Improvements in the Construction of Acid Proof Jars, Bottles, Reservoirs Cylinders, and the like, and in their Manufacture."
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Oct., 1897-Accepted, 18th Dec., 1897
Improvements in the Construction of Acid Proof Jars, Bottles,
Reservoirs Cylinders, and the like, and in their Manufacture."
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors of 11, Burlington Chambers, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street, Manchester, both in the
County of Lancaster, and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention which has been cominunicated
to me by Julius Marx Chemist, of Berleberg, in the Empire of Germany, 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 vessels such as jars, bottles, cylinders, and reservoirs for
containing acids or in which acids are worked, and also to acid-proof pipes or tubes,
principally used in chemical manufacture.
Hitherto such vessels and pipes which, on account of their acid-resisting properties,
are made of earthenware, glass, porcelain, and the like, have heen found of great
disadvantage owing to their not possessing strength and resistance against fracture,
or becoming broken by a blow, and, in some cases, of delicately constructed vessels
by vibration alone. Furthermore such vessels become fractured or cracked owing to
different temperatures in their insides and at their outsides.
These deficiencies are made good by the present invention. By its help an almost
unsurmountable power of mechanical resistance is given to a vessel or object made,
no matter whether composed of natural or artificial mineral. This power of resisting
fracture is accomplished by attaching to the vessel or object in question an envelope
or cover of metal, wood, vulcanite, or similar material, in such a inanner that there is
inserted between the acid- proof vessel or object and the metal, wood, or vulcanite
envelope, a homogeneous layer or covering, which is introduced in a fluid condition
under pressure and kept under pressure until solidification thereof takes place. This
layer makes it impossible, without extreme violence, for the vessel or object to give
way either in the direction of the metal, wood, or vulcanite envelope or exterior
covering, or in the acid proof lining or body.
In this way there is produced an internal connection between the acid-proof object
and the metal, wood, or vulcanite envelope or exterior covering, which substantially
welds them together.
Objects so constructed acquire a high power of resistance both chemical and
mechanical, and display, at the same time, the tenacity of iron or wood and the
impermeability of clay, porcelain, and glass, and are in every contingency
indestructable.
l'he invention will be practically set forth by the aid of the accompanying
drawings, reference letters being used to indicate the various parts described.
To the vessel a shown in Fig 1, which may be composed of one or more parts of
any shape and of an acid-resisting material, an envelope b of similar shape, which may
be conveniently made of thin sheet iron, is applied. The sheet-iron envelope b has
an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the acid-proof vessel a, and has

page_text: inside it, at its base, a number of supports or rests c, which prevent the two vessels a
and b coming into too close contact, wall upon wall, with each other.
The space
between the two vessels a and b is now filled with a material to form an homogeneous
layer d, the said materia! being poured, or forced in, in a fluid condition, or in a
state of thin pulp. This fluid material is kept under pressure until solidification
takes place.
'
For the homogeneous layer & there can be used either a material which is melted
and solidifies when introduced, or a material which is mixed with water, or other
solution, and afterwards hardens. Or two fluids which solidify when poured together
may be used as, for instance, metals of low-fusing point, or luting mixed with water,
gypsum, Cement, waterglass, and Asbestos pulp. To introduce the homogeneous
layer d, Fig 1, all the openings of the vessel are stopped up and the space between
the acid-proof vessel and the sheet iron is closed by means of a circular covering e.
This circular cover has a number of funnels f, leading to the space for the layer,
The homogeneous substance is poured in at half of these funnels until it rises into
the other half, so that all air is forced out. After this the funnel tubes are filled up
so that, on the one hand, the material remains under pressure during solidification
and, on the other hand, can expand quite evenly in every direction and, if there is
any tendency to contraction, fresh material can afterwards be absorbed.
A viscous paste, which afterwards solidifies, may be introduced between the iron
envelope and the acid-proof vessel to form a homogeneous layer, or the space may be
filled up by a liquid which afterwards becomes pasty, and the paste subsequently
compressed and fresh material added.
The particular qualities of the homogeneous material must in every case regulate
the method of its introduction into the intervening space between the vessel and
cover or envelope, and the choice of the material depends upon the purpose for which
the vessel is intended, but it is obvious that it must always retain under pressure
until fully solidified, in order that a compression of the clay molecules may take
place. The homogeneous layer may be firmly attached to the metal wood or vulcanite
envelope b, or to the inner vessel a, or to both. The glaze on the outside of the
acid-proof vessel can also be omitted, so that the homogeneous material may attach
itself to it; the said vessel being made in the "biscuit." Or a material can be
selected to form the layer which will adhere firmly to the iron, wood, or vulcanite
envelope; or, preferred, a material can be chosen which only lies in juxta-position
to the envelope and acid-proof vessel. It is obvious that the last method is most
advantageous, as the earthenware, porcelain, or glass vessel, and the iron, wood, or
vulcanite envelope, have different coefficients of expansion and, therefore, can only
expand and contract uninterruptedly when not attached to the sides to which they
are adjacent.
