A NEW OR IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR REGULATING THE PRESSURE OR PRODUCTION OF GASES AND LIQUIDS
Year: 1875

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Birrell, of Hamilton, in the County of
Lanark, North Britain, for the Invention of "A NEW OR IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR REGULATING THE PRESSURE OR PRODUCTION OF GASES AND
LIQUIDS"
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Birrell at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
21st July 1875.
I, WILLIAM BIRKELL, of Hamilton, in the County of Lanark, North
Britain, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention of “A New
OR IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR REGULATING THE PRESSURE OR PRODUCTION OF GASES
and Liquids,” to be as follows, that is to say :—
This Invention relates to a new or improved arrangement or con-
struction of apparatus for regulating the pressure of oxygen, hydrogen,
and illuminating gases, as well as steam and other gaseous bodies within
the retort or vessel wherein such gas are generated, and which appa-

page_text: ·
ratus has also the effect of increasing or diminishing the production of
the gases as required. -'
The Invention is also applicable for regulating the production of
hydrocarbon oils, and of other oils, spirits, and liquids.
In the production of oxygen gas a disc or piston is according to this
Invention placed in the retort mouth, or in an opening formed at the
upper side of the retort The disc or piston is attached to a lever, one
end of which is centred on a bracket fixed to the side of the opening,
or to the retort, and on the opposite end of the said lever a weight or
weights is or are placed The end of the lever whereat the weight or
weights-18-or arc-situated is connected by a rod, cord, or chain to the
handle of a regulating valve placed in the pipe through-which-the-gas,
oil, or spirit for heating the retort is conducted The weight on the
lever is adjusted to exert a pressure equal to the pressure desired to be
maintained within the retort, so that when the pressure in the retort
exceeds or falls under the predetermined limit such pressure in the
case of preponderance acting on the under side of the piston or disc,
raises the weighted end of the lever, and through the regulating valve
decreases the supply of gas, oil, or spirit by which the retort is heated.
In like manner when the presuro in the retort falls below the desired
limit the weight depresses the lever and allows an increased supply of
gas, oil, or spirit to pass to the burners for heating the retort.
In adapting this Invention to the production of hydrogen gas the
strips of zinc are attached to the under side of the piston or disc, and
according as the said piston or disc is raised by the excess of pressure
within the vessel, or is caused to fall by the pressure of the weight on
the lever, so is the amount of hydrogen gas produced in the vessel
increased or diminished.
In the manufacture of illuminating gas the piston or disc is placed
in a suitable opening in the retort or in the exit therefrom, and the a
weighted end of the lever is connected to the damper in the flue leading
from the furnace or fire-grato beneath the said retort
The apparatus herein-before described may also be used to regulate
the pressure of steam in steam boilers, and it may likewise be employed
to regulate the production of hydrocarbon or other oils, spirits, or liquids a
by being placed in an opening in the retort or still wherein such oils,

page_text: spirits, or liquids are distilled or volatilized, and caused to regulate the
amount of heat to which the materials contained within the retort are
subjected.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said William Birrell in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 21st January 1876.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, WILLIAM
BIRRELL, of Hamilton, in the County of Lanark, North Britain, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Twenty-first day of July, in the
year of our Lord One thousand cight hundred and seventy-five,
in the 39th year of Her reign, did, for Herself, er heirs and suc-
cessors, give and grant unto me, the said William Birrell, Her special
license that I, the said William Birrell, my executors, administrators,
and assigns, or such others as I, the said William Burrell, my executors,
administrators, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED
APPARATUS FOR REGULATING THE PRESSURE OR PRODUCTION OF GASES AND LIQUIDS,"
upon the condition (amongst others) that I, the said William Birrell,
by an instrument in writing under my hand and seal, should par-
ticularly describe and ascertain the nature of the said Invention,
and in what manner the same was to be performed, and cause the
same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar
months next and immediately after the date of the said Letters
Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said William Birrell, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by

