Improvements in the Manufacture of Ice and in the Production of Cold, and in Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 24th Sept., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 5th May, 1896-Accepted, 24th Sept., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Ice and in the Production of
Cold, and in Apparatus therefor.
I, CHARLES TELLIER, of 74, Rue d'Auteuil, Paris, in the Republic of France,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
follows:-
This invention relates to improvements in the manufacture of ice and in the
production of cold and in apparatus therefor in which a volatile liquid such as
water, ammoniacal solution, ethylamine, alcohol or the like is vaporized
in the presence of an absorbent and with the help of a compression pump.
in a vacuum
To avoid the entrance of air into the apparatus which is a very important
matter I place all the parts of the same, through which it is possible for air to
enter on account of defects in the material or through rivets, bolts, etc., in a tank
or cistern containing alkaline water or molasses or other thick fluid.
The vacuum is produced by completely filling the apparatus with water or other
suitable liquid freed from air, and by then pumping the liquids from the apparatus
by means of a pump immersed in alkaline water or other liquid as above described.
A layer of oil or petroleum is poured on the water or other liquid so that the latter
cannot absorb air.
The exchange of heat being of the greatest importance in my apparatus I
employ, to bring about the same, metallic plates united at their peripheries by
means of rivets or bolts so as to obtain a large surface in a small space and at a
low cost and avoid the disadvantages appertaining to the use of tubes.
In my improved apparatus instead of employing floats I use pumps so arranged
that the liquid can only flow under the action of the pumps even when the pressure
in the containing vessel is greater than that in the receiving vessel.
For the purpose of preventing air from entering through the stuffing boxes I use
with my improved apparatus pumps having cylinders of caoutchouc or india-
rubber, the said india-rubber being provided in its substance with metallic spirals
whereby it can be stretched in the direction of its length but is prevented at the
same time from being stretched diametrically.
-
In order to obtain good joints I use packing consisting of sheets of india-rubber
covered with paper.
1008
Improvements in the Manufacture of Ice and in the Production of
Cold, and in Apparatus therefor.
I, Charles TELLIER, of 74, Rue d'Auteuil, Paris, in the Republic of France,
Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in the manufacture of ice and in the
production of cold and in apparatus therefor in which a volatile liquid such as

page_text: water, ammoniacal solution, ethylamine, alcohol or the like is vaporized in a
vacuum in the presence of an absorbent and with the help of a compression pump.
To avoid the entrance of air into the apparatus which is a very important matter
I place all the parts of the same, through which it is possible for air to enter on
account of defects in the material or through rivets, bolts, etc., in a tank or cistern
containing alkaline water or molasses or other thick fluid.
The vacuum is produced by completely filling the apparatas with water or other
suitable liquid freed from air, and by then pumping the liquids from the apparatus
by means of a pump immersed in alkaline water or other liquid as above described.
A layer of oil or petroleum is poured on the water or other liquid so that the latter
cannot absorb air.
The exchange of heat being of the greatest importance in my apparatus I
employ, to bring about the same, metallic plates united at their peripheries by
means of rivets or bolts so as to obtain a large surface in a small space and at a low
cost and avoid the disadvantages appertaining to the use of tubes.
In my improved apparatus instead of employing floats 1 use pumps so arranged
that the liquid can only flow under the action of the pumps even when the pressure
in the containing vessel is greater than that in the receiving vessel.
In order to obtain good joints I use packing consisting of sheets of india-rubber
covered with paper.
To enable my invention to be fully understood I will describe how it can be
carried into practice by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Figure 1 is an elevation partly in section of an apparatus for the manufacture of
and production of cold according to my invention:
Figure 2 is an elevation of an arrangement of tube employed in the absorbing
chamber:
Figure 3 is a vertical section of a heat exchanger in which plates are employed
instead of the tubes in the exchangers shewn in Figure 1:
Figure 4 is an edge view illustrating the construction and arrangement of the
said plates:
Figure 5 is a horizontal section of the exchanger shewn in Figure 3:
Figure 6 is a side elevation; and,
Figure 7 is an edge view illustrating auother way of arranging the heat
exchanging plates :
Figure 8 is a sectional elevation of a modified construction of cooling apparatus:
Figure 9 is a sectional elevation shewing a compressing pump in conjunction
with the cooling apparatus shewn in Figure 8:
Figure 10 is an elevation illustrating a modified arrangement of the tubes used
in the absorbers or coolers shewn in Figures 1, 8 and 9:
Figure 11 is a section illustrating another modification of the said tubes : ·
Figure 12 is a vertical section of an arrangement of apparatus specially adapted
for use at sea.