Vessels constructed in this way have their parts close-fitting, and they cannot give
way in any direction, outwardly because of the envelope containing the homogeneous
material and inwardly because of their shape,-even when the vessel or the parts of
are fractured, as the homogeneous layer exercises a pressure from the outside
towards the inside, and causes every crack, which appears on the clay vessel, to
immediately close.
Fig 2 of the drawing shows a homogeneous tube-casing constructed according to
this invention.
The tubing illustrated consists of clay on the inner side, but it may
also have an outside layer of clay. The construction of the three layers over each
other is effected in the way herein before described, the method of joining the tubes
only being described here. The clay tubes a, a, are bevelled on their connection
ends g, g, so that they are in contact on the inside edge, but on the outside are
somewhat apart from each other. The end of the iron casing-tube b is enlarged at h,
so that the end of the other tube k may fit into it.
This latter carries at a little distance from its end a collar or flange i, by which it
is connected to a flange h2 upon the enlargement of the tube h through the medium-
of screw bolts m. Fitting on the inner end of the tube k, to slide between the two
tubes, is a packing collar l, of such a width as to nicely fit the space between the

page_text: tube k and the tube enlargement h. The tube k is pulled into the enlargement h
and the space between is filled with the homogeneous material or other close-fitting
medium, the tubes being brought sufficiently close to each other by the screws m.
Then the sliding ring collar is, by means of screws n, pressed home upon the
close-fitting material, which, being restrained by the bevelled tubes, is forced into
the space between the tubes' inner ends, and a perfect joint is produced. Instead of the
homogenous material a cement can be selected, of good plastic quality but not adherent.
The joint can then in this latter case be easily undone at any time.
In Fig. 3, in sectional plan and elevation, the construction of a salt-cake vessel
according to this invention is shown. At the top of this vessel at o there is an
inward bend, the object of which is to prevent the mineral substance giving way
inwardly in case of fracture. In these vessels provision has also to be made for fitting
together laterally clay, or similar material, in two or more pieces, With this end in
view the two halves b¹, b¹, of the sheet iron envelope are not brought quite close
together, but only to such an extent that the clay pieces u are lightly pressed together.
Then the space between the clay pieces a and the sheet iron envelope b¹, b¹, is ·
filled with the homogeneous material d. To prevent an escape of this when the
halves of the sheet iron envelope are fitted together a strip of sheet iron p is laid-in.
As soon as the homogeneous material d has acquired some consistency the two
halves b¹, 6, of the sheet iron envelope, are pulled closely together by the screw
bolts; the clay pieces being also brought into close contact.
In Fig 4 an auto-clave constructed according to this invention is shown. This
utensil is known as the hardest piece of chemical apparatus to manufacture and the
easiest to become useless. The closing of the stirring rod is effected by means of a
graphite-box q, which, at the same time, lubricates the said rod. The attachment
and connection of the tube r, at the side of the auto-clave body, is similar to the tube
joint Fig 2 only the inside clay tube stands further forward, so that no acid vapour
may come in contact with the metal envelope. As regards the stirring rod it is
advantageous to make the iron bar or core 6 of this, as far as it is in the clay tube, of
four curved or cruciform sectioned iron. The clay tube, which surrounds it, fastens
into the traverse tubes of the stirring rod blade with a tongue and groove, which
keeps them together at the top.
Below is a dove-tail piece 8, cemented in, which also keeps the traverse tubes
together. The ends of the traverse tubes are closed with closing covers t, a little
reduced in scale, the same being cemented in; and, for safety's sake, wedge pieces u
are inserted into the bore of the projecting tubes to prevent them (the closing
covers) becoming loose. The tubes, also slightly reduced in size at the ends, are.
pressed close, so that as soon as they are filled with the homogeneous material d,
and this hardens, the closing covers are additionally secured.
In this way clay
and iron form a complete whole with an intervening homogeneous lining. This
auto-clave is superior to all the ordinary ones with enamel and inserting reservoirs,
as the clay cannot chip as enamel does, and the homogeneous material prevents
anything getting between the clay and the iron envelope.
Fig 5 shows how homegeneous clay-iron vessels according to this invention are made
from many separate parts. The iron envelope b, which is of indefinite length, is .
first put into position, but its two halves are not quite pulled close together. Then
at proper intervals within this envelope a ring of stones vis arranged, the same
being put together dry. Behind this ring the clay pieces w are placed, and these
are, if necessary, forced close together by means of the inserted wedge piece x.
Then the space between the ring of clay pieces m and the iron envelope b' is
filled with a homegeneous material, which is either poured, pressed, or stamped in.
Afterwards a second ring of stones is placed on. the first ring of stones, and a
second ring of clay pieces on the previous ring of clay pieces, and behind this
more homegeneous material is applied, and so on, building up the structure to
the required height until the whole envelope is made homegeneous. When this
is accomplished the inner stones are all taken out and the iron envelope screwed.

page_text: up, which causes the homogeneous material to be everywhere firmly pressed into
all the interstices of the structure.
From this example it can be seen that by this process all possible apparatus can be
constructed in such a way as to remain tightly fitting under any pressure and in
spite of any fracture. For vessels which are to be exposed to heat a homogeneous
material which is not a good conductor of heat is selected. Instead of the ring of
stones va ring can be made of sheet iron or gypsum.