page_text: the following statement, reference being had to the accompanying
Drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to
say :-
My said Invention relates to a new or improved arrangement or con-
struction of apparatus for regulating the pressure of oxygen, hydrogen,
and illuminating gases, as well as steam and other gaseous bodies
within the retort or vessel wherein such bodies are generated, and
which apparatus has also the effect of increasing or diminishing the
production of the gases as required, and of regulating the passage of
such gases or bodies through the pipes or ducts whereby they are con-
ducted or led to the point at which they are to be used, such regulation
being according to whether an increased or diminished supply is required
at the said point.
The Invention is also applicable for regulating the production of
hydrocarbon oils, and of other oils, spirits, and liquids, and also for con-
trolling the supply of such oils, spirits, or liquids at points where the
same are used or consumed.
And in order that my said Invention may be properly understood
I now proceed more particularly to set forth the system, mode, or
manner in or under which the same is or may be used or practically
carried into effect, reference being had to the annexed Sheets of Drawings,
and to the letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
On Sheet 1 of the Drawings hereunto appended Figures 1 to 7
inclusive represent several forms or modifications of the apparatus con-
structed to effect the objects of my said Invention, and as shewn in side
elevation at Figure 1, and in vertical section at Figure 2. Such appa-
ratus consists of a chamber A provided with two branches B and C, and
closed at its upper and lower ends by means of movable stoppers or
covers E, E¹. The chamber is divided horizontally by means of a
diaphragm a, in which holes or openings are made to effect com-
munication between the parts of the chamber above and below the
diaphragm In the upper part of the chamber A a piston or plunger F
is situated and provided with a rod b, which extends upwards through
the cover E and bears against the under side of a lever G centred on a
bracket H formed on or attached to the cover E as shewn.
weight I is placed on the lever at or towards its free end.
rod 6 another rod c is fixed to the piston or plunger F, and extends
into the lower part of the chamber A, a cup or clack valve d being fixed
A movable
Besides the

page_text: on the lower end of the said rod, as shewn at Figure 2, Sheet 1. The
piston or plunger F is packed by means of an india-rubber ring or other
suitable packing.
The modification of the apparatus now under reference, besides being
applicable generally for the purposes of my said Invention, is especially
adapted to modifying or regulating the pressure of water or other liquids
in tubes or pipes, for which purpose the branch B is connected to the
water or other liquid main, the branch C being similarly attached to the
exit or service pipe. The weight I on the lever G is adjusted to
the pressure which it is desired to maintain in the exit pipe irrespective
of the pressure in the water main Thus if it is desired that the water
or other liquid should pass through the exit pipe at a pressure of say
10 pounds per square inch, the weight I is adjusted to exert that
pressure, and the water or other liquid cutering at B from the main
being at a pressure of 30, 40, or other number of pounds per squarc
inch greater than ten, such preponderance of pressure acting on the
piston or plunger F through the openings in the diaphragm a forces up
the said piston or plunger until by means of the cup or clack valve on
the rod or spindle c the orifice at c is so contracted that no more water
is admitted therethrough than is taken away at C at the reduced pressure.
Immediately that the exit of water through the branch C ceases the
pressure on the piston or plunger draws the valve d up against its seat,
and all communication between the inlet and outlet branches B, C, is
thereby cut off until the exit is again opened, when the diminished
resistance to the piston or plunger B allows the weight I to force the
piston and the valve & downwards in proportion to the quantity of water
which is passing away at C.
By means of apparatus constructed as set forth and placed in the
service pipe leading from the pressure main into dwelling houses,
factories, or other buildings, a fixed or nominal pressure may be
maintained in the service pipe irrespective and independent of the
hydrostatic pressure of the main, by which means a lighter and less
costly class of service pipe and fittings may be employed, the liability of
such pipe to burst, and thereby waste water being by the apparatus
obviated or in a great measure decreased A similar apparatus may also
be used to maintain an uniform pressure in the strect main itself
irrespective of the quantity of water drawn therefrom.
Figure 3, Sheet 1, is a side elevation, and Figure 4 a vertical section

