all as hereinafter explained.
Before explaining the particular methods of operating the above described
apparatus it may be stated generally that the retort B contains bituminous coal or
any suitable solid hydrocarbon which is to be subjected to a low heat only
sufficient to vaporize the oil therefrom and that from the proper source heretofore 1
explained, either steam or heated air or steam and air saturated or commingled
with liquid hydrocarbon vapours or a non-illuminating gas from the retort A' also
so commingled may be passed through the retort B and then take up the vapours
arising from the distillation of the solid hydrocarbon. therein and thence be passed
either to the furnace or to the retort C where the commingled vapours are converted 1
into a fixed gas.
This saturation of the air steam or gas as described by liquid hydrocarbon vapours
is an important feature in connection with the vapourized solid hydrocarbon for the
reason that the latter vapourizes in constantly diminishing quantity and this
variation may be compensated by the easily controlled hydrocarbon supply.
Describing the particular operations separately I refer first to the use of steam.
Steam from the boiler W' in automatically regulated quantity passes through the
superheaters H H and K K and thence to the retort A¹ When steam alone is to
be used the air from the blower is shut off and if a solid hydrocarbon be used in
the retort A¹ the liquid hydrocarbon is shut off. In that case the steam in the 2
retort. A is decomposed by contact with the anthracite coal and forms a non-
illuminating gas This passes through the pipe E¹ to the retort B where it
mingles with the hydrocarbon vapoura distilled from solid hydrocarbon therein
From this retort B the commingled gas and vapour pass by the pipe G to the
retort C in which they are converted into a fixed gas and from which by the
pipes H K they are conducted through the purifying and condensing apparatus
to the storage chamber Or they may be taken by the pipe F directly to the_
points of consumption.
In case it be preferred to use the liquid hydrocarbon instead of the anthracite
coal herein before mentioned as being used in the retort A¹ the hydrocarbon is
admitted through the pipe a to the vapourizer L where it combines with the
superheated steam from the boiler W and passes to the retort A¹ and thence to
the retort B (in manner herein before explained) as non-illuminating gas.
In case it be desired to use air instead of the nonilluminating gas the steam
supply is shut off and air is admitted through the pipe u In this case the
retort A' serves simply to heat the air from which retort it passes through the
pipe E¹ to the retort B where it mingles with the vapours arising from the vapour-
ization of the solid hydro-carbon and the commingled air and vapour pass through
the pipe to the retort C where they are converted into a fixed gas and thence are
taken to the storage tank X through condensing purifying and measuring apparatus
elf g¹ and ¹ or to the points of consumption D and B in the manner herein before
explained.
The gas thus produced is an illuminating gas like that made by the process first
described as before stated in respect to the non-illuminating gas and hydro-carbon
vapours in the retort B, the mixed heated air and hydrocarbon vapours may be
taken from the retort B and carried directly to the points where they are to be
consumed as a vapour by means of the pipe F.
In case the retort A' is not employed in the process last described I may use the
superheater S¹ conducting the air by a pipe (not shown) from the point ³ to
the point and thence by the pipe E¹ into the retort B the process from that point
being the same as that herein before described.
In the described apparatus I may also use super-heated Steam carried directly

page_text: to the retort B for mixing with the hydro-carbon vapours arising from the solid
hydro-carbon contained therein. In this case the super-heated Steam is conducted
by the pipe p and pipe E¹ to the retort B and the commingled superheated steam
and hydro-carbon vapours thence conveyed to the retort C, for conversion into a
fixed gas or through the pipe F as a vapour in the manner hereinbefore explained.
Although this may be done this direct use of the Steam to take up and convey
the hydro-carbon vapours is greatly less advantageous since the liability of the
steam to condensation renders it variable in capacity as a conveyor and interferes
with the exactness of the proportions which is so desirable in these improved
processes.
In case of its being inconvenient to obtain a supply of solid hydrocarbon, the
apparatus may be worked with a supply of liquid hydrocarbon brought from the
tank T by the pipe a, b, to the pipe G at the point Q, or by the pipe 63 to the
pipe E and thence to the Retort B which is then used as a vaporizer the vapor
being commingled with the air steam or gas and then conveyed by pipe G to the
Retort C.