The great value of such a construction of vessel is evident from the fact that it
makes it possible to work with phosphoric acid, because the new process allows
vessels to be constructed from pure silicates or substances not attacked by phosphoric
acid, as, for instance, phosphates, inasmuch as these mineral substances, through the
help of the homogeneous mass inside the metal envelope; can assume the desired
shape of the vessel. By reason of this, sal-ammoniac.can be successfully decomposed
with phosphoric acid, and ammonia can be separated by further heating.
On this homogeneous system complete refining plants can be established, and
carriers with reservoirscan also be constructed for dealing with acetic, hydrochloric, and
nitric acid, and even for liquefied chlorine. The invention can also be applied in the
manufacture of acid-proof pumps, and valve construction can be well executed by its
means,
The chief point in the process is, as has already been remarked, that the lining
between the envelope and vessel is kept under pressure until incipient solidification
prevents all further change, i.e. until the separate parts of the envelope lining and
reservoir are forced into immovable cohesion.
Thus in place of the formerly deficient natural homogeneity a kind of artificial
homogeneity is introduced. It is clear that the pressure, which is introduced in the
manufacture, is with advantage higher than that which the inner vessel is exposed to
in use, and while, for instance, for stationary vessels, the pouring in of a solidifying
cement mentioned above by means of funnel tubes, more or less long, is sufficient, for
other vessels a more permanent medium is employed for producing pressure. Such a
medium is the already mentioned pressing-together of the envelope in such a way
that the lining material cannot break out anywhere, also the pumping in of fluid
cement materials, the forcing in of compressed steam or air, or the hydraulic pressure
of a harmless fluid. In all cases the pressure is allowed to continue until the lining
substance solidifies.
The simplest means of producing and maintaining pressure is the screwing together
of an envelope of two or more parts. In this method all openings through which a
breaking-out might occur must be carefully stopped.
If the process with projecting funnel tubes is adopted, Fig 1, these tubes f are allowed
to project a considerable distance, and so a pressure of about one third to a half
atmosphere is obtained. If, however, the screwing or pumping-in process is adopted,
the pressure can be made as high as desired.
Referring back to Fig 3 the single clay-pieces are separated froin the iron envelope
by a thin layer of cement material d. The iron envelope is now pulled on to such an
extent that the clay pieces are lightly pressed together. This result is obtained
either by setting up the clay pieces with the cement material spread over them and
then laying on the envelope, or by screwing together the parts of the envelope until
the bolts and screws make them flush and then laying in the clay-pieces with the
.cement on them. When this stage is reached the space between the envelope and
the vessel is wholly filled up with the homogeneous material-if it is thin by pouring
in if pasty, or half-set, by stamping or pressing in. When the space between the
parts is so full that it will hold no more, then the upper lip, which has up to the
present remained open, is closed. This is easily accomplished by screwing on a
circular piece or flat-ring.
The screw-holes in this addition must be rather long so as to allow the envelope to
slide up underneath, and the screw holes must also be protected by discs underneath to
prevent the homogeneous material bursting out. The envelope is tightened up by the
crewing up and the pressure of the homogeneous material is continually increasing.

page_text: As the homogeneous material cannot yield anywhere it comes continually under the
influence of a higher pressure, which is only limited by the strength of the ring-piece
or the envelope. The screwing is kept up as long as the solidification is not
completed, until it can go on no longer.
The pressure is continually increased because many cement materials expand in
hardening and so, by mechanical means, further increase the pressure already
produced.
It is imperative that the homogeneous material must be prevented from breaking
out, and then an object can be constructed which is chemically indestructable and
has mechanically the tenacity of iron.
If the apparatus, vessel, or the like, is to be exposed to great variations of tempera-
ture, the different expansions of the metal and mineral are allowed for by well known
compensating means.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be perforined, I declare that what I
claim is
First. Constructing acid-proof vessels, utensils, and articles of a like nature, of a
combination of acid-proof, homogeneous, and force resisting materials, that is to say,
enclosing an acid-proof object within a protecting envelope or cover of force any
vibration resisting material, with an intervening layer of homogeneous material
between it and the said envelope, the molecules of the said homogeneous material
being tightly pressed together under pressure until solidification takes place,
substantially as described and set forth.
Second. In acid-proof vessels and objects, lining an acid-proof exterior of any
natural or artificial mineral substance with an inner covering or core of force and
vibration resisting material with an intervening layer of homogeneous material
between it and the said covering or core, the said homogeneous material being poured
or forced into position and left to solidify under pressure, substantially as set forth.
Third. In acid-proof vessels and objects for treating phosphoric acid, building the
same up from pure silicates or phosphates by the process described in reference to
Fig. 5, that is to say, building-up the acid-proof object, in the combined manner
described, with a force resisting exterior and an homogeneous layer, through the
medium of a supporting ring of stones, or a ring of iron, and wedge pieces, the
said ring being removable after the amalgamation of the parts.
FOR WORD 1st day of CLODGE, 100.
W. P. THOMPSON & Co.
11, Burlington Chambers, New Street, Birmingham,
Agents for Applicant.