page_text: .
of another modification of the improved regulating apparatus in which
the sluice valve instead of being directly attached to the piston or
plunger, as at d, Figure 2, is situated in a separate chamber K, and is
raised or lowered to increase or diminish or entirely cut off the supply of
water by the loaded lever G to which it is directly coupled, and which
is actuated by the piston or plunger A in the manner hereın-before set
forth.
Figure 5, Sheet 1, is a modification of the apparatus in which, instead
of a sluice valve attached to the piston or plunger, or situated in a
separate chamber, a cock a is employed, the same being situate in the
pipe B, and operated from the loaded lever G so as to increase, diminish,
or entirely cut off the supply of water by means of the link and
crank c
Instead of a common stop-cock, as at a, Figure 5, a screw valve may
be used, as shewn in side elevation at Figure 6, Sheet 1 of thc Drawings,
in which case a chain or cord is wound twice or other number of times
round the spindle of the valve, and is fixed by suitable means to prevent
it from slipping. One end of the chain or cord is coupled or attached
to a lever D which is connected to the weighted lever by a link E, as
shewn. A weight is suspended from the other end of the chain to turn
the spindle of the valve, and so make a greater exit when the weighted
lever falls.
Any of the forms of apparatus herein-before described may be
employed in regulating either high or low pressures of gases or liquids.
A form of apparatus constructed in accordance with my said Inven-
tion and adapted for regulating low pressures only of such bodies is
shewn in vertical section at Figure 7, Sheet 1 of the Drawings Under
this arrangement a casing A is employed, wherein instead of the piston
or plunger herein-before described a bellows or casing B, capable of
being inflated is employed. Such bellows is attached at its lower part
to a short tube C of metal which is fixed to the bottom of the outer
casing B. A plate D is attached to the head of the bellows whereon the
rod or spindle E which acts on the weighted lever F is fixed. The
supply tube or pipe G passes through both casings A and C, at the
interior of which latter holes or apertures are made in the pipe to admit
the gas or liquid to the interior of the bellows B, which by the pressure
of the gas or liquid is inflated, and when the said pressure rises above
the limit determined by the weight on the lever F, the bellows through

page_text: the rod or spindle E acting on the lever diminishes the aperture at the
cock or valve a, in the supply pipe to the required extent, such aperture
when gas or liquid ceases to be drawn off at the exit side of the aperture,
being by the pressure within the bellows entirely closed The bellows B
be made of leather, india-rubber, or other suitable elastic material.
When of india-rubber and when the gas or liquid passing therethrough
is heated the said material is vulcanised
may
The application of my said Invention to other purposes for which it
is adapted is illustrated by the several sectional diagrams, Figures
8 to 18, inclusive, Sheet 1 of the Drawings, Figure 8 illustrates in
vertical section the application of the improved regulator in the pro-
duction of oxygen gas, for which purpose a chamber A is formed at the
upper side of the caloric retort in which the gas is generated by heat
from a Bunsen's or other burnci or from a lamp at B In the chamber
A a piston or plunger C is placed, and which accordingly as the pressure
of gas within the retort rises or falls above or below the limit determined
by the weight on the lever D, acts through the means herein-before
described in such a manner as to diminish or increase the supply of gas,
oil, spirit, or other source of heat to the burner or lamp at B, whereby in
proportionate ratio the amount of oxygen gas generated, and cou-
sequently the pressure within the retort is similarly diminished or
increased. The gas exit pipe E from the retort communicates with a
reservoir F, within which a store of oxygen gas at the pressure of that
within the retort is maintained
In the exit pipe G leading from the reservoir F another regulator is
placed, as shown at H, and which may either be constructed as herein-
before described and shewn at Figure 7, or in any of the other modes
illustrated by Figures 1 to 6, Sheet 1 of the Drawings.
The regulator H increases or diminishes the supply of oxygen gas
through the exit pipe G accordingly as an increased or diminished
quantity of such gas is being used at the point of consumption, or it
entuely cuts off such supply when the consumption of the gas is dis-
continued The regulator H has also an effect upon the regulator A, for
when the regulator ■ cuts off the exit of gas from the apparatus, there
being then no escape for the gas generated in the retort except into the
reservoir F, immediately the said reservoir becomes filled or charged
with gas at the fixed ictoit pressure, the continued generation of oxygen