Either non-illuminating gas or heated air or superheated Steam may be brought
by means of the described connections to the point Qin the pipe G whence it
carries the oil from the pipe b through a vapourizer to the retort C.
It will be understood that in all these operations the proper valves are opened
or closed according to the direction required to be given to the gases or vapours.
In figure 16, precisely the same apparatus is shewn as in figure 15 with the
exception of devices which are added for the purpose of vaporizing ta. or any
heavy liquid hydro-carbon instead of bituminous coal or other solid hydro-carbon
in the retort B. I use a small tank B¹ placed on the top of the furnace or in some
other warm position for the purpose of keeping the tar heavy oils or resins or
oleaginous substances in sufficient fluid condition to run freely. This tank is of a
size to contain a quantity of liquid to be vaporized in the retort B in any given
time, that is to say, during a charge or run of the material.
The liquid flows through the pipe p¹ into retort B accurately and uniformly
during the period in which the vapourization is to take place.
I commence the vapourization at a low red heat and gradually increase it to a
cherry red heat to vapourize the tar to dryness. When the vapour passing from
the retort B is not otherwise required it may be allowed to pass through a
condensing coil C¹ into a reservoir T thereby avoiding waste of material.
It is necessary that the flow of the tar or other substance to the retort B should
be uniform and graduated so that it may be vapourized as fast as applied and as
the residuum accumulates in the retort it is requisite that the charge in the tank
should be such in quantity that it will be exhausted before the retort becomes
clogged. The residuum is a very fine coke which may be removed and used for
fuel or other purposes.
The vapour from the tar or other substance is used in the same manner as that
heretofore described in connection with the vapors of solid hydrocarbon in the
retort B.
The apparatus as described and shewn is capable of supplying the air steam and
non-illuminating gas in mixture to the fixing retort.
There may be supplied to the heated air a proportion of Steam or non-
illuminating gas whenever it may be desirable to make a gas of less density. The
non-illuminating gas may be used alone.
The apparatus herein before described in certain cases may be modified as
hereinafter described to adapt it to the methods hereinafter set forth.
The essential part of the Invention according to the following modification
consists in passing either a highly heated air and the vapour of a hydro-carbon
liquid or a non-illuminating gas or heated air alone through a retort containing
bituminous coal or an equivalent solid or liquid hydro-carbon in a state of
vapourization at a heat below that of destructive distillation whereby a highly
rarefied and elastic heating vapour is formed.

page_text: To a certain extent the highly heated air commingled with the vapour of a
hydro-carbon liquid and non-illuminating gas and superheated steam and the
highly heated air alone are equivalents of each other that is to say;—they will
take up the vapours arising from the distillation of the bituminous coal or from
the other materials which may be substituted for the bituminous coal under the
conditions named and will produce by the process hereinafter described a highly
elastic rarefied heating vapour; but these different agents which are used to take
up the Hydro-carbon vapours in the retort to form the heating vapour are each
adapted particularly for specific purposes and in the apparatus shewn in Figures 17
and 18 of the accompanying Drawings and hereinafter described any one of these
may be used according to the particular purpose for which the heating vapour is
required so that while the general method is the same both the method and the
apparatus are capable of variation by the selection of any one or any combination
of the absorbing and conveying Gases or Vapours according to the particular
purpose for which they are required.
In the accompanying drawings Figure 17 shews a front elevation of one form of
the apparatus in which the vapourizing retort is adapted to receive a solid hydro-
carbon. Figure 18 shews a like elevation of the same form of apparatus with
appliances in connection with the vapourizing retort for supplying thereto the
heavy liquid hydro-carbon such as Coal tar and the like.
The apparatus shewn in these figures is the same as that shewn in Figures 15
and 16 with the addition of a number of pipes which are hereinafter fully
described..
