IMPROVEMENTS IN GENERATORS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS FROM COAL OR OTHER FUEL TO BE USED IN FURNACES EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF STEEL OR OTHER METALS, ALKALIES OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES, ALSO IN THE GENERATION OF STEAM PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Noble late of Middlesborough on Tees in the
North Riding of the County of York and now residing at Consett in the
County of Durham Engineer, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN
GENERATORS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS FROM COAL OR OTHER FUEL TO
BE USED IN FURNACES EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF STEEL OR OTHER
METALS, ALKALIES OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES, ALSO IN THE GENERATION OF
STEAM
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Noble at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 9th August 1882.
JAMES NOBLE late of Middlesborough on Tees in the North Riding of the
County of York, and now residing at Consett in the County of Durham, Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN GENERATORS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS FROM COAL OR
OTHER FUEL, TO BE USED IN FURNACES EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
STEEL OR OTHER METALS ALKALIES, OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES ALSO IN THE
GENERATION OF STEAM."
In carrying out my invention I use an ordinary generator which may be made
square, oblong, cylindrical or of other suitable form to suit site of works where
placed or otherwise, the generator has a wrought Iron casing lined with fire-brick
or it may be wholly built of brick-work. In the side and if desired end walls of
the generator there are one or more Tuyeres through which the necessary quantity
of air is admitted under pressure by means of a steam or other blower, but having
a large grate area this generator may be worked by the ordinary chimney draught
connected with the works and gas generated in the ordinary way, this being a
decided advantage over gas generators having a solid hearth with the fuel resting
thereon and being entirely dependent on blast before any gas can be generated.
The walls of the generator may be inclined.
According to my invention the fuel rests on grate bars and in the event of some
classes of fuel working too hot and tending to warp ordinary grate bars I purpose

page_text: using hollow fire bars through which I pass a continual stream of water which
may be carried to a hot water tank and afterwards used for boiler supply thus
obtaining the advantage of super-heated water and economy of fuel in the
generation of steam, or I am able to dispense with the steam chests on the outside
of the generator and cause the blower to act directly through the hollow fire bars
by connecting the steam or other blower to the hollow fire bars by means of pipes
having suitable valves, each division of grate or bars having two or more
suitable outlets for the ejection of blast to cause the necessary combustion in the
generator. This special grate I prefer to make in two portions, each portion can
be easily removed and replaced through a door on each end of the generator, each half
being divided by an arched fire-bridge leaving a clear communication between both
sides of the generator for an equal distribution of air under the grate, but from the
warping of ordinary fire bars I anticipate no difficulty as the cold air rushing in
will keep the bars cool.
I also employ two cleaning out doors one being placed at each end of the grate,
thereby obviating the great loss of time in cleaning the fires of the clinkers that
usually form on the so-called back wall of gas generators of the ordinary kind.
By these improvements I also obtain a considerable advantage over gas generators
having solid hearths at cleaning out time as no necessity arises for dampering off
the generator from the main flue, all that is required is to take off the blast, open
the doors, and allow the generator to work with the ordinary chimney draught
thus taking away all gases during the operation of cleaning the fires and obviating
the nuisance caused by escaping gases where solid hearths are used in gas
generators.
I use one outlet for the gas generated entirely dispensing with ports and gas
collecting flues around the generator which add nothing to the quantity or quality
of gas made, but are merely a source of annoyance through their so readily getting
choked up with soot and other deposit.
I regulate the distribution of gas generated by means of a valve of a mushroom
or other suitable shape, regulated by a screw or otherwise so placed, as is also the
means for regulating the steam or other blower that the gas man working the
generator has all under his immediate control.
I employ a charging box or hopper which effectually makes the generator gas
tight during the time it is being charged this not being so where the ordinary
slide or bell hopper is used but I do not confine myself to this mode of charging
as existing methods may be adopted where the escape of gases are not of necessity
taken into consideration.
On each side of the generator I place a series of holes through which an Iron bar
may be inserted to break up the fuel when required, through those holes the false
bars may be also placed to hold up the unconsumed fuel while the generator is
being freed from ash and clinkers.
The Tuyere box and Tuyeres are constructed so that any ashes or deposit that
might get in the pipes or box and choke them can be easily removed while the
generator is at work.
A solid hearth may be used in combination.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said James Noble in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 5th February
1883.
JAMES NOBLE late of Middlesborough-on-Tees in the North Riding of the
County of York and now residing at Consett in the County of Durham Engineer
"IMPROVEMENTS IN GENERATORS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS FROM COAL OR
OTHER FUEL TO BE USED IN FURNACES EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
STEEL OR OTHER METALS, ALKALIES OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES ALSO IN THE
GENERATION OF STEAM."
