A Method of and Apparatus for Effecting the Absorption of Carbonic Acid.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 18th July, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Nov., 1893-Accepted, 23rd Dec., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A Method of and Apparatus for Effecting the Absorption of
Carbonic Acid.
I, ALBERT MÜLLER, of Nieder-Schönweide, near Berlin, in the Empire of
Germany, Inspector of Factories, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to
be as follows:-
This invention relates to a method of and apparatus for effecting the absorption
of carbonic acid by means of an alkaline fluid, the object of the invention being to
subject alkaline fluids, so exposed as to offer the greatest possible amount of surface
to the action of gases containing carbonic acid, generated by processes of com-
bustion or heating so as to cause the absorption of the carbonic acid contained in
the gases.
In the processes at present known for effecting absorption the result is unsatis-
factory, partly because too small a quantity of the carbonic acid is supplied to the
fluid, or they are made too costly by their dependence upon continual mechanical
action as for example when stirred mechanically.
The apparatus to which the present invention refers is so arranged that the
alkaline fluid is so disposed as to take up the largest possible amount of carbonic
acid, and this without any mechanical arrangement, and the process consists
essentially in allowing the absorptive fluid to trickle slowly over mesh-like
(preferably metallic) fabrics, or fine network, the fluid under these conditions
forming a thin even layer, which fills the interstices of the network, and then
causing the body of gases in which the carbonic acid is contained to flow in the
contrary direction over this layer of fluid, and as close to it as possible.
The apparatus consists essentially of a closed chamber of suitable height, in
which a great number of mesh-like fabrics or networks are arranged side by side
and kept apart from each other by partitions lying one above another, or other
obstacles in such a way that the gas as it is led in from below is forced to pass
along the surface of the fluid, which is admitted from above and is distributed in
thin layers by the networks, the gases being caused to pass over the surface with
friction, and to move in intercrossing undulations for the purpose of offering to the
action of the gases a layer of fluid as thin and even as possible, upon both sides of
which the absorption of the contained carbonic acid may take place.
Dated the 18th day of July 1893
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London, Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A. Method of and Apparatus for Effecting the Absorption of
Carbonic Acid.
I, ALBERT MÜLLER, of Nieder-Schönweide, near Berlin, in the Empire of
Germany, Inspector of Factories, 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 a method of and apparatus for effecting the absorption
of carbonic acid by means of an alkaline fluid the object of the invention being to

page_text: so expose alkaline fluids as to offer the greatest possible amount of surface to the
action of gases containing carbonic acid generated by processes of combustion or
heating, so as to cause the absorption of the carbonic acid contained in the gases.
At the present time the following are the principal methods iu use for the
absorption of carbonic acid, viz. :—
The
First. An iron casing is filled with coke or pumice stone through which the
liquid admitted at the top of the casing percolates, while the gases passing through
the spaces are brought in contact with the liquid and are either discharged above
or are conducted into another vessel for purposes of further absorption.
objection to this method is that the liquid, taking the shortest and least obstructed
course, remains too much in a body and does not therefore touch all the surfaces of
the coke or pieces of pumice stone. The space within the casing is reduced by the
material, so filled in, by two-thirds and the detention of the gases in the casing is
correspondingly reduced. Second. A large chamber is provided throughout with
steps made of any suitable material, and into this chamber the liquid is introduced
at the highest point and passes from one inclined surface to another down to the
bottom of the chamber where it is discharged, while the gases flow in the opposite
direction above the liquid. By this method, as in that just described, a body or
sheet of liquid of uneven thickness is brought in contact with the gases, and only on
one side; and it would be practically impossible to so arrange the plates forming
the steps as to cause the liquid to pass over all the surfaces of the same in uniform
thickness. Third. Horizontal cylinders which are provided with shafts and agitating
arms, (the said cylinders being about 70 cm. high) are charged to half their height
with the absorbing liquid, the gases passing over it. In order to obtain as much
contact as possible between the gases and liquid, the latter is divided into spray by
the rapidly revolving shafts with the agitating arms attached thereto. This method
requires a motive force of at least ten horse power per 1000 kg. of liquid carbonic
acid for twenty-four hours, and is very expensive.