The apparatus shewn in Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings consists
principally of
1. A freezing vessel A
2. An absorbing apparatus or absorber B
3. Exchangers C and D
4. A concentrator E
5. Pumps F and G
6. Receivers H, I, J, K.
For the successful working of this apparatus it is necessary that there shall be a
perfect vacuum in the vessels A B.
For this purpose the said vessels and their accessories are located in a tank L
Silled with water coming from the receiver or cistern J through the tube M and
cock N.
A cock O allows of drawing off the water from the tank L so as to uncover or
cover the lid or cover P as required.

page_text: This cover rests upon india-rubber and is secured by bolts, cramps or the like and
he pressure of the atmosphere assists in making a tight joint.
In the freezing vessel A are located superposed trays a, a which can be removed
by means of the hooked arms Q, Q.
An inner jacket R of thin sheet iron is provided having a slit or opening opposite
the outlet aperture S, S for the vapour for the purpose of forcing the cold vapour
which is being produced to circulate between the freezing vessel and the said
jacket R thereby isolating the ice which is being formed from the radiation from
the walls of the freezing vessel which can be protected on the outside by a resinous
or other coating.
The apparatus rests on an insulating body run into a metal or wood base. Two
conditions which will be found to be complied with in the different examples
hereinafter described are necessary for a successful working, viz. :—
1. An absolute vacuum.
2. The absorption of the vapours produced.
The absorption takes place in the absorber B connected to the freezing vessel A
by a short pipe or tube S provided with a valve T manipulated by means of a
rod U and a hand wheel V.
When the valve T is open the vapour from the volatile liquid enters the
absorber B and would saturate it if suitable means were not employed for getting
rid of the vapour, such means consisting in the continuous introduction of a liquid
capable of absorbing the said vapours, for instance sulphuric acid, a concentrated
solution of chloride of calcium, water, a concentrated solution of soda or potash etc.
The absorbent enters through the tube W which discharges it into the
longitudinal trough X provided with perforations which cause the absorbent to be
distributed over two rows of superposed tubes Z, Z of suitable length. The
number of rows is proportionate to the effect to be produced. Each tube Z is
coiled in a zig-zag manner as shewn in Figure 2 and is provided with saw-like
teeth which facilitate the distribution of the liquid.
This arrangement affords a very large absorption surface adapted to take up the
latent heat disengaged by the absorption of the vapours, through the medium of a
current of water coming from the receiver J and caused to pass into the tubes.
Under the action of the continuous vaporization ice is formed in the trays a. To
remove it, it is only necessary to uncover the apparatus and by means of the booked
arms R to lift out the whole of the trays a
The vacuum is produced as follows:-
:-
The valve T being previously shut, water is introduced into the apparatus
through the cocks b and c until it reaches beyond the valves d, e each located in a
funnel which may be provided with a tube for conducting the water away.
When the air has been driven out by the water, the pumps F, G are started and
by means of the tubes g, g, h, h draw off all the water from A and B, consequently
producing a vacuum therein. The vacuum however would be imperfect with
ordinary water. The water is therefore not drawn from the receiver J but from
the receivers K and H both containing boiled water, protected from contact with
the air by a layer of oil or petroleum. A float k serves to stop the flow of the water
when it has reached a given level and consequently also of the oil swimming on the
water.
By this means I produce a perfect vacuum, and the water which remains in the
trays a, and which is to be converted into ice, is sterilized and filtered water, so that
it gives rise to transparent ice.