The first bench is provided with a retort A', which is adapted to hold anthracite
Coal or any similar hydro-carbon to make in connection with other substances
hereinafter described a non-illuminating Gas or to heat whatever may be passed
through it. The apparatus is also provided with a boiler W' for generating Steam
which is connected by-a pipe to the Super-heaters H H; K K, the said pipe being
provided with automatic regulators M N, which regulators may be of the colistruction
herein before shewn and need not be here particularly described.
The Super-heaters K. K, are directly connected to the retort A¹ by a pipe having
two branches which enter the retort A' on opposite sides. The retort A' is
connected by a pipe E' with the retort B, placed in the second bench-This
retort B is adapted to hold bituminous Coal or any similar bydro-carbon and to
subject the same to vapourization.-The apparatus thus far described is capable of
operation as follows:-Anthracite Coal or any similar Carbonaceous material being
placed in the retort A¹ and subjected to a high heat Steam from the boiler W¹ is
admitted thereto through the Superheater and these products are converted in the
Baid retort into a non-illuminating gas which is passed through the pipe E' into
the retort B, where it takes up the hydro-carbon vapours and thence is carried
through the pipe F to the place of consumption.
In case it be desirable for any reason to use some other substance instead of
anthracite Coal, the hydro-carbon may be supplied from a liquid source. For this
purpose I provide the tank T, which is connected by a pipe a a to the pipe L, which
conducts the Steam from the Super-heaters to the retort A' forming with the pipe a
vapourizer whereby the steam in a highly heated state carries the vapours into the
retort A¹ whereby they become a fixed non-illuminating gas (in the manner herein-
before described) and is carried onward and used in the same manner as the gas
produced from the anthracite coal But in case it be desired to use steam
directly for taking up the hydrocarbon vapours in the retort B the boiler W* and
the Superheater S may be used by means of which superheated steam may
pass directly to and through the pipe E' to the retort B and there act in connection
with the hydrocarbon vapours in the manner herein before described.
It is not proposed however to use steam alone to take up the vapours resulting
from distillation for the reason that it is liable to variation and therefore is not so
well fitted to act as an absorbent and conveyer of the vapours but it may be used
directly in connection with the air or nonilluminating gas To furnish the air an

page_text: which is provided
This air supply is
The branch pipes
air supplying service is provided consisting of an air pump U
with automatic regulators like those herein before described.
connected by a pipe u with the pipe L leading to the retort A'
connected with the superheater S' are provided with stop cocks so that the
superheater may be used or not as may be required. The air is automatically
regulated quantities may pass through the pipes specified into the retort A¹ and
there be highly heated and thence be conveyed through the pipe E¹ to the retort B
where it commingles with the vapours arising from the bituminous coal and
when saturated with such vapour may pass (as before stated in respect to the
nonilluminating gas) to the points of consumption. But the heated air from the
retort A may in its passage through the pipe Ei meet with the hydro-carbon
liquid passing from the tank T through the pipes a b 62 and the air and vapourized
hydrocarbon pass into the retort B for conversion into a heating vapour.
The air from the air supplying apparatus may be passed around the retort A'
instead of through it. For this purpose a pipe connecting the points and is
used (the said pipe not being shown in the drawings) by which the air may
be passed directly to the pipe E' In this case the superheater 'S' is used for
the air.
The apparatus may also be used in another way bringing into use at the same
time the retort C used in this connection as a heating retort.
This is accomplished in this wise a non-illuminating gas prepared by any one of
the methods herein before described may be taken and stored in the holder X and
from the said holder this non-illuminating gas may be passed through the
pipes V V₁ to the retort C where it is heated and thence it may be taken through
the pipes to the Retort B in which it commingles with the vapours arising from
the bituminous coal with the result hereinbefore stated These combined vapours
may then be taken through the pipe F either to a furnace or to burners for
lighting.
The apparatus shown in Figure 18 is similar to that shown in Figure 17 except
that a small tank B' (placed on the top of the furnace or in some other warin
position where it may be suitably heated) is provided. This tank is supplied with
coal tar heavy oils or resinous or oleaginous substances which may be melted and
in a melted condition be fed to the retort B and used for vapourizing instead- of
the bituminous coal This tank B¹ must be of a size sufficient to contain &
quantity of the material required during a charge or run. The liquids are taken
to the retort B through the pipe p' gradually and uniformly
When the Vapours
passing from the retort B are not otherwise required they may be allowed to pass
through a condensing coil C' to a tank T.
