AN IMPROVED MODE OF COMPRESSING PEAT FOR MAXING FUEL OR GAS, AND OF MANUFACTURING GAS, AND OF OBTAINING CERTAIN SUBSTANCES APPLICABLE TO PURIFYING THE SAME
Year: 1849

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, FRANK
CLARKE HILLS, of Deptford, in the County of Kent, Manufacturing Chemist,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-eighth day of
November, One thousand eight hundred and forty-nine, in the thirteenth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
me, the said Frank Clarke Hilis, my exors, admors, and assigns, Her especial
licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the said Frank Clarke
Hills, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, and such others as I, the said Frank
Clarke Hills, my exors; admors, or assigns, should at any time agree with,
and no others, from time to time and at all times during the term of years
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend,
within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, my Inven-
tion of "AN IMPROVED MODE OF COMPRESSING PEAT FOR MAXING FUEL OR GAS,
AND OF MANUFACTURING GAS, AND OF OBTAINING CERTAIN SUBSTANCES APPLICABLE
TO PURIFYING THE SAME;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso,
that I,the said Frank Clarke Hills, shall cause a particular description of the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
D01

page_text: formed, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be inrolled in
Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar months next
and immediately after the date of the said in part recited Letters Patent, as
in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more fully and at
large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Frank Clarke Hills, have ascertained and set forth the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner of carrying the same into effect, in and by the
following description thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto
annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon, observing that when
the same object is representedin two or more Figures, the same letters denote
the same parts in each Figure:-
My Improved Mode of Compressing Peat consists in subjecting it to pres-
sure between inclined planes or rollers, porous or absorbent filtering materials,
such as sand or gravel, being employed for the purpose of separating the water
from the peat, and retaining the solid particles of the peat.
purpose.
Figures 1 to 4 represent one arrangement which I employ for this p
Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the apparatus; Figure 2 a plan (partly
in section, and with one of the covers removed); Figure 3 a section upon the
line A, A, and Figure 4 a section on the line B, B; and Figures 5 to 7
represent variations in the details. a, a, are two troughs placed in a straight
line, and at the same level. The bottoms bare formed as gratings, and the
ends c, c, do not reach to the top, leaving a space of about three inches between
them and the under side of the covers d, d, which covers are strongly bolted to
the upper part of the troughs. Upon the gratings b, b, is placed layer of
coarse gravel, clinkers, or other similar material, which will not pass through
the gratings, and then a succession of layers of gravel, each finer than the last,
and concluding with a layer of sharp sand, upon which is laid a sheet of per-
forated metal e, e, thus forming two long shallow rectangular chambers open
at each end. To prevent the perforated plate from being strained by the sub-
sidence of the sand, a number of bars f,f, are placed in the troughs, resting
upon ledges on the end pieces and the cross barg. Their upper surfaces are
level with the top of the end pieces, and the sand is filled in between them to
the same level. h,h, are hoppers placed over an aperture i, i, in each cover,
for the admission of the peat, and h, k, are two plungers accurately fitting the
chambers. These plungers are connected together by a slotted frame m, in
which works a crank n (driven by any suitable prime mover), which imparts a
to and fro motion to the plungers. At each successive stroke of the plungers
a portion of peat is admitted through the hopper into one chamber, and a

page_text: similar portion is forced forward along theother chamber. Thepressure is regu
lated by means of two moveable inclined planes.as 0,0, or by rollers p,p,which
may be brought nearer together or set farther asunder,so as to vary the size of
the discharge aperture, and with it the pressure to which the peat is subjected.
The operation of the machine will be readily understood. At each stroke of
the plungers a portion of peat is admitted into one of the chambers, and the
peat in the other chamber is forced along the chamber towards the orifice, but,
from the resistance opposed to its passage, the water will be squeezed out, and
will percolate through the sand, and the peat will be forced outat thedischarge
aperture in a compressed state. The four sides of the chambers should be
made as smooth as possible, and, in lieu of covering the surface of the sand
with a plate of perforated metal,it may be covered over by a range of straight
bars, made smooth on their top and sides, and placed longitudinally in the
chambers, side by side, with very thin washers, say about one sixteenth of an
inch thick, interposed between the bars at each end, so as to form very narrow
longitudinal slits, as shewn in Figures 6 and 7. The cover, likewise, instead
of being bolted to the sides of the chamber, may be hinged to it near the
hopper, and a loaded lever applied to the opposite end to regulate the pressure,
as shewn in Figure 5, in which case the rollers or inclined planes shewn in
Figure 1 will not be requisite, and, instead of being made solid, it may be
composed of two gratings with very narrow longitudinal spaces between the
bars,and having a layer of cocoa-nut fibre or fabric interposed between them,
as shewn at q, q, in Figures 5 and 7.
My improved mode of manufacturing gas refers to the production and
purification of gas and obtaining certain products. My improvement in the
production of gas consists of a method of drying and warming the coals(before
they are put into the retorts to be distilled) by the waste heat from the ordi-
nary retort beds. The coals will then be more quickly carbonized than when
used cold or damp, and less fuel will be required to distill off the gas. I effect
this in the following manner:-I take two or more retorts, of any length or
size required, but which I prefer to be of the ordinary length of gas retorts,
and about twelve or fourteen inches in diameter. These retorts, which I prefer
to be round, I place one above another, between the ordinary beds of car-
bonizing retorts, either at the sides of the arches, which must be made wide
enough to receive them, or in the piers which support the arches, in which
room must be left to place them. The waste heat from the retort beds as
to pass round and between these warming retorts by means of flues, so is to
keepthem of a regular heat. There are to be wrought iron scoops to fit loosely
into the worming retorts, such scoops as are generally used for charging