It is impossible to thoroughly purify the absorber from traces of the materials
employed for the absorption which dissolve in the water serving to produce the
vacuum. It is therefore economical to always make use of the same water. For
this purpose a special receiver H is employed for storing the said water which is
introduced therein through a two-way cock I and tube m.
The water drawn off from the freezing vessel is raised by the pump F through
the tube n into the receiver K.

page_text: I will now describe how the water is sterilized and the absorbent again brought
to the proper strength for the process. These two operations requiring heat, they
are carried out in a peculiar manner with the aid of the concentrating apparatus E.
It consists of two parts, namely, the generator o of suitable construction, which
may be replaced by a steam-heated receiver, and the washer E placed above the
said generator.
As soon as the freezing apparatus is at work the absorbent is introduced into
the trough X of the absorber B from the receiver I through the tube a¹ and
cock W. The absorber B would become quickly filled with the absorbent if the
pump G did not raise it sufficiently fast into the receiver I.
Its course is not direct as it is necessary that, during its passage, the absorbing
liquid shall recover its properties.
For this purpose the pump G causes it to pass through the cock 1, tube 9,
exchanger D, tube r, washer E and tubes into the generator o where the water
absorbed is driven off by heat.
To free the vapour given off from any particles of the absorbent it is caused to
escape through the tube t and to pass down the same into the bottom of the
washer E as shewn clearly in Figure 1. The vapour issues from the perforated
horizontal portion of the tube lying in the bottom of the washer E into the
liquid which about half fills the vessel E, there it leaves the particles of absorbent
above referred to and collects in the upper part of E whence it can be taken as
required.
The absorbing liquid which is concentrated in the generator o escapes through a
tube u shewn in dotted lines the flow being regulated by the float which can be
replaced by a pump with weighted valve.
From this tube u the liquid passes through the tube w and cap or cover & of the
exchanger D, down through the tubes constituting the said exchanger (see the
party broken away) and thence into the base z which it leaves through the tube a¹
connected to the tube p which conducts the liquid to its receiver I. A layer of
petroleum prevents it from becoming affected by contact with the air.
In cases where steam is employed as the heating agent for the evaporating
operation, the boiler o, the washer E and the condenser u¹ can be replaced by two
apparatuses similar to that shewn at B Figure 1, in which case the vapour is caused
to pass through the tubes Z Figure 1. One of these apparatus B would then fulfil
the function of the generator o and the other apparatus has water passed through
its tubes so as to condense the vapour upon the said tubes. This second apparatus
would replace the washer E and the condenser u¹ of Figure 1.
The action of the exchanger D is as follows
--
Coming from the absorber B is a cold liquid which requires to be heated. On
the other hand in the generator o there is hot liquid which it is necessary to cool.
By causing the two liquids to circulate in opposite directions in the exchanger D
an exchange of heat is effected.
Consequently, the liquid that is conducted back into the absorber will be cooled,
whilst that passing into the generator will be heated.
The exchanger tubes y can be replaced by flat or hollow surfaces connected
together by intermediate tubes as shewn in Figures 3 and 4. These hollow surfaces
are formed of two sheets of metal b', 6 Figure 3 and c', c', Figure 4, united at
their peripheries by rivets. Wire gauze d', el Figure 4 is inserted between the
plates.
The horizontal section Figure 5 illustrates the method of arranging the plates.
It shews how a large surface can be arranged in a small space.
The whole of the plates form a parallelopiped whilst the casing y¹ is cylindrical.
The liquid would therefore with this construction enter the spaces ' without being
affected.
°
To remedy this defect arrange in'f' strips or partitions of wood or sheet irou
and fill all the spaces with sand or other suitable substance.
To support the sand the grate i, i, Figure 3, is made plain beneath the

page_text: surfaces h³, h¹. A jacket of cement or other suitable substance ensures perfect.
tightness. In consequence of this arrangement the liquid is compelled to flow
between the plates.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another way of arranging the plates. Instead of being
united at their edges by rivets, the sheets of metal are separated by metal distance
pieces or bars j, k. Bolts Figure 7 passing through the metal sheets and the
distance pieces or bars, allow of the whole arrangement being closed or locked by
means of a metal or other joint.