page_text: raises the pressure above the fixed limit, and such excess acting on the
regulator A shuts the stop-cock in the pipe I, and thereby discontinues
heat to the retort. Similarly the regulator H by increasing or diminishing
the passage of gas has the effect through the regular A of increasing
or diminishing the rate of generation. By this means then both the
production and the working pressure of the gas is regulated, as shewn at
Figure 8, a bellows reservoir F weighted on its upper side is employed,
but in lieu thereof a tubular reservoir similar to that shewn at Figure 9,
Sheet 1, may be used, or an hydraulic reservoir of the construction shewn
at Figure 10, Sheet 1, may be employed instead of either of these
arrangements This latter reservoir consists of an upper and lower
chamber A. and B respectively, the chamber B being closed at its upper
side whilst that marked A is open thereat.
Water is introduced into the chamber A and flows therefrom through
the pipe C into the chamber B, from whence it is again expelled
upwards as the pressure of oxygen gas conducted from the retort into
the chamber B by the pipe D increases. The gas exit pipe from the
chamber B is marked E To prevent collapse of the chamber B when
no gas is being conducted therethrough, the retort is disconnected or
other communication is made with the atmosphere
Any other suitable arrangement of reservoir may be employed, and
instead of a caloric retort of the form shown at Figure 8, Sheet 1, being
used, a reversible retort with regulators, both on its upper and under
sides, may be employed.
The object of employing a reversible retort is, that as in making
oxygen gas the chloride of potash liquifics and forms with the man-
ganese a non-conducting cake of residue which prevents the escape
upwards of the gas making constituents under it, by reversing the
retort those constituents are brought to the upper side, by which means
all the material is utilized.
Figures 11 and 12, Slicet 1, illustrate the application of my said In-
vention to the production of hydrogen gas The zinc or other material
from which the gas is to be liberated is placed in the lower close vessel A
and the acid in the upper vessel B, which communicates with the
vessel A. by means of a pipe C The gas generated is withdrawn from
the apparatus through the pipe D, on which a bellows or other regulator
constructed as hercin-before set forth is placed at E, or at other con-
venient part of the pipe.

page_text: If the gas generated by the action of the dilute acid upon the zinc
or other material is not allowed by the regulator E to pass off as quickly
as it is so generated, then the gas accumulating in the lower vessel A
forces a portion of the dilute acid upwards through the pipe C, or if by
means of the regulator the exit of gas though the pipe D is entirely
cut off, the vessel A becoming totally filled with gas forces all the
dilute acid upwards through the pipe C, by which means further
generation of gas is prevented until the pipe D is again partially
opened.
To permit of all the acid being forced out, the vessel A is formed
with an inclined bottom, at the lower part of which the pipe C is
situated The dilute acid in the vessel B is replenished as required, and
the waste is drawn off at the plug F', around which a fence or shield G
is formed to prevent entrance of pieces of zinc into the plug hole The
height of the vessel B above the vessel A determines the fountain head
pressure, and the weight on regulator E the consuming pressure of the
gas.
In lieu of a generator similar to that shewn at Figures 11 and 12, the
generator illustrated at Figure 13, Sheet 1, may be employed. In this
instance the generator consists of an outer and inner casing which may
be circular or of other convenient form in plan, the inner casing A
being packed gas-tight by means of an clastic ring or other suitable
packing at b The strips of zinc are attached to the under side of the
casing A, as shewn at c, and a plug hole or opening d is made in the
said casing for the introduction of the dilute acid into the casing B.
Weights c are employed to keep the zinc immersed in the acid, and to
produce the requisite fountain head pressure of gas. From the generator
the gas passes off through the pipe a on which a bellows or other form of
the regulator constructed as set forth is placed, as shewn, or at other con-
venient part of the pipe to regulate the consuming piessure of the gas.
Accordingly as such regulator increases or diminishes the orifice at the
cock or valve f, so are the strips of zinc immersed deeper into or raised
up in the dilute acid, and when the cock f is completely closed, the
pressure within the generator being thereby raised above the limit
3 determined by the weights, raises the casing A so far upwards as to
clear the zinc strips from the acid, whereby the further production
of gas is prevented. A plug hole II for withdrawal of waste is