page_text: ordinary retorts (only a little deeper, so as to hold as much coal as possible)
answer the purpose. These scoops are to be filled with coals in the ordinary
way, and are then to be put into the warming retorts, and be allowed to
remain there until the coals become sufficiently dry and heated, taking care
not to decompose or cake the coals. The scoops are then to be drawn out of
the warming retorts with their charge of coals, which is to be introduced
into the ordinary decomposing retorts. The warming retorts are placed
between the ordinary beds of retorts to obtain a convenient heightfor charging
and uncharging them. Two of these warming retorts will generally be found
sufficient for a bed of seven carbonizing retorts.
My improvements in the purification of gas, and in obtaining certain pro-
ducts,consistofa method ofpurifying it from sulphuretted hydrogen, cyanogen,
and ammonia, by passing it through the following porous material, and of
renovating the material employed after it has become inert, and of obtaining
the sulphur, cyanogen, and ammonia (either alone or in combination), which
were contained in the gas. I effect this in the following mauner:-I take the
subsulphates, the oxychlorides, or the hydrated or precipitated oxides of iron
(which I prefer to use in a rather damp state), either by themselves or mixed
with sulphate of lime or sulphate of muriate of magnesia, baryta, strontia,
potash, or soda,and absorb them into or mix them with sawdust or peat char-
coal in coarse powder, or breeze or other porous or absorbent material,so as to
make a very porous substance easily permeable by the gas. This material is
to be put into a purifier (such a one as is used for dry lime answers the pur-
pose), and the gas is to be passed through it, whereby the gas will be deprived
of its sulphuretted hydrogen; cyanogen, and a part of its ammonia, which will
be absorbed into the porous material,water being at the same time formed by
the union of the oxygen of the oxide and the hydrogen of the sulphuretted
hydrogen absorbed. As soon as the material ceases to purify the gas from
sulphuretted hydrogen, the gas is to be shut off from the purifier, and a com-
munication is to be opened to the external air, which is to be admitted to the
purifying material, and by the agency of which it will be renovated, and the
uncombined gases which have been absorbed will be driven off. The best way
toeffectthis is partially totakeoff the atmospheric pressure at the topor bottom
of the purifier in which the purifying material is contained by connecting it
with a pipe to a hot and powerful chimney, or to an exhausting apparatus,so
as to cause a current of air from the opening in the purifier communicating
with the external air to pass through the purifying material. The current of
airwill driveoff the volatile gases which have been absorbed into the purifying
material from the gas, but which have not united with the purifying material

page_text: consisting principally of ammonia and of some sulphuretted and carburetted
hydrogen. The air will at the same time re-oxidize the iron of the sulphuret of
iron which has been formed, and sulphur will be precipitated, and a small
but variable quantity of sulphuric acid will be formed. Instead of admitting the
air to the purifying material in the manner described, it may be admitted in
any other convenient way, and sufficient heat may be generated during the
process of renovation to drive off the volatile gases that have been absorbed.
The ammonia driven off from the purifying material, whether free or in com-
bination, is to be caught by passing it through a condenser, which may be
formed of the connecting pipes from the purifier to the exhausting apparatus;
or the ammonia may be fixed by an acid, or retained by any other effective
means. If sulphate of lime or sulphate or muriate of magnesia be present in
the purifying material, they will be decomposed, their acids uniting with the
ammonia. As soon as the iron is re-oxidized, which will generally be the case
in a few hours, the gas is to be passed through it again, when the same effect
will take place as at first, and this process of purification and re-oxidation or
renovation of the purifying material is to be repeated until the purifying material
ceases to be efficacious. It is then to be taken out of the purifier, and the sul-
phur and cyanogen, and also the ammonia or ammoniacal compounds, may be
extracted from it. I prefer to effect the renovation of the purifying material
without withdrawing it from the purifier, by exposing it to the influence of
the atmosphere, which may be either admitted to it or be drawn or forced
through it byanysuitable means, whereby the iron will become re-oxidized and
fit for again purifying the gas. Before submitting the gas to the action of the
purifying materials before mentioned, I prefer, first, to take away the greater
part of the ammonia by means of a water scrubber, or by any other plan that
may be preferred, and then to pass the gas through the porous purifying mate-
terial before mentioned to remove the sulphuretted hydrogen and cyanogen.
The purifying material will then last longer, as the ammonia takes away, in
combination with it,a good deal of the sulphur which would otherwise combine
with the iron. The hydrated or precipitated oxides of manganese and zinc
may be used in the same manner as described for the oxides of iron, though
not with equal advantage. Hydrated or precipitated oxides of iron may be
conveniently prepared for these purposes by decomposing sulphate or muriate
of iron with hydrosulphuret of ammonia, or with lime, magnesia, potash, or
soda, they may then be absorbed into or mixed with sawdust, peat charcoal;
or breeze, or other such material, and afterwards exposed to the air.
My improvements in the purification of gas cousist, further, of the following
methods of supplying water or ammoniacal-liquor, or other purifying liquids,
°