Heated air from the superheater S' or from the retort A³ and the superheated
steain from the superheater S may pass together through the pipe E' into the
retort B in the manner described for each. Steam used with the air acts as a
diluent and may be employed when a thinner or poorer vapour is required.
A pipe E' is provided extending from the pipe E¹ and connected with the outlet
pipe H from retort C by means of which pipes the nonilluminating gas from the
retort A¹ may be conveyed through the usual condensing and purifying apparatus
to the holder X the gas from which may pass by means of the pipes V V₁ into the
retort C as herein before described
I have described the apparatus and process as adapted to produce a lighting and
heating vapour by the direct application of the heated air or gas to the distilling
hydrocarbon but for the best results the liquid hydrocarbon from the tank T is
used in this connection for the reason that the solid hydrocarbon does not give off
its vapours uniformly in distillation but in decreasing quantities and this variation
may be corrected and the result made uniform by the use of the vapour of hydro-
carbon liquid in the manner specified In the regulating devices shewn in
connection with the forcing device U in figures 12, 15, 16, 17 and 18 I have
marked the parts which correspond with those shewn in Figure 13 with like letters
of reference but with the numeral 1 added.

page_text: I do not broadly claim the use of steam to take up the vapours from the distilling
solid hydrocarbons nor the use of air for such purpose at ordinary temperatures
nor do I claim broadly passing steam over carbonaceous materials in process of
distillation.
The gases or vapours manufactured as herein before described may be used for
lighting or heating purposes for Gas engines for treating minerals ores or metals in
those processes where such gases or vapours are or may be employed or for other
purposes to which they are applicable.
Whenever the regulating or automatically regulated devices are used it is under-
stood that a pressure guage is used in connection therewith for the purpose not
only of knowing the pressure in the pipes but also by means of them to determine
the pressure desired. On the pipe t connecting the regulator R with its outlet pipe
a valve should always be attached. Valves should always be attached to the
connecting pipes for the purpose of giving the proper direction to the flow of the
materials used.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my 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 hereinbefore in part
recited Letters Patent is.
With reference to Figures 1 to 11° I claim :-
First. The improvements in the manufacture or production of gases and vapours
for heating illuminating and other purposes from water or steam and hydrocarbons
by means of apparatus and automatic devices for regulating the supply of such
steam or water and hydrocarbons to retorts substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to the accompanying Drawings.
Second. The arrangement of apparatus and method of working the same for the
manufacture of gas hereinbefore described and illustrated by Figure 1 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Third. The arrangement of apparatus and method of working the same for the
-manufacture of gas hereinbefore described and illustrated by Figure 2 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Fourth. The arrangement of apparatus and method of working the same for the
manufacture of gas herein before described and illustrated by Figure 3 of the
accompanying Drawings.
Fifth. In combination in an apparatus for manufacturing gas a Retort an auto-
matically regulated steam supply apparatus connected to the said retort a
superheater a vapourizer connected to the steam supply a pipe for conducting the
liquid hydrocarbon to the said vapourizer and a regulating device for the
hydrocarbon supply connected to the said vapourizer or its immediate connections
whereby the supply of hydrocarbon is made to vary with the variations of the
steam substantially as hereinbefore described.
Sixth, In combination in a gas manufacturing apparatus a steam supply pipe
provided with an automatic regulating device a superheater a hydrocarbon liquid
supply pipe provided also with an automatic regulating device a vaporizer and a
retort or retorts for fixing the vapour and steam and a supplemental retort and
hydrocarbon supply for supplying additional vapour and fixing it with the said gas
substantially as hereinbefore described.
Seventh, In apparatus for manufacturing gas the combination
as herein
described of a supply pipe for water provided with an automatic regulating device
connected by a pipe to the steam generator whereby the supply of water is regulated
by the pressure of the steam generated from the water thus supplied a steam
generator in the furnace connected with the said water supply pipe a steam pipe
provided with an automatic regulating device connecting the said steam generator
to a superheater whereby the supply of water and steam is automatically regulated
by the amount of steam generated in the furnace and consumed in the retort as
herein before described.