page_text: Instead of either of the forms of hydrogen generator herein-before
described the improved regulator may be employed in conjunction with
other forms, it being explained that I do not confine myself to employ
the apparatus constituting my said Invention with any particular con-
struction of oxygen, hydrogen, or other gas generators, the said Inven-
tion being applicable to such apparatus generally.
Figure 14, Sheet 1 of the Drawings, is a general view illustrating a
combination of the oxygen and hydrogen apparatus hercin-before
described, as it is intended to employ the same in producing oxyhydrogen
or lime lights The oxygen apparatus is marked A; the hydrogen
apparatus B; the lime cylinder and gas burner being indicated at C.
Figure 15, Sheet 1, is a vertical section of a form of the improved
regulator adapted for employment in conjunction with retorts used in
the manufacture of illuminating gas. The apparatus is employed to
determine a fixed pressure below which the gas shall not escape from
the retort and to indicate when the retort requires to be recharged For
these purposes a valve A is placed in each stand pipe or in the retort
mouth, the spindle B of which bears against a leyer C on which a
movable weight D is placed The free end of the lever C is connected
by a cord or cham with the damper in the flue leading from the furnace
or fire-grate beneath the said retort. The spindle of the valve A passes
through a movable dome or cover E whose lower part is situated in a
chamber F filled with water, a water scal being thereby made at that
portion of the apparatus When the pressure of gas within the retort
exceeds the pressure exerted on the valve A by the weight D the said
valve is raised and the gas escapes in the direction of the arrow. As
the pressuie increases it further elevates the valve and with it the dome
or cover E, and by the action of the valve spindle on the lever O the
free end of the said lever is raised and so lowers the damper in the fluc
of the retort setting whereby the heat brought to bear on the retort,
and consequently the amount of gas thereby generated is reduced to
the required extent The lever C falls when the gas above the pressure
of the weight is exhausted and closes the valve A, and it is then time to
re-charge the retort.
My said Invention may also be used to regulate the pressure of steam
in steam boilers, and where more than one boiler is used the effect of the
apparatus is such that each boiler is confined to produce the same