page_text: into
gas scrubbers or purifiers, and distributing them equally over the surface
of the media with which the purifier is charged. First, at an elevation of a
few feet above the purifier I place a vessel as a, Figure 8 (preferably rect-
angular), capable of holding a few gallons, into which the purifying liquid is
to be run by a regulating cock in any required quantity. In one side of this
vessel, near the bottom, is a long narrow longitudinal aperture b, say three
inches long by one inch deep, and fitted on the interior surface with a sliding
valve C, which is kept to its seating by slight springs d, d. This valve is con-
nected by a slot joint to the rod e, which is connected to the arm f of the
tumbling lever f, f, the arm f of which has a knob or ball g at the top.
The connecting rod e carries a tappet h near each end, between which tappets,
and sliding freely on the rod, is placed a float i, which rises and falls as the
liquid runs in or out of the vessel. The float in its ascent, acting upon
the upper tappet, gradually elevates the arms of the tumbling lever until the
arm has passed the vertical line, when the weight g will cause the arm to
descend suddenly into the position shewn in the Figure, and the sudden rise
of the arm will pull the valve up at once with a jirk, letting out the purify-
ing liquid, and will also shut it again with a jirk, when, by the sinking of the
float, its weight will pull the tumbling lever over again to the same side that
it was at first. The purifying liquid is then to run from this vessel into a
series of pipes equally divided over the surface of the media in the purifier,
and about eighteen inches apart; these pipes are to have small holes drilled in
them on opposite sides, at regular intervals apart, so that when the water is
let into them it will spread in little jets all over the surface. Second, the
purifying liquid may be supplied to the scrubbers or purifying vessels by
forcing it, at intervals, into the spreading pipes before mentioned by a pump
or other machine. Instead of spreading pipes, as described, a pipe or pipes
may be placed in the centre or other parts of the purifier, with a rose or
spreader, like a garden engine or syringe, with little holes or a slit, or such
like contrivance, all round the circumference, and the water being forced into
this, or let in from a height above, will spread pretty evenly over the surface
of the media contained in the purifier.
•
My mode of obtaining certain substances applicable to purifying gas
consists of a method of making the precipitated oxides and subsulphates of
iron. To prepare the hydrated or precipitated oxides and subsulphates of
iron, I take the precipitated sulphurets of iron, obtained in any convenient
way,and mix them with or absorb them into sawdust, breeze, or other porous
material, and then expose the material so made to the air to absorb oxygen,
whereby the oxide and subsulphate of iron are obtained.