Bars m¹ serve to support the outside of the apparatus against internal pressure.
These bars can however be replaced by tie bolts, the holes for which are shewn
at n' Figure 6. Tubes o¹, p' enable liquids to circulate through the apparatus as
required. Wire gauze is placed in each cell which cells work in pairs one liquid
rising in one cell whilst the other liquid descends in the other cell whereby the
exchange of heat is effected.
To effect the sterilization of the water and its separation from the gases dissolved
in it the water is conducted by the tube g¹ Figure
exchanger C which is exactly similar to the exchanger D.
exchanger reaches the cap or cover whence it passes
the vessel which it fills up to the overflow pipe v¹.
into the base of the
The water rises in the
through a tube t¹ to'
In the vessel u¹ is a coiled pipe which continuously
accumulated in E, through the tube w¹.
receives the vapour
The products of its condensation, as well as the excess of vapour, escape through
its lower orifice provided with a valve weighted so as to allow the vapour to pass
when it reaches a pressure of ko., or leading to a receiver, not shewn, in which
the vapour separates from the water of condensation (the working pressure need
rot be fixed at kilo. but may be varied as desired).
As the water flows around the coil it is subjected to a temperature of upwards
of 100 degrees Centigrade, the generator being itself regulated according to
circumstances (the height of the receivers J and K) to work at a pressure of
ko. and at a temperature of 112° C. or more if required.
.
The temperature of the water contained in a will therefore be maintained at
100 degrees C. for a sufficient length of time for it to become sterilized and freed from
air which escapes with the vapour produced through x'. The water issues through
the overflow pipe v' which passes downwards and conducts it into the top of the
exchanger C, after traversing which it reaches the bottom of the same passes off
at and is conducted by the tube y' to the bottom of the filter (which may be
a reversible filter) and finally leaves through the tube a". The pipe n, conducts it
to the receiver K where it remains until required for use.
The cock g' allows of regulating the flow.
The pumps F, G can be actuated by a suitable motor, or I may employ a special
motor driven by the vapour contained in E of which vapour there is more than
sufficient to deaërate the water to be frozen.
The apparatus works with a quantity of heat equivalent to that produced in the
freezing operation.
The water receivers can be arranged on the ground if they are completely
closed. The air from the receivers being compressed by the water and protected
by a layer of oil or au india-rubber cushion will furnish the required degree of
pressure as in a monte-jus. A float will prevent the egress of the layer of oil.
It is necessary to place the pumps in tanks containing water or other liquid
covering the stuffing boxes. They can even be placed in the tank L. But as it
is always necessary that they should be lower than the freezing vessel A and
absorber B, the tank must in this case be provided with two chambers or wells
adapted to receive the said pumps.
To sterilize the apparatus the generator o must be heated and left to itself; by
opening the cock and closing that at the vapour entering through the
tube Wand being prevented from escaping through the tube x' is caused to
completely fill the apparatus.

page_text: When effecting the concentration of the absorbing liquid in the apparatus the
cost of the ice would be proportionately diminished. In some cases it is required
to produce cold liquid currents. In such cases alcohol, water containing a salt io
solution, an alkali, an ammoniacal solution or the like may be used.
Instead of employing the trays or moulds a Figure 1 in the freezing vessel, I can
use trays adapted to discharge regularly into one another, that is to say, from the
first into the second at the edge, from the second into the third through the centre
and so
on alternately. By this means I obtain a cascade of relatively large
surface. The liquid in travelling over this surface emits vapours which are
absorbed in B, and the liquid consequently becomes cooled. This liquid drawn off
by a circulating pump, can be employed for cooling air, for circulating around ice
moulds, for cooling in breweries and wine cellars, etc., it being then conducted back
to the apparatus to be again cooled.
The cascade can be formed by means of hollow trays. In this case liquid which
will not freeze is caused to circulate in the interior of the trays and is cooled in
consequence of the vaporization of the liquid flowing over the trays. The saline
solution, thus cooled can be placed in contact with the air without any prejudicial
effect.