In carrying out my invention I use an ordinary generator which may be made
square oblong, cylindrical or of other suitable form to suit site of works where
placed or otherwise, the generator has a wrought iron casing lined with fire-brick or
it may be wholly built of brick-work. In the side and if desired end walls of the
generator there are one or more Tuyeres through which the necessary quantity of
air is admitted under pressure by means of a steam or other blower, but in some
cases having a large grate area this generator may be worked by the ordinary
chimney draught connected with the works, and gas generated in the ordinary way,
this being a decided advantage over gas generators having a solid hearth with the
fuel resting thereon and being entirely dependant on blast before any gas can be
generated.
The walls of the generator may be inclined.
One set of Tuyeres is placed under the fire or grate bars and another set of
Tuyeres is placed at a point above where clinkers usually form so that in case the
lower set of Tuyeres becomes blocked by ash or other deposit (which cannot be
easily removed at will owing to the desirability of keeping the generator at work
longer than usual) the top set of Tuyeres may be put in action, or, if desired, both sets
may be worked at the same time. The upper set of Tuyeres I use for the purpose
of inserting loose or false bars during the operation of cleansing the generator of
clinkers and ash also when necessary, to insert an ordinary poker bar for the
purpose of breaking up the fuel.
According to my invention the fuel rests on grate bars and in the event of some
classes of fuel working too hot and tending to warp ordinary grate bars, I purpose
using hollow fire bars through which I pass a continual stream of water which may
be carried to a hot water tank and afterwards used for boiler supply thus obtaining
the advantage of super-heated water and economy of fuel in the generation of
steam, when water is not used for cooling the hollow fire bars I cause the cold air
from the blower to act directly through the hollow bars, which for economy and
lightness I make out of ordinary wrought iron tubes butted but not welded
throughout. Slots or apertures being formed for the admission of air to the closed
ash pit. To prevent the hollow bars from getting choked with ash the slots are
kept to the underside. Cast iron bars of similar description or a tube oval or pear
shaped in section may be used instead of round.
This special grate I prefer to make in two portions, each portion can be easily
removed and replaced through a door on each end or side of the generator, cach
half being divided by an arched or hollow fire-bridge leaving a clear communication
between both sides of the generator for an equal distribution of air under the grate,
but from the warping of ordinary fire bars I anticipate no difficulty as the cold air
rushing in will keep the bars cool.
I also employ two cleaning out doors, one being placed at each end of the grate,
thereby obviating the great loss of time in cleaning the fires of the clinkers that
usually forin on the so-called back walls of gas generators of the ordinary kind.

page_text: By these improvements I also obtain a considerable advantage over gas
generators having a solid hearth as at cleaning out time no necessity arises for
dampering off the generator from the main flue, all that is required is to take off*
the blast, open the doors, and allow the generator to work with the ordinary
chimney draught thus taking away all gases during the operation of cleaning the
fires and obviating the nuisance caused by escaping gases where solid hearths are
used in gas generators.
I use one outlet for the gas generated entirely dispensing with ports and gas
collecting flues around the generator which add nothing to the quantity or quality
of gas made but are merely a source of annoyance through their so readily getting
choked up with soot and other deposit.
I regulate the distribution of gas generated by means of a valve of a mushroom
or other suitable shape, regulated by a screw or otherwise so placed as is also the
means for regulating the steam or other blower that the gas man working the
generator has all under his immediate control.
I employ a charging box or hopper which effectually makes the generator gas
tight during the time it is being charged, this not being so where the ordinary slide
or bell hopper is used, but I do not confine myself to this mode of charging as
existing methods may be adopted where the escape of gases are not of necessity
taken into consideration.
Where the application of my generator requires hot air for combustion of gases
I use a chamber of wrought iron or other suitable material arranged so as to form
the upper portion of the generator wherein the air may be heated and taken off at
any suitable point to support combustion of the gases generated or when water
bars are used the hot air can be with advantage taken underneath the fire grate
thereby reducing the formation of carbonic acid to its lowest possible minimum
carbonic oxide being almost wholly generated at a great saving of fuel. The blower
in this instance forcing the cold air through the chamber previous to its application,
or this wrought iron chamber may be fitted up as a boiler for the generation of
steam or to act as a super-heater for water for boiler purposes.
In order that my invention may be more clearly understood I will by the aid of
the accompanying drawings proceed more fully to describe the same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures 1 and 2 represent vertical sections transverse to each other shewing a
gas generator A with hot air chamber C and mode of taking off gases, A¹ indicates
my improved charging hopper and it consists of a square or other suitably shaped
rectangular box with valve A2 therein such valve being formed with radial blades
producing a series of pockets arranged so that while one pocket is being filled with
fuel from the hopper A' a corresponding pocket is discharging fuel into the
generator A the divisions or. pockets of the valve A2 being so arranged as much as
possible to avoid leakage of gas in that direction. aa are sight holes through which
the attendant may see that the fuel in the generator is working properly and these
holes are also used for the passage of a poker for keeping the fuel broken up.