page_text: Having thus described my Invention, and the manner of carrying the same
into effect, I proceed to state my claims in respect thereof. I claim, —
Firstly, the compressing peat over or between porous or absorbent media,as
sand or gravel or cocoa nut, or other suitable vegetable fibre or fabric, in the
manner herein-before described.
Secondly, the drying and warming the coals (before the gas is distilled off
from them) in retorts or ovens made of any suitable material, and heated
by the waste heat from the ordinary retort beds.
Thirdly, the purifying coal gas from sulphuretted hydrogen, cyanogen, and
more or less perfectly from ammonia, by passing it through the precipitated or
hydrated oxides of iron, or the subsulphates or oxychlorides of iron, from
whatever source obtained, either by themselves, or, which is much better, made
into a more porous material by being absorbed into or mixed with sawdust or
breeze or peat charcoal in coarse powder, or other porous or absorbent mate-
rial, so as to be readily permeable by the gas, and either used alone or mixed
with sulphate of lime or sulphate or muriate of magnesia, potash, or soda, or
in conjunction with any other purifying material, at present in use for a similar
purpose. But I do not claim peroxides of iron or manganese made at a red
heat, or the oxide of iron mixed with chloride of calcium, or with the
muriates and sulphates of manganese, iron, and zinc, and absorbed into
sawdust, &c.
Fourthly,repeatedly renovating or re-oxidizing the said purifying materials
by the action of the air whenever they from time to time cease to absorb
sulphuretted hydrogen, so that they may be used over and over again to purify
the gas.
Fifthly, the collection of the ammonia or ammoniacal compounds given off
from any purifying materials containing the said oxides, subsulphates, and
oxychlorides while being aired or renovated, either by the use of a condenser
of any suitable description, or by combining the said ammonia or ammoniacal
compounds with acids or water.
Sixthly, the collection of the sulphur, cyanogen, and ammoniacal compounds,
formed in the purifying materials during the process of purification and
renovation.
Seventhly, employing the precipitated or hydrated oxides of manganese
and zinc in the same manner as described for the oxides of iron.
Eighthly, supplying the purifying liquid to the scrubbers or purifiers at
intervals, by means either of a supply cistern situated above the purifiers, and
having a valve or cock working with an intermitting action, or by means of a
forcing pump or syringe, likewise acting at intervals, such elevated cistern or

page_text: such forcing pump being connected with perforated pipes, roses, or jets placed.
within the purifier in such manner that the liquid will spread evenly over the
surface of the media contained in the purifier.
Lastly, making the oxides and subsulphates of iron, from precipitated
sulphurets of iron, by mixing such sulphurets with or absorbing them into
sawdust or breeze, or other porous material, and then exposing the materials
to the air to absorb oxygen.
In witness whereof, I, the said Frank Clarke Hills, have hereunto set
my hand and seal, this Twenty-eighth day of May, One thousand
eight hundred and fifty.
FRANK CLARKE (L.S.) HILLS.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-eighth day of May,
in the year of our Lord 1850, the aforesaid Frank Clarke Hills came before
our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Specification
aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form above
written. And also the Specification aforesaid was stamped according to the
tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and fifty.

page_text: AND OF MANUFACTURING GAS, AND OF OBTAINING CERTAIN SUBSTANCES
APPLICABLE TO PURIFYING THE SAME," bearing date at Westminster,
the Twenty-eighth day of November, One thousand eight hundred
and forty-nine; and to which a Specification has been duly inrolled.
DISCLAIMER proposed to be entered by the said Patentee with the Clerk
of the Patents of England, pursuant to the Statute in that case made
and provided.
[The words printed in Italic are in red ink in the original.]
I, the said Frank Clarke Hills, do declare that since the inrolment of
the said Specification I am doubtful whether those parts of my Invention
described in the Specification of my said Invention which are respectively
comprised in the claims firstly, secondly, fifthly, sixthly, seventhly, and
lastly therein contained, have that degree of novelty they were supposed
to possess at the time of taking the said Letters Patent, for which reason
I wish to disclaim, and do hereby disclaim, the words "of compressing
peat for making fuel or gas, and" and also the words "and of obtaining
certain substances applicable to purifying the same," contained in the title
niy said Invention, and, for the reason aforesaid, I do hereby disclaim
all such parts of the said Specification of my said Invention as consists of
or relates to the claims of invention therein contained, which are therein
respectively made or numbered "firstly, secondly, fifthly, sixthly, seventhly
and lastly." And in order that the effect of this my Disclaimer may be more
clearly understood, I have hereunder set forth a copy of mysaid Specification,
shewing the same and the said title as hereby altered (that is to say):
of
"TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, FRANK
CLARKE HILLS, of Deptford, in the County of Kent, Manufacturing Chemist,
send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters l'atent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great

