Improved Apparatus for the Production and Storage of Acetylene Gas.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Jan., 1897-Accepted, 3rd Apr., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Apparatus for the Production and Storage of
Acetylene Gas.
I, RICHARD FREDRICK CARTER, of the Town of Niagara Falls, in the County
of Welland and Province of Ontario, Canada, Master Mariner, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention and in what manuer the same is to be performed, to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :—
The object of my invention is to devise a simple and reliable apparatus for the
production and storage of acetylene gas, and it consists, essentially, of a generator
adapted to contain a large charge of calcium carbide and provided with an agitator
by means of which the carbide may be stirred up to cause the lime formed to fall
through a perforated diaphragm, and of means whereby a given quantity of water
may be automatically thrown on the carbide when the supply of gas in the holder
falls too low. My invention further consists in such details of construction as are
hereinafter more particularly described and then definitely claimed.
Figure 1, is a sectional view of my apparatus.
Fig. 2, is a sectional detail showing the construction of the chambers in the water
feeding device.
Figure 3, is a sectional view showing a preferable form of carbide chamber and
agitator.
Figure 4, is a sectional detail of a carbide chamber taken at right angles to the
section in Fig. 3.
In the drawings, like letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the
different figures.
A, is the generator; B, the gas holder; and C, the water measuring and feeding
device.
In the generator A, B is a hollow cylinder open at its upper end; C" is an
inner wall concentric with the sides of the cylinder B", and secured to its bottom
so as to form an annular water space; D, is a hollow cylinder open at its lower
end. When this cylinder is placed with its lower portion within the annular water
space, above referred to, a gas tight chamber is formed.
E, is a hollow cylinder open at each end and centrally divided by a perforated
or wire gauze diaphragm E, so as to form a carbide chamber G, and the lime pit H.
I, is an agitator provided with suitable arms, and having its spindle journalled at
the lower end of the supporting bars of the diaphragm F, and its upper end
journalled in the top of the cylinder D. The upper end of the spindle may be
provided with a suitable crank or other means for imparting a rotary motion to it.
In Figs. 3 and 4 the diaphragm F, is shown of a curved shape in cross-section,
preferably of hemi-spherical form, though a semi-cylindrical form would also answer
the purpose.
When the diaphragm is of this shape, the agitator is preferably
journalled with its spindle horizontal, as shown. I find that the carbide may be
shaken up and the lime got rid of more readily by using this construction than by
the use of that shown in Fig. 1.
J, is a perforated diaphragm or spray nozzle, supported by the sleeve a or in any
other suitable manner so as to overlie the open top of the cylinder E.
K, is the water supply pipe extending through the cylinder and adapted to
discharge its water through the perforated diaphragm or spray nozzle.
Outside the generator the tube is suitably bent to form a water seal and its end
provided with a suitable funnel.

page_text: :
L, is a pipe connecting the upper portion of the generator with the interior of
the gas holder. In order that the cylinder D, may be readily removed, the pipe L,
extends through the bottom of the generator or is carried outwardly through the
walls of the same so near the bottom as to require but a short slot 6 to be made in
the cylinder D, to slip over the horizontal portion of the pipe. M, is a condensation
pipe and trap, which may, if necessary, be provided with a special safety valve.
The pipe L, is also preferably provided with a similar condensation pipe and trap.
The gas holder B, comprises the usual water chamber or tank N, and the
gas dome M. The walls of the water chamber N, carry suitable guides on which
run guide wheels connected to the gas dome. A counter balancing weight or
weights are preferably provided as in ordinary gas holders.
O, is the gas exit pipe extending from the gas space in the dome M¹, and
extending below its lower edge through the side of the water. chamber N, and
thence to the burners.
The water measuring and feeding device C, is constructed substantially as
follows:-
O, is the water chamber provided at its lower end with a valve P, adapted to fit
a suitable valve seat. From the lower end of the chamber O¹ the pipe Q, extends
to a point above the funnel on the generator water supply pipe K. R, is a water
supply tank, from which the pipe Q, extends to connect with the water chamber O'.
This pipe is provided with a cock S, to the stem of which is connected the lever T.
The valve is so arranged that when the lever is in the raised position shown, that
the valve is open and will then run at a rate preferably of about a pint in five
minutes. U, is a horizontal pipe connecting the water chamber O¹, with the
chambers A', B' (see Fig. 2). It will be readily seen that these three chambers
are practically equivalent to a single chamber, and such a chamber might be used,
but the form shown, however, is preferable as a single large chamber would hold
far too much water if a rise and fall sufficient to operate the cock S, by means of
the float C, be allowed for.