In the practice of my invention no motive force is required as in the last
described method, and I attain an increased efficiency. Nor do I require as large
a quantity of liquid; and in my apparatus the liquid is discharged after the same
has been in contact with the gases for the space of four minutes, while in the last
named method the liquid is retained in operation for twelve hours.
In the accompanying drawing which forms a part of this Specification, and in
which like parts are indicated by like letters of reference in the several views,
Figure represents a transverse section of an interior compartment of an
apparatus for effecting the absorption of carbonic acid according to my invention
showing a netting which extends from a pipe located above the said compartment
to another pipe located underneath such compartment to which latter pipe the
netting is attached, the said pipe serving to tighten the netting; the said view also
showing a series of small slats placed above each other at equal distances apart.
Figure 2 represents a longitudinal sectional view of the interior compartment
showing a series of nettings, tubes for introducing the liquid, clamping devices
beneath the said tubes to which the nettings are attached, and the tightening pipes
or tubes to which the nettings extend; the said view also showing slats located
between the nettings.
Figure 3 is a top view of the apparatus with the casing removed and shewing
the arrangement of the system of supply pipes with main feed pipe.
Figure 4 is a top view of the apparatus closed, showing a pipe placed above it
for carrying off the gases, and,
Figure 5 is a ground plan of the apparatus showing a pipe for introducing the
gases having three connections with the apparatus, and also a pipe for discharging
the liquid.
A indicates a casing constructed of sheet iron and made air tight. This casing
is provided throughout its interior space with vertical nettings which are placed at
equal distances apart and are preferably made of iron wire. Each of these
nettings, B, is supported by a clamping device which consists of two obtuse

page_text: angle irons that are drawn toward each other by five screws i and are supported
by two pins k inserted in each side wall of the casing A.
To both the longitudinal walls of the casing A are riveted pieces of angle iron
indicated by and serving as bearings for the upper parts of the peripheries of
tubes e which are employed for tightening the nettings B.
Secured to the upper
parts of the walls of the casing and extending downward to beneath the lowest set
of slats b, are strips of sheet iron m and to these strips are riveted the angle
pieces a, supporting the said slats. The strips of sheet iron m are provided in all
the spaces between the nettings, there being a strip between every two nettings.
By this arrangement the adjustment of the spaces between the nettings is avoided.
C is a pipe adapted to be connected with a pressure pump, the said pipe also
being connected by means of two arms with series of supply chambers flanged
together and with which chambers the smaller tubes passing through the walls
of the casing and attached thereto by proper flanges, communicate alternately.
The tubes are provided on their undersides with small perforations about 2 cm.
apart, the aggregate area of which agrees with the cross-section of the supply
pipe C, and are located directly above the wire nettings which are held in position
by means of the clamping device h, as explained.
The pipe F which is connected to the casing at the bottom by branches of serves
to introduce the gases; and the pipe E also connected to the casing at the top of
the apparatus by three branches serves to carry off the spent gases.
This apparatus is adapted to operate continuously as follows: The gases
containing carbonic acid, which have been produced by a process of combustion or
of roasting, are by means of the draught in the chimney or by proper mechanical
means introduced into the casing through the pipe F and the three branches f.