page_text: Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-eighth day
of November, One thousand eight hundred and forty-nine, in the thirteenth
year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and
grant unto me, the said Frank Clarke Hills, my exors, admors, and assigns,
Her especial licence, full power, sole privilege and authority, that I, the
said Frank Clarke Hills, my exors, adñiors, and assigns, and such others
as I, the said Frank Clarke Hills, my exors, adñors, or assigns, should
at any
time agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times
during the term of years therein expressed, should and lawfully might make,
use, exercise, and vend, within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-
upon-Tweed, my Invention of "An Improved Mode of Compressing Peat for
making Fuel or Gas, and of Manufacturing Gas, and of Obtaining certain
Substances applicable to purifying the same, parts of which title being
disclaimed, the same is now a title in these words "An Improved Mode of
Manufacturing Gas;" in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso
that I, the said Frank Clarke Hills, should cause a particular description
of the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, to be
inrolled in Her said Majesty's High Court of Chancery within six calendar
months next and immediatelyafter the date of the said in part recited Letters
Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto had, will more
fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, I, the said
Frank Clarke Hills, have ascertained and set forth the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner of carrying the same into effect, in and by the
following description thereof, reference being had to the Drawings hereunto
annexed, and to the figures and letters marked thereon, observing that when
the same object is represented in two or more Figures the same letters denote
the same parts in each Figure.
My--improved--mode--of--compressing--peat--consists-in-subjeeting-it-to-pressure
between-inelined-planes-or-rollers;-porous-or-absorbent-filtering-materials,--such--as
sand--or-gravel,--being--employed-for-the-purpose-of-separating-the-water-from-the
peat,-and-retaining-the--solid--particles--of--the--peat. Figures--1--to--4--represent
one--arrangement--which--1--employ--for--this-purpose:-Figure-1-is-a-longitudinal
section-of-the-apparatus; Figure-2-a-plan-(partly-in-section;-and--with--one--of--the
eovers-removed)-;--Figure--3--a--section-upon-the-line-A, A;-and-Figure-4-a-section
on-the-line-B;-B-;-and-Figures-ó-to-7-represent-variations-in-the-details:-a,-a,-are
two-troughs placed-in-a-straight-line, and--at--the--sume--level.--The--bottoms--b
are-formed-as-gratings,-and-the-ends-c;-c;-de-not-reach-to-the-top-leaving--a--space

page_text: eovers-are-strongly-bolted-to-the-upper-part-of-the-troughs. Upon-the-gratings
b,-b;-is-placed-a-layer-of-coarse-gravel, elinkers, or other similar-material, which will
not-pass-through-the-gratings,-and-then-a-succession-of-layers-of-gravel,-each-finer
than-the-last-and-eoneluding-with-a-layer of sharp-sand,-apon-which-is-laid-a-sheet
of-perforated-metal,-e,-e,-thus-forming-two-long-shallow-reetangalar-chambers-open
at-each-end-To--prevent-the--perforated--plate-from-being-strained--by--the-sub-
sidence-of-the-sand,-a-number-of-bars-f;-f,-are-placed-in-the-troughs--resting--upon
ledges--on-the-end-pieces-and-the--eress-bar--G. Their--upper-surfaces--are-level
with-the-top-of-the-end-pieces,-and-the-sand-is-filled-in-between-them--to-the-same
level-h, h-are--hoppers--placed--over--an--aperture-i,-,-in--each--eover--for--the
admission-of-the-peat;-and-k,-k-are-two-plungers,-accurately-fitting-the-chambere
These--plungers-are--connected-together-by-a-slotted-frame-m;--in-which-works-a
erank-n-(driven-by-any-suitable-prime-mover),-which-imparts-a-to-and-fro-motion-to
the plungers-At-each successive-stroke-of-the plungers-a-portion-of-peat-is-admitted .
through-the-hopper-into-one-chamber,-and-a-similar-portion-is-forced-forward-along
the-other-chamber.-The-pressure-is-regulated-by-means-of-two-moveable--inelined
planes,--as--0--0--or-by-rollers-p-p,--which-may-be-brought-nearer-together-or-set
farther-asunder-so-as-to-vary-the-size-of-the-discharge--aperture,-and--with-it--the
pressure-to-which--the--peat--is--subjected.-The--operation--of--the-machine-will
be-readily-understood:--At-each-stroke-of-the-plungers-a-portion-of-peat-is-admitted
into-one--of--the--chambers,--and--the--peat--in-the-other--chamber-is-toreed-along
the chamber-towards-the-orifice, but,-from-the-resistance-opposed-to-its-passage;-the
water-will-be-squeezed-out;-and-will-pecolate-through-the-sand,-and-the-peat-will-be
toreed-out-at-the-discharge-aperture-in-a-compressed state. The--four-sides-of-the
chambers-should-be-made-as-smooth-as-possible,-and-in-lien-of-covering-the-surface
of-the-sand-with-a-plate-of-perforated-metal, it-may-be-covered-over-by-a-range--of
straight-bars-made-smooth-on-their-top-and-sides,-and-placed-longitudinally-in--the
chambers, -side-by-side,-with-very-thin-washers;-say-about-one-sixteenth-of-an-inch
thick,--interposed--between--the--bars--at--each-end,--so--as--to--form--very--narrow
longitudinal-slite,-as-shewn-in-Figures 6 and 7. The-cover-likewise, instead-of-being
belted-to-the-sides-of-the-chamber,-may-be-hinged-to--it--near-the--hopper--and--a
leaded--lever--applied--to--the--opposite--end--to-regalate-the-pressure,-as-shewn-in
Figure-5,-in-which-ease-the-rollers-or-inclined-planes-shewn-in-Figure-1-will-not-be
requisite,-and-instead-of-being-made-colid,-it-may--be--composed--of--two--gratings
with-very narrow-longitudinal-spaces-between-the-bare;-and-having-a-layer-of-cocoa-
nut-fibre-or-fabric-interposed-between-them,-as-shewn-at-q-q-in-Figures-5-and-7.
My improved mode of manufacturing gas refers to the production-and purifi-
cation of gas and-obtaining-certain-products. My-improvement-in-the-production

