Improvements in Refrigerating Apparatus and Apparatus for Producing Ice.
Year: 1887

page_text: Improvements in Refrigerating Apparatus and Apparatus for
Producing Ice.
EDWARD HENRY TOMPKINS 49 Earl Street Great Grimsby in the county of
Lincoln Consulting Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
Improvements in Refrigerating Apparatus of the kind for which letters patent were
granted to Rees Rees dated respectively the 31 May A.D. 1867 No. 1621. and the
2nd November A.D. 1870 No. 2891. and for which letters patent were granted to
William Henry Beck dated A.D. 1886 No. 11,896 that is to say for greater simplicity
in working, greater economy in Fuel, greater readiness of access to all working parts
and for the prevention of loss of Amonia.
Firstly. I place the Generator inside the Boiler and by that means secure the full
efficiency of the Heat given off by the Steam generated therein.
Secondly. I place a Vessel which I call an Heater Rectifier and Analizer in con-
nection with the main Gas pipe from the Generator & which does duty in the triple
respects mentioned above. It consists of an Iron Tank with an arrangement of Tubes
and a sealed Water Joint or Joints at the base through which the Gas rises.
Thirdly, I construct a Condenser of improved design consisting of an ordinary
Multitubular Condenser; wherein the tubes are placed through a tube plate and
expanded with an ordinary tube expander, but in addition to this, I place horizontal
partition plates of Metal at the alternate ends of the tubes, whereby the Amonia is
caused to travel backwards & forwards along the alternate layers of tubes thereby
receiving the full benefit of the Cold contained in the condensing Water and by the
removal of the end covers each layer of tubes are readily accessible for repairs
Fourthly. I arrange a Cooler or Refrigerator which consists of a system of Hori-
zontal tubes in a large Tank, throughout which Tank Water mixed with chloride of
Calcyium is made to circulate and thereby secure an equal temperature throughout
the entire length of the Tank.

page_text: Fifthly. I construct an Absorber of improved design whereby the Amonia Gas
from the Refrigerator or Cooler is intimately mixed with Amonia Liquor cooled by
a process hereafter described & still further cooled by comeing in contact with a series
of tubes through which Water is made to circulate, whereby I gain a greater efficiency.
in the working of the Apparatus.
Sixthly. I construct an Amonia pump having a stuffing Box of an improved design
in which is inserted an hollow Steel or Iron ring of suitable dimensions to which is
connected a pipe leading to a receiver on which is a glass Guage to shew the height
or quantity of Liquor Amonia which has escaped past the first series of packing and
contained therein, from which receiver a pipe with suitable Cocks leads to a small
hand compressor of ordinary type where by the opening & closeing of cocks the
escaped Liquor Amonia is withdrawn into the pump and by reversing the action
the Amonia Liquor is forced back into the Generator.
Seventhly. I pass the Liquor Amonia from the Absorber through a coil contained
in the vessel called the Heater Rectifier and Analyser, by which means the Liquor
Amonia on its way to the Generator abstracts Heat from the volume of Amonia Gas
contained in the upper part of the Heater Rectifier and Analyser and enters the
Generator at an high temperature, and it also reduces the temperature of the Amonia
Gas on its way to the Condenser, the condensation from which Amonia Gas occuring
in the Rectifier & Analyser being conveyed back to the Generator by Gravitation,
the triple vessel being placed above the level of the Generator & the pressures being
equal in both vessels.
Eighthly. I construct a small vessel of sufficient cooling surface, whereby the Weak
Liquor Amonia from the Generator in its heated state is rendered comparatively cool
by coming in contact with the cold surface of Tubes through which water is made
to circulate & which water can be mixed with waste Ice if required.
I claim for this the more efficient absorption of the Amonia Gas released into the
Absorber, owing to the low Temperature at which the Weak Amonia Liquor meets
the Amonia Gas from the Cooler or Refrigerator and absorbs the same, whereby the
efficiency of the working of the Apparatus is again rendered more apparent.
Dated this First day of November 1887.

