An Improved Process of and Apparatus for Producing and Liquefying Acetylene Gas.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Mar., 1895--Accepted, 20th Apr., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Communicated from abroad by EDWARD NICOLL DICKERSON, of No. 64, East
34th Street, in the City, County, and State of New York, and JULIUS JOHN
SUCKERT, of corner of Prospect and Hudson Streets, Ridgewood, Bergen
County, State of New Jersey, both in the United States of America,
Chemists.]
An Improved Process of and Apparatus for Producing and
Liquefying Acetylene Gas.
I, HENRY HARRIS LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake & Co., Patent Agents,
45 Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, 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 :-
Acetylene gas, when produced by the decomposition of the carbides of the alkali
and alkaline earth metals with water, has reduced the cost of its production to such
an extent as to render it commercially applicable to illuminating and other
purposes.
When an alkali metal carbide is used, the following formula will explain the
chemical reaction: Ka,C2 + H2O = Ka₂O + C2H2, and in the case of alkaline
earth metal cartides, CaC, + H₂O = CaO + C,H,.
In the former case potassium carbide decomposes one molecule of water, forming
potassium oxide and acetylene, in the latter calcium carbide and one molecule of
water forms calcium oxide and acetylene gas.
If an excess of water is present the hydrates of the oxides of the various metals
are formed.
The object of this invention is to produce the liquefaction of acetylene gas at
ordinary temperatures by the pressure exerted when this gas is generated by the
decomposition of the above-named carbides by bringing them in contact with
water, or its vapor, or with compounds containing an easily separated water
molecule, such as hydrates.
In the practical application of this process we prefer, for economical reasons, to
use the calcium carbide for the generation of the acetylene gas under pressure, and
have found that with condensing water at a temperature of 56° Fahr. the
liquefaction of the gas takes place at about 485 lbs. gauge pressure.
With condensing water at an average temperature of 68°, 610 lbs. pressure are
required for its liquefaction.
We further find that to ensure ready liquefaction and a pure liquefied gas,
necessitates the separation of air, non-condensible gases and water from the
acetylene gas prior to or during its liquefaction, all of which can be accomplished
with the apparatus herein described.
It is also advantageous to render the liberation of the gas regular and continuous
and to provide proper means for drawing off the liquefied gas into suitable
receivers for transportation.
By bringing a properly regulated and continuous stream of water in contact.
with the carbide, the acetylene is generated and passes from the generator in a
continuous current, although it can also be generated in intermittent quantities
with the apparatus shown.
Our drawing represents a diagramatic represention of our apparatus, partly in
section, showing the general connection of the parts with each other.

page_text: A and A¹, are wrought iron generators provided with filling openings 1 and 1',
and cleaning out openings 2 and 2¹.
The heat set free by the decomposition of the carbide and water is in great
part taken up by the cooling water circulated around the generators A and A¹ in
tanks B and B¹; 3, is a gas pipe leading the generated gas and intermingled
aqueous vapor to the cooling coil C surrounded by water in tank D.
The aqueous vapor_condensed in the coil passes as water through the pipe 4¹
into the water tank E, and the gas leaving the cooling coil is conducted through
pipes 4 and 5 to the drying tank F, where the remaining moisture is absorbed by
exposing the gas to large surfaces of the carbide contained in this tank ou suitably
constructed shelves 6, 6.
From the dryer, the gas passes to the condensing coil G, surrounded by the
cooling medium contained in tank H.
The gas liquefying in this coil flows to the liquefied gas receptacle I, also
surrounded by a cooling medium in tank K, and is thence drawn through pipe 9,
to the transporting tank L.
In carrying out the process, the following operations are followed: A known
weight of calcium carbide is introduced through the filling openings 1 and l'into
the generators A and A¹, and is spread over the lower surface of the generators
by inserting a rake through the cleaning out openings 2 and 21.
The filling and cleaning out openings are then closed and bolted tight.
Into the dryer F, calcium carbide is introduced through the openings 10, 10,
10, 10, and spread to a uniform depth on the shelves 6, 6, and on the bottom surface
of the dryer; the openings are then securely closed.
By opening the valves 20, 2011, 2,111, 2011, 20%, on water pipes W W W, cold
water is circulated around those portions of the apparatus requiring a cooling
medium.
With the exception of the blow-off valves 15 and 16, gas exhausting valve 17,
bye-pass valves 42 and 43, valve 21', and valves 18 and 18' on water pipes, all
valves attached to the apparatus are opened, the transporting tank L being
disconnected.
The water pump M is now started and water forced through pipes 11 and 12,
and valve 19, into water tank E, until a quantity sufficient to decompose the
carbide in generator A has been introduced.