Within the chamber B' is located a float C₁, which is connected with the end of
the lever T, by a cord or chain passing over a sheave located at the top of the
chamber, and is of sufficient weight to maintain the lever T, in its raised position
when the chamber B₁, is empty of water. When, however, the chamber is filled,
the weight of the float is carried by the water, and the lever drops of its own
weight, thus closing the cock S.
The valve P, is connected with the top of the gas dome M', by means of a cord
or chain passing over a sheave at the upper end of the chamber. The length of
this cord is such that if the gasometer drops below a desired level the valve P, will
be raised and the water in the chamber 0 and its connections, allowed to escape
by means of the pipes Q, and K, to the generator.
The operation of my device is substantially as follows :-
The cylinder D, is removed from the generator and a charge of carbide placed
within the carbide chamber C. The cylinder is then replaced, the upper end of the
spindle of the agitator passing through the sleeve a as the cylinder is lowered
(see Fig. 1). A sufficiency of water to commence the process of gas generation
may then be introduced through the pipe K. This water is distributed by the
diaphragm or spray nozzle J. over the surface of the carbide. As soon as sufficient
gas has been accumulated in the dome M', the dome will rise to such a beight as to
close the valve P. The water then accumulates in the water chamber 01, and its
connections, till the float C¹ has risen sufficiently to close the cock S. As no more
water is being fed to the generator, the dome M' will gradually fall as the gas is
used till at length it drops sufficiently low to raise the valve P. The water in the
chamber O¹, and its connections, then flows down to the generator, resulting in the
immediate production of a quantity of gas, which in a few seconds raises the gas
dome sufficiently to again close the valve P.
D', is a pipe extending through the bottom of the
therein so that the pipe may be slid up and down.
chamber A', and movable
This affords a means of

page_text: regulating the amount of water contained in the three chambers O¹, A', B₁, as the
pipe D¹ forms an overflow and thus prevents the water level rising above its open
upper end. I consider this automatic water measuring and feeding device an
important point of my invention. From a given quantity of water, it is impossible
to produce more than a given amount of acetylene gas by its action on the calcium
carbide, and thus no danger exists of an over production of gas through the
introduction of too much water to the generator, and at the same time a sufficiency
of production is assured, for as soon as the gas produced by the introduction of a
given quantity of water into the generator is consumed, the dropping of the gas
dome immediately causes the introduction of a further similar quantity so that the
production of gas is continuous and regular.
It will be noticed that while the valve P, is open, the cock S, is also open, owing
to the dropping of the float C. This causes a direct flow of water from the
water supply tank R, to the generator, but as the cock S, runs very slowly,
and the valve P, is open for an exceedingly short time, this source of water
supply does not add materially to the measured quantity flowing from the
water chamber and its connections. The carbide in the chamber C, by the action
of the water, becomes coated with lime. Whenever this occurs, and the production
of acetylene becomes too slow, the mass may be stirred up and the lime shaken off
by revolving the agitator I. The lime formed, drops through the perforated
diaphragm F, into the lime pit H, whence it may be removed at suitable intervals.
I find in practice that in order to permit the gasometer to drop low enough to
discharge its contents, that it is desirable to connect the cord from the valve P, to
the end of a weighted lever H', which is pivoted to the top of the dome. The
weight of this lever is such as to lift the valve P, but after the valve has been
raised to its highest point, the lever H¹, rises to an horizontal position and permits
the gasometer to sink to the desired level without injuring the valve P, or breaking
the cord.
To guard against a surplus of water entering the generator in case the valve P;
becomes leaky, prefer to insert a flexible joint E', in the pipe Q, so that the end
of the pipe may be bent to one side.
F', is a cord which is attached at one end to the dome and passes round. the
sheave G'. and is attached at its other end to the pipe Q.
