AN IMPROVED PROCESS FOR REMOVING FLOCCULENT MATTER FROM SPENT ACIDS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF SOLUBLE FIBRE
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention
of "AN IMPROVED PROCESS FOR REMOVING FLOCCULENT MATTER FROM SPENT
ACIDS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF SOLUBLE FIBRE." A communication
from abroad by Marshall Clifford Lefferts, of the City and State of New
York, United States of America.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 3rd January 1882.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "AN IMPROVED PROCESS FOR REMOVING
FLOCCULENT MATTER FROM SPENT ACIDS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF SOLUBLE
FIBRE" A communication froin abroad by Marshall Clifford Lefferts, of the City
and State of New York, United States of America.
"
This Invention relates to an improved process for removing flocculent matter
from spent acids used in the treatment of soluble fibre, such as nitro-cellulose,
gun-cotton, or the like. These spent acids are contaminated to a greater or less
extent with a "flock' or flocculent matter which becomes detached from the fibre
during its treatment, and which, if undisturbed, will remain in suspension for an
indefinite length of time. To remove this flocculent matter and thereby render
the restoration of the acid possible is the object of the said Invention.
The novelty of the said Invention consists in mixing with the acid or aciduous
compound, after it has been employed in treating the soluble fibre, and contains
the Bocculent matter or sediment in suspension, barium sulphate (known also as
barytes, sulphate of baryta, and heavy spa) in powdered form, and then allowing
the whole to stand until precipitation has taken place.

page_text: In the employment of my Invention I take the barium sulphate in a powdered
form and introduce the same into the acid solution and agitate the whole in any
convenient manner, after which I permit it to stand until precipitation has taken
place, the effect being to completely remove the objectionable elements. The
purified result is then saved for future use.
It has been found that when a tank about four feet in depth, containing, say
about six hundred and fifty gallons of nitric and sulphuric acids, is employed by
introducing say thirty pounds of barium sulphate in powdered form, the precipitation
will be satisfactorily effected in from thirty-six to seventy hours.
The settling agent will be in a finely comminuted form and will be introduced
ns may be convenient, the quantity being varied according to circumstances and
the agent being permitted to remain in the acid or aciduous compound for a
greater or shorter period according to the conditions of the case.
Having thus fully described the said Invention as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,
The process for removing flocculent matter from spent acids used in the treatment
of soluble fibre, substantially as herein set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Third day of January, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty two.