page_text: Eighth. The combination as herein described in a gas making apparatus having
a retort and steam supply pipe of a hydrocarbon liquid supply pipe a regulating
device within the said supply pipe and a pipe connected the said regulating
device to the steam within the apparatus whereby the supply of hydrocarbon is
regulated by the supply of the steam as hereinbefore described.
Ninth. In a gas manufacturing apparatus the combination as herein described of
a steam generator a superheater within the bench steam pipes between said
generator and superheater and an automatic regulating or reducing mechanism
substantially as described between the said generator and superheater whereby a
uniform supply of steam is made and used as herein before described.
Tentb. The combination as herein described for the automatic rogulation of the
relative quantities of the water and hydrocarbon liquid supply of a water supply.
pipe P provided with an automatic regulating device RN' a steam generator H H
and a hydrocarbon liquid supply pipe a provided with an automatic regulating
device R N' both regulators being simultaneously operated by the pressure
through the pipes E and E¹ of the steam generated from the water supplied to the
generator H H substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and for the
purpose set forth.
Eleventh In an apparatus for the automatic production of gas by the direct and
regulated delivery of water to a generator in a furnace and of a hydrocarbon liquid
to the vaporizer in a furnace the combination of a reservoir W water supply pipe P.
valve V weights m n and their connections regulator N', R, trap pipe Q, safety
valve S, steam generator H, regulator M, valve N, superheater K, vaporizer L,
tank T, regulator N2, R2, trap pipe a, retort A' and holder X constructed and
connected substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and for the purpose
set forth.
Twelfth In an apparatus for the automatic production of gas by the direct and
regulated delivery of water to a generator in a furnace the combination of a water
supply pipe P regulator N', R, trap pipe Q, safety valve S, steam generator H,
regulator M, valve N, superheater K, vaporizer L, tank T, regulator N³, R³, trap
pipe a, and retort A', connected and constructed substantially in the manner
hereinbefore described and for the purpose set forth.
Thirteenth-In an apparatus for the automatic production of gas by the direct
and regulated delivery of water to a generator in a furnace the combination of a
water supply pipe P regulator N, R, trap pipe Q safety valve S, steam generator H,
regulator M, valve N, superheater K, and retort A¹, connected and constructed
substantially in the manner hereinbefore described and for the purpose set forth.
Fourteenth-In an apparatus for the automatically regulated delivery of water
to a steam generator the combination of a water supply pipe P regulator N' R
trap pipe safety valve S and steam generator H connected and constructed
substantially in the manner herein before described and for the purpose set forth.
Fifteenth-In an apparatus for the manufacture of gas by the automatic
delivery of steam to a superheater and of a hydrocarbon liquid to a vaporizer in a
furnace the combination of superheaters H H steam and oil supply pipes non-
illuminating gas retorts A' B vaporizers KK and a fixing or illuminating gas
retort D connected and constructed substantially in the manner hereinbefore
described and for the purpose set forth.
Sixteenth-In an apparatus for the manufacture of gas by the automatic o
delivery of water to a generator in a furnace and of a hydrocarbon liquid to a
vaporizer in a furnace the combination of a steam generator or superheater H H,
non-illuminating gas retorts A' B vaporizers K. K and a fixing or illuminating gas
retort D connected and constructed substantially in the manner herein before
described and for the purpose set forth.
Seventeenth In a furnace for the manufacture of gas the combination of
blocks L flues C D E F and division wall G constructed substantially in the
manner herein described and for the purpose set forth.

page_text: With reference to Figures 12 to 14 I claim
Eighteenth The process of manufacturing a heating vapour (as herein described
consisting in the combination of liquid hydrocarbons and heated air or super-
heated steam or a mixture of both) heated to a point above the boiling point of
the liquid used and below that of its destructive distillation commingled in a
vaporizer where the supply of each is maintained in definite proportions and
automatically regulated and where the heat is continually and sufficiently main-
tained in the manner hereinbefore described and for the purpose set forth.