For every 1,000 lbs. of calcium carbide in the generator, about 563 lbs. of
water are required.
The water pump M is now stepped, the valve 32 on pipe 11 closed, the valve 18
on pipe 12 gradually opened, and a small quantity of water allowed to enter the
generator A through pipe 33, which being provided with numerous small openings
sprays the water on the carbide.
The acetylene gas thus generated passes through the entire apparatus, forcing
the air which it displaces out of pipe 9, attached to the bottom of the liquefied
gas receptacle I.
As soon as the apparatus is freed from air, the valve 29 on pipe 9 is closed, the
valve 18 adjusted, so that a small and uniform quantity of water is sprayed on the
carbide in generator A, whereupon the pressure immediately increases in
the apparatus, which is indicated by the pressure gauge 31.
With condensing water at a temperature of 56° Fahr. the pressure gradually
increases until 485 lbs. are obtained, when liquefaction of the gas commences.
The water pressure regulating valve 40, is now adjusted to maintain the gas
liquefying pressure uniform, by regulating the quantity of water admitted to the
generator, the valve 18 remaining open during this adjustment.
The disengaged gas passes from the generator A through the gas pipe 3, to
cooling coil here a large portion of the aqueous vapor contained in the gas is
condensed, and following the course of the coil, is discharged into the water
tank E, the gas, however, passes through pipes 4 and 5, into the dryer F, and
circulates slowly in contact with the carbide contained therein, which abstracts

page_text: any remaining aqueous vapor from the gas, generating at the same time acetylene
gas, which intermingles with the gas contained in the dryer.
The united gases are conducted from the dryer through pipe 7, to the condensing
coil G, where liquefaction of the gas takes place; the liquefied gas flowing into the
liquefied gas receptacle I, through pipe 8.
The gas displaced in this receptacle by the liquefied gas entering, escapes
through the equalizing pipe 34, and intermingles with the gas entering the
condenser.
The quantity of liquefied gas produced is ascertained by means of the glass
gauge 35.
The size of the liquefied gas receptacle having been determined and the
temperature of the liquefied gas having been observed by means of thermometer 36,
which indicates the temperature of cooling water, it is easy to determine by means
of the specific gravity of liquefied gas at the observed temperature the amount of
liquefied gas introduced into transporting tank L.
The latter is filled by connecting the tank to the flange on the end of pipe 9,
then opening valve 30 on transporting tank, and valve 29 on liquid pipe.
When a sufficient quantity has entered, which is determined by observing the
glass gauge 35, the valve 30 on transporting tank is closed, then valve 29 on
liquid pipe, and the tank is ready to be disconnected.
Any air or non-condensible gas accumulating above the condenser is allowed to
escape to the atmosphere by opening blow-off valve 15.
Valves 27 and 28 ou pipes 8 and 34 are closed in case it is desirable to disconnect
the liquefied gas receptacle I, while filling the transporting tank.
Valves 19, 23, 24, on pipes 12, 4', and 5, are closed in case it is desirable to
charge water tank E with water, independent of pump M.
In this case, the flange ou opening in upper head of tank can be removed and
water introduced through opening 37.
When the decomposition of the carbide contained in the generator A is complete,
the valves 21 and 18 are closed, valves 42 and 17 opened, and the gas conducted
through suction pipe 38 to a gas compression pump N, which forces the gas into
the drying and liquefying portion of the apparatus through the discharge pipe 39
and valve 22.
The gas in generator A having been exhausted, the valves 1.7 and 42 are closed and
the flange removed from the cleaning out opening 2, the refuse caustic lime drawn
out of the generator and a new charge of carbide introduced through the filling
opening 1, both openings are then closed, valve 42 and blow-off valve 16 opened,
and a small quantity of water sprayed upon the carbide by opening the valve 18.
When sufficient gas has been generated to expel the air through blow-off valve 16,
the valves 18, 16 and 42 are closed and the generator is ready to be connected with
the remainder of the apparatus by opening the vaive 21.
In order to render the operation of the apparatus practically continuous, two
generators are employed, and while the gas is being produced in generator A and
conducted to the drying and liquefying portion of the apparatus, water is introduced
into the generator A¹ in sufficient quantity through the spray pipe 331, by opening
the valve 18 on pipe 12', to generate the gas required to expel the air, the
valve 21' on pipe 3' remaining closed during this operation, the valves 43 and 16
being open.
After the expulsion of the air, valves 43 and 16 are closed and valve 21' is ready
to be opened, as soon as the carbide in generator A is exhausted.
Prior to connecting a freshly charged generator, the water pump M is set in
motion and the water tank E refilled with the requisite quantity of water.
The water regulating valve 40 adjusts the delivery of water to both generators.