Ammonia in solution can be advantageously employed in the apparatus, but it is
then necessary to take the exhausted solution and conduct it back, by means of a
pump, into the receiver I where it is again saturated and discharged, by means of
a pump with weighted valve or a float, over the hereinbefore described plates or
tubes.
This production of a cooling current unaffected by the atmosphere can be effected
by means of another cooler illustrated at Figure 8 which shews the tank L and the
absorber B, the accessory parts of Figure 1 not being shewn as that is unnecessary.
The cooler A is modified by the substitution for the jacket R, Figure 1, and
But instead
hollow plates of an apparatus exactly like the absorber B, Figure 1.
of causing absorbing liquid to fall over the horizontal tubes shewn in section at Z,
I use vaporizable liquid, such as water, if it is desired to produce a temperature
above zero, or a liquid which will not freeze if a temperature below zero be
required.
Moreover, instead of causing water employed for cooling purposes to circulate
in the tubes as described with reference to the absorber B, the non-freezing
liquid above referred to is introduced therein and becomes cooled in its
passage.
Both the vaporization and the absorption can be assisted by covering the
tubes Zwith spongy material. In this modification the absorbing liquid follows
the course described with reference to Figure 1. If pure water be the liquid used
for producing the vapours for cooling there is no alteration in the procedure
described. If water charged with salt be employed it is conveyed by the pump F,
Figure 1, back to the receiver K into which the product of the condensation is
conducted by a tube leaving at and joining the tube n at a suitable point to
reconstitute the original liquid.
If a volatile liquid be employed such as alcobol, the product of condensation
passing off through a is also conducted back through the tube n into the path of
the circulation by means of a tube connecting a to n at a suitable point.
In employing the arrangement illustrated in Figure 8 for producing cooling
currents, it is advantageous to use a weak solution of ammonia, but then, although
operating in vacuum at a low pressure according to my invention, it will be found
that, water being the body acting ou the ammonia in the cooler, as in the absorber,
the absorption can only be effected with the aid of pressure.
.
It is therefore necessary to interpose a compressing device, such as a pump or
the like, between two parts.
Figure 9 represents the apparatus thus modified.
A is the compression pump of any suitable construction, actuated directly by
its motor or driven by a belt. Under the action of the piston enclosed in the

page_text: cylinder A', the vapours from the freezing vessel or cooler A are drawn in through
the pipe and forced out through the pipe e" into the absorber B. Hence the
cooling action.
To render the process continuous the apparatus must be constantly fed. For
this purpose I reverse the direction of flow of the currents, that is to say, I cause
the saturated current coming from B to enter A, whilst the weakened current
coming from A is introduced into B. The pressure in B being greater than that
in AI cause the liquid from B to pass through the tube h into the float box G.
It passes out therefrom through the tube t travels down through the exchanger C
which is like that shewn at C in Figure 1 leaves it at j' and passes through the
tubej and cock k into A.
The weakened liquid from A leaves through the tube
g. As the pressure is too
low to cause the liquid to directly enter B, the tube g is employed to conduct it
to the pump F. The latter through the medium of the tube n forces it into the
bottom of the exchanger which it traverses from bottom to top, and sends it
into B.
The exchanger enables cooled liquid to be returned into A.
The vacuum is produced as already explained, by completely filling the
apparatus with a weak solution and withdrawing this solution by the pump F. To
this end a cock m is employed adapted to connect, at will, the float box to the
pump F, so as to extract the solution from all parts and, consequently, cause a
perfect vacuum.
As before stated when referring to the pump, the float box should be immersed
in water or other liquid to prevent any admission of air.
When there is sufficient room, it is best to prolong the tank L Figure 1 as
already stated and to place the said parts therein.
The stuffing boxes of the compression pump should be provided with double
packing with an intermediate space filled with lubricating or other liquid, if it is
horizontal, in order to prevent the admission of air, a cup g Figure 9 containing
the said liquid if the cylinder is vertical.
The very cold liquid which flows out of the elongated coil contained in A
through the tube is utilized as already explained for any desired cooling
purposes.
Having done its work, it returns to be again cooled in the apparatus, entering
therein through the tube f. The action of the tubes elf can be reversed.