B represents the pipe by which the gases generated in the generator A may be
tested before allowing the same to pass into the downtake I and thence into the
main gas flue F' to be used where. required thus obviating the risk of explosion.
The gas may
The outlet of gas through this tube B is regulated by the valve B¹.
also be passed through the pipe B and ignited at the top or outlet B³ for the
purpose of giving light to the work at nights.
C represents the hot air chamber the air from the blower being let into this
chamber at any suitable part of it taking care to cause such air to circulate around
this chamber and be discharged therefrom as near the point of entrance thereto
as practicable, a division being formed between the air inlet and the air outlet
passages.
D represents the exit pipe for distributing the hot air from the chamber C to

page_text: the underneath of the firegrate or to other points of combustion as may be
required.
E indicates the fire grate with ordinary fire bars.
F the outlet for gases to the downtake and to main flue F¹ F¹.
G represents a damper arrangement so that in the event of the gas mushroom
valve G becoming disarranged the generator A may be shut off and the flap H at
the bottom of the downtake I being closed at the same time the connection with
the main gas flue F and the generator A is for the time cut off and the valve G¹
can then be readjusted without inconvenience and the generator can be set to
work again in a few minutes which cannot be done with the ordinary generators
in use.
I indicates the gas downtake from the generator A.
K represents by cross section the hollow or arched fire bridge dividing the fire
grate in the generator this bridge is made with openings on the underside and it is
connected with the blower when cold air is desired to be used for obtaining
the blast.
L represent the cleaning out doors.
M represent openings for the upper Tuyeres and they may also be used for the
introduction of false bars during the operation of cleaning as well as for the
insertion of other bars or stirrers for breaking up fuel.
Figures 3 and represent modifications of Figures 1 and 2 the main difference
being that the hot air chamber C is dispensed with and the pipe N shewn under
the ground level is the main for the blast supply pipe.
Figures 5 and 6 represent two vertical sections of a circular generator the bottom
portion of which is somewhat similar in construction to those shown by Figures 1.
2. 3 and 4. The fire bars in this instance are hollow as heretofore described, when
air is used instead of water to flow through hollow bars I make a connection from
the blower to the boxes O on the cleaning doors these boxes form the receptacles
or chests from which air is distributed to the respective tubular fire bars of each
grate under the generator, the blast being supplied as previously described.
'
The ports or Tuyeres P on each side of the ash pit are for the purpose of
allowing the pressure of blast underneath the grate to communicate with the upper
Tuyeres M by the upright passages Q so that air may be supplied at will above
the part most liable to clinker this arrangement equally applies to all the foregoing
figures.
The air for the upper Tuyeres M may be supplied direct from the main blast
pipe D or N instead of being supplied from the underside of the grate.
Figures 7 and 8 represent plans shewing top and bottom views of the circular
generator.
Figures 9 and 10 represent vertical sections taken transversely one to the other
shewing the generator A with a solid hearth_A* of firebrick or other suitable
material. This hearth is formed by two inverted arches BB covering the whole
area of the bottom part of generator-and leaving a clear space underneath the
hearth this space forms a reservoir Y for the blast which is equally distributed
through the inlets C to the underside of the mass of fuel to be acted upon. Figure 11
represents a plan of this generator A shewing the hearth A*.
For the purpose of cleaning out the gas generator when using the feed boxes o
attached to the cleaning doors the doors and grate bars are removed at one
operation and when the false bars are put in at openings M and replaced in a like
manner.
Having thus described my Invention and means which I adopt in carrying the
same into effect I would have it understood that what I claim as my Improvements
in generators for the production of gas from coal or other fuel to be used in furnaces
employed in the manufacture of steel or other metals alkalies or for other purposes,
also in the generation of steam is :-
First. The general arrangement or combination of parts by which the blast of

page_text: air becomes heated as it is fed to the fuel in the gas generating chamber substantially
as described.
Secondly. I claim the arranging or combining parts whereby the blast of air
heated as described is fed into the gas generating chamber by suitable passages
formed over the fuel in such chamber substantially as described.
Thirdly. The arranging or combining parts forming the feed means A' A² for
feeding the fuel to the gas generating chamber A substantially as described.
Fourthly. I claim the arranging or combining parts G G by which facility is
afforded for cutting off the supply of gas from the gas generating chamber when
required substantially as described
Fifthly. I claim the arranging or combining parts whereby the blast of air may
be supplied to the fuel in the gas generating chamber through the fire bridge K
substantially as described.
Sixthly. I claim the arranging or combining parts forming cleaning out doors L
substantially as described.
Seventhly. I claim the arranging or combining parts whereby hollow fire bars
are employed with feed boxes or blast chests O substantially as described.
Eighthly. I claim the arranging or combining parts forming a solid hearth
substantially as shewn and described in respect of Figures 9, 10 and 11.
In witness whereof I the said James Noble have hereunto set my hand and
seal this Twentyninth day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and eighty three.
MADLE
JAME
ES NOBLE.
(U.S.)