page_text: of-gas-consists-of-a-method-of-drying-and-warming-the-coals--(before--they-are-put
into-the-retorts-to-be-distilled)--by-the-waste-heat--from-the-ordinary-retort-beds.
The-eeal-will-then-be-more-quickly-carbonized-than-when-used--eold--or-damp,--and
less--fuel--will--be--required--to-distill--off-the--gas. I-effect-this-in-the-following
manner--I-take-two-or-more-retorts-of-any-length-or--size-required;-but-which-I
prefer-to-be--of--the--ordinary--length-of-gas-retorts,-and-about-twelve-or-fourteen
inches-in-diameter:-These-retorts,-which-I-preter-to-be--round, I-place-one--above
another-between--the-ordinary-beds-of-carbonizing-retorts, either-at-the-sides-of-the
arches,-which-must-be-made-wide-enough-to--receive-them--or-in--the--piers--which
support--the--arches,--in--which--room--must--be--loft--to--place--them.-The--waste
heat-from-the-retort-beds-is-to--pass--round--and--between--these--warming--retorts
by-means--of-Anes;-so-as-to-keep-them-of-a-regular-heat.-There-are-to-be-wrought
iron-scoops-to-fit-leosely-into-the-warming-retorts,-sueh-seoops-as-are-generally-used
for-charging-ordinary-retorts-(only-a-little-deeper;-so-as--to-hold-as--much--ecal--as
possible)--answer--the--parpose.-These--scoops--are--to-be--filled-with-eoals-in-the
ordinary-way-and-are-then-to-be--put-into-the-warming-retorts-and-be-allowed
to-remain-there-until-the-coals-become-sufficiently-dry-and-heated,-taking--care--not
to--decompose--or--cake--the--eoals.--The--secops--are--then--to-be--drawn-out-of
the-warming-retorts-with-their-charge-of-coals,-which-is-to-be--introduced--into--the
ordinary decomposing--retorts:--The--warming--retorts--are--placed--between--the
ordinary-beds-of-retorts-to-obtain-a-couvenient-height-for-charging-and-uneharging
them: Two-of-these-warming-retorts-will-generally-be-found-sufficient-for-a-bed-of
seven-carbonizing-retorts.
My improvements in the purification of gas, and-in-obtaining-certain-products,
consist of a method of purifying it from sulphuretted hydrogen, cyanogen, and
ammonia, by passing it through the following porous material, and of reno-
vating the material employed after it has become inert, and-of-obtaining-the
sulphur,--eyanogen;--and--ammonia--(either alone-or--in-combination),--which--were
-contained-in-the-gas .I effect this in the following manner -I take the sub-
sulphates, the oxychlorides, or the hydrated or precipitated oxides of iron
(which I prefer to use in a rather damp state), either by themselves or mixed
with sulphate of lime or sulphate or muriate of magnesia, baryta, strontia,
potash, or soda, and absorb them into or mix them with sawdust or peat
charcoal in coarse powder, or breeze or other porous or absorbent material,
so as to make a very porous substance easily permeable by the gas.
material is to be put into a purifier (such a one as is used for dry lime answers
the purpose), and the gas is to be passed through it, whereby the, gas will be
deprived of its sulphuretted hydrogen, cyanogen, and a part of its ammonia,
which will be absorbed into the porous material, water being atthe same time
'This