Nineteenth-In the manufacture and utilization of illuminating and non-
illuminating gas the combining of liquid hydrocarbons with heated air and
superheated steam in a vaporizer in regulated proportionate quantities at
temperatures at or above the boiling point of the liquid employed and below
that of destructive distillation the commingled hydrocarbon vapour heated air
and superheated steam being delivered to burners where the air is supplied
automatically in the proportion required to effect the perfect combustion of the
commingled gaseous vapours substantially as hereinbefore described with reference
to the accompanying Drawings.
Twentieth-The combination in an apparatus for manufacturing a heating
vapour of an air supply pipe and an automatically regulated forcing device for the
air the liquid hydro-carbon and steam supplying devices provided with automatic
regulators superheaters and a vaporizer all substantially as set forth.
Twenty-first-In an apparatus for the manufacture of a heating vapour the
combination of an air panip D, compensator G', heaters C, E, tank U, hydrocarbon
liquid supply pipe and valve T governor V connections QQ pipe M regulator R
and vaporizer F connected and constructed substantially in the manner herein
described, with regard to Figure 12 and for the purpose set forth.
Twenty second-Iu an apparatus for the manufacture of a heating vapour the
combination of an air pump D compensator G' heaters C and E steam supply
pipe N regulator R¹ v v governor V³ connections X. Tank U bydro-carbon liquid
supply pipe and valve T governor V connections QQ pipe M regulator R¹³v
and vaporizer F connected and constructed substantially in the manner herein
described with reference to figure 12 and for the purpose set forth.
Twenty third-In an apparatus for the manufacture of a heating vapour the
combination of a steam supply pipe N regulator R¹³ ³ superheater E hydro carbon
liquid supply pipe M regulator R ² and vapourizer F all constructed substantially
in the manner herein described with reference to Figure 12 and for the purpose set
forth.
Twenty fourth-In combination with an apparatus for manufacturing a heating
vapour a pressure regulator to regulate the flow of liquids steam or air consisting
of the following parts a flexible diaphragm r regulated by weights or pressure
a valve situated in the passage of the supply pipe and connected with the
diaphragm constructed to close when the diaphragui rises and to open when the
diaphragm falls a pipe t connecting the outlet pipe from the valve v² and
the chamber below the diaphragm r to communicate the pressure in the outlet pipe
to the diaphragm whereby a uniform pressure is maintained in the outlet pipe and
valve on the outlet pipe constructed substantially as herein before described and
illustrated in Figure 14.
Twenty fifth-In combination a vapour generating apparatus devices for sup-
plying to the said apparatus the materials for the said vapours and automatic
regulating devices whereby the materials are supplied in proper quantities. A closed
furnace with a pipe leading to the generating apparatus an air forcing device con-
nected with the furnace for automatically supplying air wholly thereto and
connections between the regulating mechanism which supply materials to the
generating apparatus and the air forcing devices whereby the speed of one
automatically regulates the speed of the other as described with reference to
Figure 12.

page_text: Twenty sixth. In an apparatus for the manufacture of a heating vapour the
combination of an air pump D compensator G' superheaters C. E tank U hydro-
carbon liquid supply pipe and valve T governor V constructions QQ¹ vapourizer F
air pump D' compensator G' connection ¹ and an air pipe p for wholly supplying
air for the combustion of the vapour all being connected and constructed substan-
tially in the manner herein before described with reference to Figure 12 and for the
purpose set forth.
Twenty seventh-In an apparatus for the manufacture of a heating vapour the
combination of an air pump D compensator G' super heaters GE steam supply
pipe N regulator R¹ governor V₁S connection X tank U hydro carbon liquid supply
pipe and valve T governor V connections QQ vapourizer Fair pump D³ com-
pensator G connection and an air pipe p for wholly supplying air for the
combustion of the vapour all being connected and constructed substantially in the
manner hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 12 and for the purpose set
forth.
Twenty eighth-The arrangement of apparatus and method of working the same
for the manufacture of gas herein before described and illustrated by Figure 12 of
the accompanying drawings.