page_text: quantity of steam as the others which are in operation In conjunction
with the regulator a signal or indicator is provided to warn the attendant
when the supply of steam from any of the boilers falls under the desired
limit.
Figure 16, Sheet 1 of the Drawings, illustrates one form of the
apparatus which may be employed for this purpose, and, as shewn
thereon, a chamber A is situate on the top of the boiler, and in which a
valve B is placed A piston or plunger C is situate on the same
spindle D with the valve B, which spindle extends upwards through the
chamber, and bears upon a lever E loaded to the pressure at which it is
desired to use the steam. The free end of the lever E is connected by a
cham a to a damper at the fluc end of the boiler, and by another chain b
to a weighted arm or lever F, more particularly scen at Figure 17,
Sheet 1. Both chains a and b pass over pulleys, as shewn. In com-
munication with the lever F a trigger or crank G to operate a sounding
alarm or a semaphore signal is provided. The damper is so arranged
that whilst the boiler is producing its proper proportion of steam it is
Just clear of the flue, but when the amount of steam exceeds the proper
limit, and the lever E is raised by the action of such excess of pressure
on the piston or plunger C, the damper is partially closed to diminish
the draught, and so decrease the amount of heat brought to bear upon
the said boiler. In the event of the supply of steam sinking below the
fixed limit for each boiler the weighted lever of that boiler falls and
brings the lever F into contact with the crank or trigger G, thereby
either sounding the signal or raising the semaphore, by which the
attendant is warned to increase the supply of fuel to that boiler. When
no steam is being taken off the valve B of each boiler is closed and the
flue damper open, so that by means of the regulator the production of
steam when the engine is working, and by the pressure when it is not,
are governed.
Figure 18, Sheet 1, is a vertical section of one form of the regulating
apparatus which may be employed when one boiler only is used. Its
operation is similar to that herein-before described with reference to
Figures 16 and 17, Sheet 1, as regards lowering and raising the
damper.
The Figures on Sheet 2 of the Drawings illustrate various modes under
which my said Invention may be applied for regulating the production
and pressure of steam in the boilers of locomotive engines.

page_text: Figure 1, Sheet 2, represents one form of the regulator, and which is
employed to operate a damper A in the funnel of the engine. The
chamber containing the piston or plunger is situated at A'. The lever
is marked B, and instead of placing a weight thercon a spring of
requisite resistance is attached at O, a link and crank being employed to ||
connect the lever to the damper. By this means when the steam
pressure overcomes the resistance of the spring the damper is partially
closed so as to diminish the draught. A weight may be used instead of
the spring.
Figure 2, Sheet 2, illustrates an arrangement of the apparatus in which
the damper is made to work across the mouth of the funnel, instead of
as shewn at Figure 1. Either of these arrangements may be applied in
the chimneys or stacks of stationary boilers.
Instead of applying the regulator at the funnel of locomotive engines
it may be applied at the fire-box, as shown at Figure 3, Sheet 2, under 1
which arrangement when the pressure within the boiler exceeds the
desired limit the loaded end of the lever A rises and partially closes the
dampers B, the said lever being connected to the dampers by means of a
cord or chain a, bar C, and cranks D. When the pressure is reduced
the lever A and bar C fall and open the dampers. A spring is provided 2
in conjunction with the bar C, to allow one of the dampers B to be
opened and closed by the usual hand apparatus provided for that
purpose.
Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, Sheet 2, shew another arrangement of applying
the regulator to maintain the requisite pressure of steam in steam 2
boilers. In this arrangement bars A are placed underneath the fire-
bars B of the smoke box, and opposite the spaces between such bars.
The bars A. are jointed by pins a to other bars C, which are centred on
pins E fixed in a frame H, which is rather larger than the frame carrying
the fire-bars B. The bars A are connected to the loaded lever by a 3
chain e, and when the pressure within the boiler being too great raises
the said lever, these bars are drawn forwards by the chain and upwards
by the bars C, so as to diminish the passages for air into the fire-box of
the engine. When the requisite pressure has been again restored a
spring forces the bars O back to the vertical position, and increases the 3
passage for air into the fire-box of the engine.
It is to be here understood that although 1 have on the accompanying
Sheets of Drawings shown several applications of the improved regulator

page_text: that I do not confine myself to employ it merely for those purposes, as
it may with equal facility be used for other purposes where apparatus
constructed as herein-before described, or where regulators constituting
modification of such construction can be applied.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my
said Invention, and the system, mode, or manner in or under which the
same is or may be used or practically carried into effect, I would observe
in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent is, the new or improved arrangement or construction of
apparatus constituting the regulator herein-before described and shown
under several modifications on the Drawings hereunto appended, and
the employment and adaptation of such apparatus as and for the several
purposes set forth, and for other analogous and general purposes wherein
regulators so constructed are applicable
In witness whereof, I, the said William Birrell, have hereunto sot
hand and mool this Nineteenth day of Tone thousand