The gases distribute themselves through the lower empty part D of the casing,
rise upward to the top of the casing, carrying the atmospheric air in front of them
while giving up their carbonic acid gas to the absorbing liquid, and thereby
becoming reduced in volume, and then pass out finally through the three outlets
and discharge pipe E into the atmosphere. The pump, which has meantime been
started, forces the alkaline liquid through the pipe C and through the small pipes d
into the spaces between the clamps h, whereby it becomes distributed over the
whole length of all the nettings. The netting B preferably contains 8 wires, each
about 1 mm. thick for every 26 mm. in length and width. There are therefore
49 small squares provided in each square 26 mm. long and wide. Using this size
of mesh for the netting the liquid will extend over all the spaces of the same and
will pass downward in the form of a thin layer extending over each netting, and
owing to the uninterrupted supply from above will not lose its continuity but will
expose both of its surfaces to the gases passing upward, until slowly reaching the
bottom it collects and passes out through the pipo g, to be again circulated through
the absorbing apparatus after having first passed through an apparatus wherein
the carbonic acid gas has been expelled from it, and through a cooling apparatus.
The slats b, being placed at regular vertical distances from each other between
the nettings reduce the aggregate cross-section of the space in which they are
located, and the gases are thus caused to move upward alternately faster and slower,
and are consequently brought in strong frictional contact with the liquid and
are kept constantly agitated, which adds largely to the absorbing capacity of the
liquid.
Experience shows that the capacity of my method for absorbing carbonic acid
gas is much greater than is possible by the methods heretofore practised; first
because the liquid is distributed uniformly and in thin films and is caused to pass
downward slowly along the nettings, and secondly because the gases are forced into
frictional contact with the liquid, thus producing a slight wavy motion of the same
The spent gases will be found to contain a minimum of carbonic acid, a far greater
proportion of carbonic acid being brought in contact with the liquid in considerably
less time than by methods heretofore employed, and without the expenditure of
motive force,

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The method of absorbing carbonic acid by alkaline liquids, consisting in
causing the absorbing liquid to flow or pass downward within an absorbing chamber
in thin uniform films, and passing the mixture of gas which contains the carbonic
acid in approximately close contact with such films of liquid and in a direction
opposite to the course taken by the said absorbing liquid, substantially as set
forth.
2. The method of absorbing carbonic acid by alkaline liquids, consisting in
causing the absorbing liquid to flow or pass downward along material woven in
meshes, or fine netting, thereby separating the liquid into thin uniform films
which close the openings of the netting, and passing the mixture of gas which
contains the carbonic acid in close relation to such films of liquid and in a
direction opposite to the course taken by the said absorbing liquid, substantially as
set forth.
3. In apparatus for the absorption of carbonic acid, the combination with a
closed receptacle, of a series of sheets of material woven in meshes, such as fine
netting arranged side by side vertically within the said receptacle and at suitable
distances apart, and obstructions interposed above one another between the sheets
of woven material at suitable intervals, whereby the mixture of gas introduced
at the bottom of the receptacle is brought in contact with thin uniform films of
the absorbing liquid introduced from above, substantially as set forth.
4. In apparatus for the absorption of carbonic acid, the combination with a
closed receptacle, of an absorber located within the said receptacle and consisting
of a series of sheets of material woven in meshes and arranged vertically side by
side, suitable obstructions, such as slats b, arranged at suitable intervals above one
another between the sheets of woven material, and perforated liquid supply tubes
arranged immediately above the sheets of perforated material, substantially as set
forth.
5. The combination with the receptacle A, provided at its bottom with a pipe F
for the introduction of the gases and at its top with a pipe E to carry off the spent
gases, of an absorber arranged within the said receptacle and consisting of a series
of sheets of suitable material woven in meshes and arranged vertically, a series of
slats, such as b, arranged between the said sheets of woven material at suitable
intervals, and forming obstructions as explained, a series of strips of sheet iron
arranged vertically against the walls of the receptacle between the sheets of woven
material, a series of perforated tubes at the top of the receptacle immediately above
the several sheets of woven material and means for supplying the absorbing liquid
to the said tubes, substantially as set forth.
6. The improved apparatus for effecting the absorption of carbonic acid herein-
before described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Dated the 22nd day of November 1893.
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London, Agents for the Applicant.