page_text: I EDWARD HENRY TOMPKINS of 49 Earl Street Great Grimsby in the county of
Lincoln Consulting Engineer 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, reference being had to the accom-
panying sheets of drawings, and to the letters and figures marked thereon that is
to say:
These improvements relate to refrigerating apparatus, of the kind for which letters
patent were granted to Rees Reece dated the 31st day of May A.D. 1867. No. 1621.
and the 2nd day of November A.D. 1870. No. 2891 and to William Henry Beck dated
the 18th day of September A.D. 1886. No. 11896. that is to say to what are known
as Amonia Absorption Machines, & the object of my invention is to secure simplicity
in working, economy in fuel, readiness of access to all working parts, and prevention
of loss of Amonia.
My first improvement relates to the Generator, or vessel in which the Amonia Gas
is evaporated from its aqueous solution, and consists in placeing the said Generator
inside the steam Boiler, instead of detached therefrom as heretofore, in order to secure
the full efficiency of the heat given off by the steam generated therein. This improve-
ment is illustrated in figures 1 and 2 of the Drawings hereto annexed, in which
figure 1 is a longitudinal section of a Steam Boiler with the Amonia Generator con-
tained therein, and figure 2 a front elevation of same. A is the steam boiler
constructed in the usual way with furnace flues B B. C is the Amonia generator
preferably of cylindrical form placed inside the boiler A, and by flanges or angle Irons
rivetted to the end plates thereof. D¹ D¹ are tube plates rivetted or otherwise secured
steam and gas tight in the generator. E. are Iron or steel tubes, the ends of which
are secured by expanding or otherwise in holes in the tube plates D. D. F is the
steam receiver of the boiler A. G is the pipe for conducting the Amonia vapour or
gas to the Analyser hereafter described. H. are manholes for the purpose of facili-
tating access to the space between the tube plates D. DI, and the end plates of the
boiler A. I represents the inlet for the strong Amonia liquor returning to the
generator C, and J represents the outlet for weak Amonia liquor going from the
Generator to the Absorber. A pipe not shewn in the drawing but furnished with a
regulating valve leads steam from the receiver F. to the space D2, between the tubo
plates and the end of the boiler A. This steam traverses the tubes E, and imparts
heat to the contents of the generator C, and is condensed into water in the usual way;
this water is collected in the space D³, whence it is withdrawn and returned to the
boiler A by a pump or other suitable means. The Amonia vapour or gas generated

page_text: is
in C, by the heat imparted to the strong Amonia liquor by the steam, passes off by
the pipe G to the Analyser in the usual way. In figures 1 and 2 the generator
shewn connected to the ends of the boiler A, so that the said ends form also the ends
of the generator, but it is obvious that the said generator may be formed altogether
independently of the Steam boiler though enclosed therein, and that it may be of any
suitable shape and construction according to the kind of Steam boiler employed, and
the particular arrangement of its parts.
My second improvement relates to a vessel which I call a Heater Rectifier and
Analyser, which is placed between the generator and the condenser, and is illustrated in
figures 3 and 4 of the drawings hereto annexed, in which figure 3 is a vertical section of
the vessel at the line 1. 1. of figure 4, and figure 4 is a horizontal section at line 2. 2. of
figure 3. A is a Gas tight vessel of Iron or Steel, preferably of cylindrical form, B is a false
bottom contained in the said vessel, C are baflle plates fixed to the bottom of the vessel A,
and D, are the baffle plates which depend from the false bottom B, into the spaces
between the baffle plates C. The plates Chave holes formed in them to enable the
liquid E, at the bottom of the vessel A, to remain at the same level in all the spaces
between the plates C. F, is a coil of pipe, the lower end of which opens into the
space below the false botton B, and the upper end of which is connected to a pipe
leading to the Condenser. G. is a pipe for allowing the liquor Amonia collected above
the false bottom B. to pass gradually down into the spaces below the same. H, is the inlet
for the Amonia Gas, or vapour from the Generator, 1, is the overflow pipe for returning
the Amonia Liquor froin the space below the false bottom B, to the generator. J, is
the inlet for the strong Amonia liquor comeing from the Absorber, the Amonia gas,
or vapour, from the generator, enters by the inlet II, and strikes against the first
baffle plate C, rises over it, & strikes against the first baffle plate D, passes under same,
strikes against the second baffle plate C, rises over it, and strikes against the second
bafe plate D, and so on over and under the respective haffle plates C and D, untill it
reaches the space in which the lower ends of the coil F, opens, and passes away to
the condenser through the said coil, which is immersed in the strong liquor contained
in the vessel A, above the false bottom B, and which has been delivered thereto
through the inlet J, by the usual Liquor pumps. The Amonia gas, or vapour, entering
the lower part of the vessel A, sirikes the baffle plates C and D, as before explained,
and a large portion of the aqueous vapour comeing over with it from the generator is
thereby seperated. The part of the vessel A, below the false bottom B, thus acting as
an Analyser. The hot Amonia gas, or vapour, thus partly freed from watery particles
then passes into the coil F, which acts as the rectifier; where it is submitted to tho
cooling effect of the comparatively cool strong Amonia liquor, surrounding the coil,
and the remainder of the aqueous vapour is thereby condensed and flows back into
the lower part of the vessel A; and from thence returns through the outlet pipe I, to
the generator, along with the amonia liquor passing through the pipe G, from the
upper part of the vessel A, to the lower part of the vessel A, which Amonia Liquor
will have been heated up by the Amonia Gas, or vapour, passing through the coil F,
the vessel A, with its appurtenances thus forms a Heater, à Rectifier and Analyser as
herebefore described.
My third improvement relates to the Condenser, and is illustrated in figures 5 and 6
of the drawings, figure 5 being a vertical Sectional elevation, and figure 6 a partial
section at 3, 3 of figure 5; of a condenser constructed in accordance with my inven-
tion. B, B, are tube plates in which the ends of the tubes A, A, are expanded, or
otherwise secured liquid and gas tight. C, C, are frames or boxes bolted liquid and
gas tight to the tube plates B, B, and D, D, are covers bolted liquid and gas tight to
the frames or boxes C. E, E, are horizontal partitions, formed with the frames or
boxes C, or otherwise secured in position, as shewn in the drawings, so that the
Amonia Gas, or vapour, entering at the inlet F, is caused to travel backwards and
forwards along the alternate rows of tubes A, thereby receiving the full benefit
cooling effect of the condensing water, which is caused to circulate round, or to trickle
over the outside of the tubes A. The Anhydrous Amonia is released through the
outlet G, the end boxes C, and the tube plates B, are stayed together by the tie rods H,
the