In exhausting the generator A' of gas before recharging, valves 43 and 17 are
opened, valves 16, 42, 21 and 18' being closed.
If desirable, instead of intermittently charging the water tank E with water,

page_text: a known and predetermined quantity can be continuously introduced into the
generators by the water pump M through pipes 11, 12, 33 and pipes 12¹ and 33¹.
As soon as the carbide in dryer F is sufficiently decomposed, it can be used
in the generators and a fresh charge placed in the dryer; this is accomplished
by closing valves 25 and 26 and stopping the operation of the generators.
The air entering the dryer while being charged and subsequently displaced by
gas when the valves 25 and 26 are opened, can be readily discharged from the
apparatus by opening the blow-off valve 15.
The safety valve 41 is adjusted to prevent the development of any excessive
pressure in the apparatus. If such should occur, the excess of gas escapes to the
atmosphere.
When in this Specification we have spoken of water as a means of decomposing
the carbide compounds, we mean to include thereby other equivalents, such as the
vapor of water or suitable hydrates.
It is also obvious that some portions of the process herein described may be
advantageously used without employing the whole process, and that some parts of
the apparatus are also useful without the use of the entire combination. For
instance, the process of drying the acetylene gas by passing it over a subsequent
body of carbide, thereby simultaneously drying it and increasing the volume of the
acetylene gas, we believe to be new, independent of the special process here
described of liquefaction, and the combination of the double generators A. and A¹
with suitable connections can also be used, as also various parts of the apparatus
without carrying out the entire process.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. The process of generating and liquefying acetylene gas by the decomposition
of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbide with water, thereby generating
acetylene gas, and then liquefying said gas at suitable temperatures under the
pressure developed by the generated gas, substantially as described.
2. The process of generating acetylene gas by the decomposition of an alkali
metal or alkaline earth metal carbide with water, thereby generating acetylene
gas, and then drying the generated gas by contact with said carbide, substantially
as described.
3. The process of generating and liquefying acetylene gas by the decomposition
of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbide with water, thereby generating
acetylene gas, then drying the generated gas by contact with said carbide, and
liquefying the same by means of the pressure developed by the generated gas,
substantially as described.
4. The process of generating and liquefying acetylene gas from an alkali metal
or alkaline earth metal carbide by contact with water, thereby producing acetylene
gas, then drying and increasing the quantity of said gas by renewed contact with
said carbide, and liquefying the combined gases, substantially as described.
5. The process of continuously generating and liquefying acetylene gas from an
alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbide, by bringing in continuous contact
therewith predetermined quantities of water, thereby producing acetylene gas,
liquefying said gas continuously, and removing the liquefied gas as necessary,
substantially as described.
6. The process of generating and liquefying acetylene gas by the decomposition
of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal carbide with water, thereby producing
acetylene gas, and then liquefying said gas, in part by the pressure produced by
the combination of the water and the carbide, and in part by pressure applied to
said gas by mechanical means, substantially as described.
7. The process of producing, liquefying and subsequently utilizing acetylene
gas for commercial purposes by the decomposition of an alkali metal or alkaline

page_text: earth metal carbide with water, thereby producing acetylene gas, then drying the
gas so produced by renewed contact with said carbide, then liquefying said gas
and introducing the saine into receptacles which can be separated from the
liquefying apparatus and used for transportation purposes, substantially as
described.
8. The process of continuously producing and liquefying acetylene gas, which
consists in first producing the gas by the decomposition of an alkali metal or
alkaline earth metal carbide with water, forcing the air from the apparatus by
means of such acetylene, then increasing the pressure to the liquefying pressure
under the conditions of the process, continuously removing the moisture from the
generated gas into a suitable receptacle, then drying the gas by contact with a
drying material, and finally liquefying the gas in an artificially cooled condenser,
substantially as described.
9. The process of generating acetylene gas by the decomposition of an alkali
metal or alkaline earth metal carbide with water, by bringing the same in contact
in a suitable generating chamber, in drying, cooling and liquefying the acetylene
gas until the charge in the decomposing chamber is practically exhausted, in then
exhausting said chamber by an exhaust and compression pump which removes the
remaining gas and forces the same into the cooling and liquefying system, which.
during said operation, is separated from the generating chamber excepting through
said compression pump, substantially as described.
10. The combination of the generator A, means for feeding together in said
generator the carbide and water, the cooling coil C, the water reservoir E,
the dryer F, the condenser G and liquefied gas receptacle I, substantially as
described.
11. The combination of the generators A and A', means for feeding together
in said generator the carbide and water, cooling coil C, water receiver E, dryer F,
condenser G, liquefied gas receptacle I, and water pump M, substantially as
described.
Dated this 19th day of March 1895
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.