From this construction it will be seen that if the gasometer rises above a certain
point owing to the continued introduction of water to the carbide, that the end of
the pipe will be drawn to one side and the surplus water will fall to the ground
instead of entering the generator.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In apparatus of the class described, a generator containing a carbide receptacle
provided with a perforated bottom curved in vertical section, in combination with
an agitator journalled within the receptacle, and having its spindle extending outside
the generator, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
2. In apparatus of the class described, a generator containing a carbide receptacle
provided with a perforated bottom, curved in vertical section, in combination with
an agitator similarly curved and journalled within the receptacle, and having its
spindle extending outside the generator, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
3. In apparatus of the class described, a generator containing a carbide receptacle
provided with a perforated bottom, in combination with an agitator journalled
within the receptacle, and having its spindle extending outside the generator; a
perforated diaphragm or nozzle located above the said chamber and a water inlet
pipe above the diaphragm, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
4. In apparatus of the class described, a generator containing a hollow cylinder
divided by a perforated diaphragm to form a carbide chamber and a lime receptacle,

page_text: In com mmation with an agitator Journalled within the receptacle and having its
spindle extending outside the generator substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
5. In apparatus of the class described, a generator comprising a hollow cylinder
open at its upper end and provided with an inner concentric wall forming an annular
water space, in combination with a hollow cylinder open at its lower end and adapted
to extend within the said annular water space, a carbide receptacle within the
generator and an agitator journalled within the receptacle and having its spindle
extending outside the generator, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
6. In apparatus of the class described, a generator comprising a hollow cylinder
open at its upper end and provided with an inner concentric wall forming an annular
water space, in combination with a hollow cylinder open at its lower end and
adapted to extend within the said annular water space; a hollow cylinder divided
by a perforated diaphragm to form a carbide chamber and a lime receptacle, in
combination with an agitator journalled within the receptacle, and having its
spindle extending outside the generator, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
7. In apparatus of the class described, the chambers 01 and B', and the pipe U,
connecting the same; the outlet valve P, and mechanism for operating the valve
by the rise and fall of the gas dome, in combination with a pipe connecting the said
chambers with a suitable water supply; a cock controlling the passage of water in
the pipe and mechanism for automatically opening and closing the said cock by the
fall and rise of water in the said chambers, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
8. In apparatus of the class described, the chambers O¹, and B¹, connected by
the pipe U; the outlet valve P; and a cord or chain passing over a suitable guide
and connected to the gas dome, in combination with a pipe connecting the said
chambers with a suitable water supply; a cock controlling the passage of water in
the pipe; a lever connected to the stem of the cock; and a float located within the
chamber B, and suitably connected with the said lever to operate the same by the
rise and fall of the water within the cylinder, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
9. In apparatus of the class described, a water measuring device comprising the
chambers O', A', and B', connected by the pipe U; the outlet valve P, and a cord
or chain passing over a suitable guide and connected to the gas dome, in combination
with a pipe connecting the said chamber with a suitable water supply; a cock
controlling the passage of water in the pipe; a lever connected to the stem of the
cock; a float located within the chamber B', and suitably connected with the said
lever to operate the same by the rise and fall of the water within the chamber;
and a pipe D extending through the bottom of the chamber A¹, and vertically
movable therein, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
10. In apparatus of the class described, a water measuring device connected with
the generator; in combination with mechanism controlled by the decrease of gas
in the apparatus for causing the water in the measuring device to flow into the
generator; a water supply to the said measuring device; automatic mechanisin for
refilling the water measuring device after it has been emptied; and a tube vertically
movable through the bottom of said chamber to regulate the height of the water
therein, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
11. In apparatus of the class described, a water measuring device provided with
an outlet valve and mechanism for operating the valve by the rise and fall of the
gas dome, in combination with a pipe connecting the said chamber with a suitable
water supply; a cock controlling the passage of water in the pipe; mechanism for
automatically opening and closing the said cock by the fall and rise of water in the
said chamber; and a tube vertically movable through the bottom of said chamber
to regulate the height of the water therein; substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
12. In apparatus of the class described, a generator in combination with a water

page_text: measuring device provided with an outlet valve and an adjusting overflow, and
mechanism for operating the valve by the rise and fall of the gas dome, in
combination with a pipe connecting the said chamber with a suitable water supply;
a cock controlling the passage of water in the pipe, mechanism for automatically
opening and closing the said cock by the fall and rise of water in the said chamber;:
and a tube vertically movable through the bottom of said chamber to regulate the
height of the water therein, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
13. In apparatus of the class described, a water measuring device provided with.
an outlet valve and an adjustable overflow, and a pipe to the generator; a cord or
chain passing over a suitable guide and connected to the gas dome, in combination
with a pipe connecting the said water measuring device with a suitable water supply;.
a cock controlling the passage of water in the pipe; a lever connected to the stem
of the cock; and a float moved by the rise and fall of water in the said water
measuring device and adapted to operate the said lever, substantially as and for the.
purpose specified.
14. In apparatus of the class described, a water measuring device provided with
an outlet valve having a cord or chain connected thereto and passing over a suitable-
guide, in combination with a weighted lever pivoted at one end to the gas done and
having the said cord connected thereto, substantially as and for the purpose
specified.
15. In apparatus of the class described, a generator and the water supply pipe.
thereof, provided with a suitable funnel, in combination with a hinged or flexible
jointed water pipe connected with a water supply and adapted normally to discharge
into the said funnel; and a cord connected at one end to the end of the hinged pipe,
passing round a suitable guide and connected to the gas dome, substantially as and.
for the purpose specified.
BOULT & WADE,
Agents for the Applicant.