page_text: formed by the union of the oxygen of the oxide and the hydrogen of the sul-
phuretted hydrogen absorbed. As soon as the material ceases to purify the gas
from sulphuretted hydrogen, the gas is to be shut off from the purifier, and a
communication is to be opened to the external air, which is to be admitted to
the purifying material, and by the agency of which it will be renovated, and
the uncombined gases which have been absorbed will be driven off. The
best way to effect this is partially to take off the atmospheric pressure at the
top or bottom of the purifier in which the purifying material is contained, by
connecting it with a pipe to a hot and powerful chimney, or to an exhausting
apparatas, so as to cause a current of air from the opening in the purifier,
communicating with the external air, to pass through the purifying material.
The current of air will drive off the volatile gases which have been absorbed
into the purifying material from the gas, but which have not united with the
purifying material,consisting principallyofammonia and of some sulphuretted
and carburetted hydrogen. The air will at the same time re-oxidize the iron
of the sulphuret of iron which has been formed, and sulphur will be
precipitated, and a small but variable quantity of sulphuric acid will be
formed. Instead of admitting the air to the purifying material in the manner
described, it may be admitted in any other convenient way,and sufficient heat
may be generated during the process of renovation to drive off the volatile
gases that have been absorbed. The ammonia-driven-off-from-the-purifying
material,-whether-free-or-in-combination,-is-to-be-eaught by-passing-it--through--a
condenser, which-may-be-formed-of-the-connecting-pipes-from-the-purifier-to-the
exhausting-apparatus-;--or-the-ammonia-may-be-fixed-by--an--aeid,--or--retained--by
any-other-effective-means. If-sulphate-of-lime-or-sulphate-or-murinte-of-magnesiu
be--present-in-the-purifying-material,-they-will-be-decomposed;-their-aeids-uniting
with-the-ammonia. As soon as the iron is re-oxidized, which will generally be
the case in a few hours, the gas is to be passed through it again, when the
same effect will take place as at first; and this process of purification and
rex-oxidation or renovation of the purifying material is to be repeated, until
the purifying material ceases to be efficaceous. It-is-then-to-be-taken-out-of
the-purifier;-and-the-sulphur-and-eyanogen,-and-also-the--ammonia--or--ammoniaeal
compounds;-may-be-extracted-from-it: I prefer to effect the renovation of the
purifying material without withdrawing it from the purifier by exposing it to
the influence of the atmosphere, which may be either admitted to it or be
drawn or forced through it by any suitable meaus, whereby the iron will
become re-oxidized and fit for again purifying the gas. Before submitting
he gas to the action of the purifying materials before mentioned, I prefer,
irst, to take away the greater part of the ammonia by means of a water

page_text: scrubber, or by any other plan that may be preferred, and then to pass the
gas through the porous purifying material before mentioned, to remove the sul-
phuretted hydrogen and cyanogen. The purifying material will then last longer,
as the ammonia takes away in combination with it a good deal of the sulphur,
which would otherwise combine with the iron. The-hydrated-or-precipitated-oxides
of--manganese--and--zine--may--be--used--in--the-same--manner-as-described-for-the
oxides--of--iron-though--not--with--equal--advantage, Hydrated or precipitated
oxides of iron may be conveniently prepared for these purposes bydecomposing
sulphate or muriate of iron with hydrosulphuret of ammonia, or with lime,
magnesia, potash, or soda; they may then be absorbed into or mixed with
sawdust, peat charcoal, or breeze, or other such material, and afterwards
exposed to the air.
My improvements in the purification of gas consist, further, of the following
methods of supplying water or ammoniacal liquor, or other purifying liquids,
into gas scrubbers or purifyers, and distributing themequally over the surface
of the media with which the purifier is charged.
First, at an elevation of a few feet above the purifier, I place a vessel, as a,
Figure 8 (preferably rectangular), capable of holding a few gallons, into
which the purifying liquid is to be run by a regulating cock in any required
quantity. In one side of this vessel, near the bottom, is a long narrow
longitudinal aperture b,say three inches long by one inch deep, and fitted on
the interior surface with a sliding valve c, which is kept to its seating by
slight springs d, d. This valve is connected by a slot joint to the rod e, which
is connected to the armf of the tumbling leverf, f¹, the arın f¹ of which has a
knob or ball g at the top. The connecting rod e carries a tappet h near each
end, between which tappets, and sliding freely on the rod, is placed a float i,
which rises and falls as the liquid runs in or out of the vessel. The float in
its ascent, acting upon the other tappet, gradually elevates the arms of the
tumbling lever until the arm f¹ has passed the vertical line, when the weight g
will cause the arm to descend suddenly into the position shewn in the Figure,
and the sudden rise of the arm f will pull the valve up at once with a jerk,
letting out the purifying liquid, and will also shut it again with a jirk, when,
by the sinking of the float, its weight will pull the tumbling lever over again
to the same side that it was at first. The purifying liquid is then to run from
this vessel into a series of pipes equally divided over the surface of the media
in the purifyer, and about eighteen inches apart; these pipes are to have
small holes drilled in them on opposite sides, at regular intervals apart, so
that when the water is let into them, it will spread in little jets all over the
surface.