Twenty ninth The processes and apparatus for manufacturing gas by combining
heated air superheated steam non illuminating gas hydro carbon liquids and vapours
arising from solid hydro carbons coal tar or resinous or oleaginous substances in
the process of vapourization and the conversion of the combined vapours into fixed
gases substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 15 and 16 of
the accompanying drawings.
With reference to Figures 15 and 16 I claim
Thirtieth, an apparatus for the manufacture of Gas consisting of a retort A¹ in
combination with an automatically regulated air forcing device and a hydro carbon
liquid supply pipe having a regulating device connected with the air forcing device
whereby the supply of hydro carbon is proportioned to the supply of air, a heater
and a vapourizer substantially as described.
Thirty first In combination with the retort A' a steam supply pipe and an air
forcing device with heaters for each and with suitable connections and stopcocks
(whereby either may be used at will) and a hydro carbon liquid supply pipe with
an automatic valve whereby the amount of oil is proportioned to the amount of
steam or air substantially as described
Thirty second The combination of the retort A' and the automatically regulated
steam or air supplying devices a hydro carbon supply pipe (regulated substantially
as described by the steam or air admitted) a suitable super heater and vapourizer
the retort B adapted to hold a dry hydro carbon, a pipe and regulator between the
vapourizer and oil supply pipe and intermediate connecting pipes all substantially
as described and shewn.
Thirty third The combination of the retort A¹ with the liquid hydro carbon
supply reservoir and pipe and steam, or air supplying device super heaters vapourizer
and automatic regulators as described whereby the proportion of hydro carbon and
steam or air are automatically maintained a vapourizing retort B adapted to certain
dry hydro carbon and a fixing retort C with intermediate pipes and connections all
substantially as described
Thirty fourth In the described apparatus the combination of the retort A¹ and
air and steam supplying devices adapted to produce a non illuminating gas substan-
tially as described the retort B and pipe E' for taking such Gas to the said retort B
and a steam generator and super heater and steam supply pipe p connected to the
said pipe E' at a point between the said retorts A and B and connections substan-
tially as described whereby the resulting vapours may be conducted from the
retort B to a point of consumption or to a third retort C and the resulting gas
conducted therefrom to points of combustion or storage substantially as and for the
purpose described
Thirty fifth The combination of an air supply pipe an automatic air forcing

page_text: device and air heater a steam supply pipe and an automatic regulator a hydro
carbon supply pipe having an automatic valve and a fixing retort
Thirty sixth In the described apparatus the combination as herein described for
the manufacture of gas of an air supply pipe provided with an automatically
regulated forcing device a super heater, a steam supply pipe provided with an
automatic regulating device, a superheater for the steam, a hydro carbon liquid
supply pipe provided with an automatic regulating device and a fixing retort
substantially as set forth.
Thirty seventh In the described apparatus the combination as herein described
for the manufacture of gas of an air supply pipe, an automatically regulated forcing
device, a heater therefor, a steam supply pipe provided with an automatic regulating
device and super heater therefor and a retort B substantially as and for the purpose
described
Thirty eighth In the described apparatus the combination as herein described for
the manufacture of gas of an air supplying device, an automatically regulated air
forcing device a steam supply pipe provided with an automatic regulating devico
and a super heater, a hydro carbon supply pipe provided with an automatic
regulating device, and a vapourizer a retort in which solid or melted hydro
carbon Coal tar or similar heavy liquids are vapourized and a fixing retort
substantially as set forth.
Thirty ninth. In an apparatus for the manufacture of gas the combination
of the following parts, viz, a tank T a regulator N¹ R, a vapourizer L a
boiler Wa, regulator M, a valve N super heaters HK a non illuminating gas
retort A, an air pump U, a compensator G, a super heater S', a boiler W, a
regulator M, a valve N, a superheater S a vapourizing retort B a tank B³ a coil C¹
a tank T¹ and a fixing retort C substantially as described
Fortieth The process of manufacturing gas herein described consisting in
vapourizing liquid hydro carbon by use of highly heated air in contact with the
liquid in a vapourizer at a temperature below that ef the destructive distillation
of the liquid, in supplying the heated air by an air forcing device, in regulating
the supply of liquid hydro carbon automatically by the heated air supply whereby
the definite proportions of each are maintained and in conveying the commingled
vapours to a heated retort and converting them into a fixed gas.