In most cases a circulating pump is necessary for producing this movement. The
circulating water from the absorber B enters through o and leaves through p
I would remark that floats are not to be depended on. I prefer to employ ordinary
pumps instead, having their delivery valves weighted so that they shall act under
all conditions.
Figure 10 shews a modified arrangement of pipes Z which can be substituted for
the arrangement described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 8 and 9.
Figure 11 shews the said pipes formed of corrugated and rivetted sheets of
metal.
The apparatus shewn in Figure 1 will not be found to be very suitable for use
when at sea.
The arrangement shewn in Figure 9 will answer better but I pre-
ferably use the arrangement shewn in Figure 12 ou account of the bad effect which
the rolling and pitching motion has on the other apparatus.
I would observe that in this Figure 12 the cooler is used instead of that
marked A in Figure 9 and contains coke, pumice stone or the like (instead of
tubes) supported by the two perforated metal plates, . The vaporizable
liquid (preferably a weak solution of ammonia) is brought through the tube A.
It falls on to the pumice stone, is there evaporated and cooled and then passes off
through the tube m which leads it to the pump n whereby it is sent to the
place where its cooling action is to be utilized.
The said liquid returns through the tube o which by means of the rose pll or

page_text: UCI reaches the nav
,
Comm
through which cold water is continually running.
On the other hand the vapours produced in pass out through the tube and
are continually drawn by a pump similar to that shewn at A¹ in Figure 9 and
forced by the said pump into the pipe t provided with a horizontal extension vill
in the absorber q. The extension is perforated so that the vapours can pass
into the liquid in the absorber and become absorbed thereby. The liquid then
passes out through the ball-cock, wll and is conducted by the tube back to
the cooler. The water which carries off the heat disengaged by the absorption
enters through the cover flows through the tubes 1, which can be replaced
by a worm or coil, or other suitable arrangement, and leaves through the
cover y¹ll
The precautions regarding insulation referred to with respect to Figure 1
are also applicable to the other coolers described and to the parts connected
therewith.
For making the joints I use sheet india-rubber covered on both sides with
paper.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In apparatus for the production of cold by means of a vacuum, the continuous
circulation of an absorbent acting under a pressure below that of the atmosphere,
substantially as described.
2. In apparatus for the production of cold by means of a vacuum, the immersion
of all the parts in a liquid for preventing the admittance of air into the apparatus,
substantially as described.
3. In apparatus for the production of cold by means of a vacuum, filling such
apparatus with water deprived of air or with solutions deprived of air for producing
the vacuum, substantially as, and in the mauner, hereinbefore described.
4. In apparatus, for the production of cold by means of a vacuum, of the kind
described the liquid-pumps for drawing off the water or solution deprived of air so
as to produce the vacuum, substantially as set forth.
5. In apparatus for the production of cold by means of a vacuum, the superposed
tubes or surfaces with internal and external circulation for heating and cooling,
substantially as hereinbefore described.
6. In apparatus for the production of cold by means of a vacuum, the separation
of the absorbent by heat and the utilization of such heat for sterilizing the water
and depriving it of air, substantially as described.
7. In apparatus of the kind described for the production of cold by means of a
vacuum, the exchangers constructed of metal plates rivetted, soldered or bolted
together, substantially as, and in the manner, set forth.
8. In apparatus of the kind described for the production of cold by means of a
the compression pump serving to assist the absorption below atmospheric
pressure, substantially as described.
vacuum,
9. In apparatus of the kind described for the production of cold by means of a
vacuum, the pumps with weighted valves, which pumps may also be used for
replacing the floats as described.
10. In apparatus of the kind described for the production of cold by means of a
vacuum, the cups for immersing the stuffing boxes.
11. In apparatus of the kind described for the production of cold by means of a
vacuum, the means for insulating the surfaces by surrounding them by the vapours
produced in the apparatus during its operation.
12. In apparatus of the kind described for the production of cold by means of a
vacuum, the cups having valves on the tanks enclosing the apparatus.

page_text: 13. The improved apparatus hereinbefore described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Dated the 25th day of April 1896.
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London, Agents for the Applicant.