page_text: Second, the purifying liquid may be supplied to the scrubbers or purifying
vessels by forcing it at intervals into the spreading pipes before mentioned, by
a pump or other machine. Instead of spreading pipes, as described, a pipe or
pipes may be placed in the centre or other parts of the purifier, with a
rose or spreader, like a garden engine or syringe, with little holes or a slit,
or such like contrivance, all round the circumference, and the water being
forced into this, or let in from a height above, will spread pretty evenly over
the surface of the media contained in the purifyer.
My-mode-of-obtaining-certain-substanees-applicable-to-purifying-gas-consists--of
a-method-of-making-the-precipitated-oxides-and-sabsalphates-of-iron---To-prepare
the-hydrated-or-precipitated-oxides-and--subsulphates--of--iron;--I--take--the--preei-
pitated--sulphurets--of--iron--obtained--in--any--convenient-way;-and-mix-them-with
or-absorb-them-into-sawdust;-breeze,-or--other--porous--material--and--then--expose
the--material--so-made--to--the--air--to--absorb-oxygen,-whereby-the-oxide-and-sub-
sulphate-of-iron-are-obtained.
Having thus described my Invention, and the manner of carrying the
same into effect, I proceed to state iny claims in respect thereof. I claim,-
Firstly, the-compressing-peat-over-or-between-porous-or-absorbent-media;-us-sand
er-gravel-or-eeeee-nut,-or-other-suitable-vegetable-fibre--or- fabrie,--in--the--manner
herein-before-described.
Secondly,-the-drying-and-warming-the-coals-(before-the-gas-is--distilled-off-from
them)-in--retorts--or--ovens-made-of-any-suitable-material;-and-heated-by-the-waste
heat-from-the-ordinary-retort-beds.
Thirdly, Firstly, thepurifyingcoalgas from sulphurettedhydrogen,cyanogen,
and more or less perfectly from ammonia, by passing it through the precipitated
or hydrated oxides of iron, or the subsulphates or oxch ylorides of iron, from
whatever source obtained, either by themselves, or, which is much better,
made into a more porous material by being absorbed into or mixed with
sawdust or breeze or peat charcoal in coarse powder, or other porous or
absorbent material, so as to be readily permeable by the gas, and either used
alone or mixed with sulphate of lime or sulphate or muriate of magnesia
potash, or soda, or in conjunction with any other purifying material at present
n use for a similar purpose. But I not do claim peroxides of iron or manganese
nade at a red heat, or the oxide of iron mixed with chloride of calcum, or
with the muriates and sulphates of manganese, iron, and zinc, and absorbed
into sawdust, &c.
Fourthly, Seconlly, repeatedly renovating or re-oxidizing the said purifying
materials by the action of the air whenever they from time to time cease to
bsorb sulphuretted hydrogen, so that they may be used over and over again to
purify the
gas.

page_text: Fifthly-the-eollection-of-the-ammonia-or-ammoniacal-compounds-given--off-from
any-purifying-materials containing-the-said--oxides;-sulphates,-and-oxychlorides
while-being-aired-or-renovated, either-by-the-use--of-a-condenser-of-any--spitable'
deseription, or-by-combining--the-said-ammonia--or-ammoniacal-compounds-with;
aeids-or-water.
Sixthly-the-collection-of--the-sulphur;--eyanogen;--and--ammoniaeal--compounds
formed-in-the-purifying-materials-during-the-process-of-purification-and-renovation..
Seventhly, employing-the-precipitated-or-hydrated-oxides-of-manganese-and-zine
in-the-same-manner-as-deseribed-for-the-oxides-of-iron.
Eighthly, Thirdly, supplying the purifying liquid to the scrabbers or purifyers
at intervals, by means either of a supply cistern situated above the purifyers,
and having a valve or cock working with an intermitting action; or by means.
of a forcing pump or syringe, likewise acting at intervals, such elevated
cistern or such forcing pump being connected with perforated pipes, roses, or
jets, placed within the purifyer, in such manner that the liquid will spread
evenly over the surface of the media contained in the purifyer.
Lastly,
making-the-oxides-and-subsulphates-of-iron-from-precipitated--sulphurets
et-iron-by-mixing-such-sulphurets-with-or-absorbing-them-into-sawdust-or-breeze,
or-other-porous-material,-and-then-exposing--the--materials--to--the--air--to--absorb
oxygen.
:
In witness whereof, I, the said Frank Clarke Hills, have hereunto set

page_text: Great Seal, dated the 28th day of November, 1849, and to which the Specifi-
cation was duly enrolled. And on considering of the said application, I
directed him to advise his said Disclaimer and Alterations in the London
Gazette, the Times, Morning Advertiser, and Newcastle Courant newspaper;
and such advertisements having been duly made, I have granted leave to the
said Frank Clarke Hills to file his said Disclaimer and Memorandum of
Alterations, pursuant to the Statute passed in the 5th & 6th years of the reign
of His Late Majesty King William the Fourth, entitled An Act to amend
the Law touching Letters Patent for Invention.
AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-seventh day of June,
in the year of our Lord 1856, the aforesaid Frank Clarke Hills came before-
our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and acknowledged the Disclaimer
0 aforesaid, and all and every thing therein contained and specified, in form
(above written. And also the Disclaimer aforesaid was stamped according
to the tenor of the Statute made for that purpose.
Enrolled the Twenty-seventh day of June, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-six.