Forty first The process of manufacturing gas consisting in combining highly
heated air super heated steam or non illuminating gas with vapours arising in a
heated retort from bituminous coal or other solid or melted hydro carbons coal
tar or similar heavy liquids in the process of vapourization at a temperature below
that of destructive distillation and conveying the commingled vapours to a heated
retort and then converting them into a fixed gas substantially as set forth.
Forty second The process of manufacturing gas consisting in combining highly
heated air and super heated steam or non illuminating gas in conjunction with the
vapour of a liquid hydro carbon with the vapours arising in a heated retort from
bituminous coal or other solid or melted hydro carbons, coal tar or similar heavy
liquids in the process of vapourization at a temperature below that of destructive
distillation and conveying the commingled vapours to a heated retort and therein
converting them into a fixed gas substantially as set forth.
Forty third In combination with an apparatus for manufacturing gases for
lighting and heating an automatically regulated air or gas forcing device con-
sisting of an air or gas pump U compensator G' regulated by weights or pressure
and containing a float connected with a valve v³ the said valve being so constructed
as to open when the float rises and to close when the float falls, a pipe s' connecting
the outlet pipe u of the pump to the interior of the float in the compensator G¹ to
communicate the pressure in the pipe to the float a pipe u¹ connecting the outlet
pipe to the chamber above the valve v and a pipe t connecting the chamber
below the valve with the inlet pipe of the pump to allow a circulation of air or gas
from the outlet to the inlet pipe whereby a uniform pressure is maintained in the

page_text: outlet pipe u all being constructed and arranged substantially as set forth and
illustrated.
Forty fourth An automatically regulated air or gas forcing device of sub-
stantially the construction as described and claimed in combination with burners
for lighting and heating and intermediate pipes and mains the said forcing device
being placed between the storage holder and the consumers burners and operating
substantially as described whereby the amount of gas is supplied to the burners
in regulated and definite quantities and with continuous and unremitting pressure.
Forty fifth The process of manufacturing gas consisting in the production of
the vapours of coal tar and similar substances causing the Coal tar to gradually
flow in definite and regulated quantities into a heated retort in which it is
vapourized as rapidly as it is allowed to flow therein at a gradually increasing
temperature kept below that of destructive distillation accumulating in the retort
a solid residuum of coke and preserving in a liquid form any surplus vapours by
the use of an attached condensing coil commingling the vapours as they arise in
the retort with highly heated air or super heated steam or non illuminating gas
either separately or combined and thence conveying them to a heated retort
wherein they are converted into a fixed gas substantially as set forth.
With reference to Figures 17 and 18 I claim.-
Forty sixth-The process of producing lighting or heating vapours consisting in
combining highly heated air or non illuminating gas (both with or without super-
heated steam with the vapours arising in a heated retort from bituminous coal or
other solid or melted hydro carbons coal tar or similar heavy liquids in the process
of vapourization at a temperature kept below that of destructive distillation the
combination or mixture being effected by introduction of the air or gas into the
vapour above the distilling coal substantially as set forth
Forty seventh The process of producing lighting or heating vapours consisting
in combining highly heated air or non illuminating gas both with or without
superheated steam in conjunction with the vapour of liquid hydro carbon with the
vapours arising in a heated retort from bituminous coal or other solid or melted
hydro carbons coal tar or similar heavy liquids in the process of vapourization at a
temperature kept below that of destructive distillation substantially as described
Forty eighth The described apparatus consisting of the retorts A¹ B and C the
steam air and liquid hydro carbon supplying apparatus the regulating devices the
connecting pipes with suitable cocks the tank X and the pipes V V' all combined
and operating substantially as described
In witness whereof I the said William Arthur have to this my Specification
set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of August One thousand eight hundred
and eighty three.
WILLIAM ARTHUR. (L.S.)