page_text: the ends of the tubes A, can easily be got at for repairs by removing the covers D, D.
The lower row of tubes I, of a suitable diameter forming a receiver for the strong
Anhydrous Amonia, which is kept cool by the surrounding water, and the height of
which Anhydrous Amonia is denoted by the Guage J.
My fourth improvement relates to the refrigerator, which is practically of the same
construction as the condenser, illustrated in the before mentioned figures 5 and 6 of
the drawings hereto annexed. The lower rows of tubes I, in this instance forming a
receiver for any weak Amonia liquor, which may have condensed and contained
therein, and which weak Amonia liquor can be returned to the Generator in the
usual way.
My fifth improvement relates to the Absorber, and is illustrated in figures 7 of the
drawings hereto annexed, which is a vertical section of an Absorber constructed in
accordance with my invention, with partition plates H, corresponding to the plates E
of the condenser, illustrated in the preceeding figure 5. A is a vessel of Cast Iron,
Steel or other suitable Material, and preferably of cylindrical shape, haveing 2 tube
plates B, B, in which are secured the tubes C. D), are covers secured liquid and Gas
tight to the ends of the vessel A. E is a pipe of T shape with a slot in the bottom
forming the inlet for Amonia Gas, or vapour, comeing over from the Refrigerator to
the Absorber. F is a similar, but smaller pipe contained within the Amonia Gas
pipe E, for the admission of the weak Amonia Liquor from the Generator, the lower
end of this pipe F, is perforated with fine holes as shewn. G, is the outlet for strong
Amonia liquor. J, is the inlet for cooling water, and I, the outlet for same.
Amonia Gas, or vapour, entering the pipe E, is brought into intimate contact with
the weak Amonia liquor entering by the small holes in the pipe F, is absorbed thereby,
and the strong Amonia liquor thus produced falls over the tubes C, and is cooled by
the cold water passing through them, being thereby enabled to take up more Amonia
gas, or vapour, which pervades the interiour of the absorbing vessel A, and finally falls
to the bottom, whence it is withdrawn by the Amonia liquor pumps, through the
outlet G. The pressure in the vessel A, being shown by a guage not indicated in the
drawings.
The
My sixth improvement relates to the Amonia Liquor pumps, and consists of means
for collecting the Amonia liquor which passes the first rings of packing in the stuffing
Box, whereby waste of such liquor Amonia is avoided, this improvement is illustrated
in figures 8, 9, and 10 of the drawings hereto annexed, in which figure 8 is a sectional
clevation of part of such a pump, and figure 9 an elevation of same, and figure 10 is
a sectional drawing of the ring F. In figure 8, A is the stuffing box of the pump,
B, the ram or plunger, C, the gland, D, the first or lowermost rings of packing,
E the outside packing, and Fan Iron or Steel ring shewn seperate in figure 10,
furnished with a groove F¹ on its internal circumference. F is a pipe tapped in the
ring, and comunicating with the internal groove F1, and which pipe passes through
the slot D, in the stuffing box A, of figure 9. By connecting the pipe F², to the
suction of the pump, or by other suitable means, the Amonia liquor, which escapes
past the first rows of packing & collects in the ring F, is withdrawn & forced direct
into the Generator.
My seventh improvement consists in passing the strong liquor Amonia from the
Absorber, through the vessel herein before described and illustrated in figures 3 and 4
of the drawings hereto annexed, and which I call the Heater Rectifier and Analyser,
whereby the said strong liquor Amonia on its way to the generator, abstracts heat
from the Amonia Gas, or vapour, passing through the Rectifier Coil and Analyser,
and enters the Generator at a high temperature, proportionately reducing the tempera-
ture of the Amonia Gas, or vapour, going over to the Condenser. By these means!
secure great efficiency, & economy in the working of the machine.
My eight improvement consists in passing the weak liquor Amonia comeing from
the Generator, through a Coil, or other vessel with a sufficiently extended surface,
cooled by water, which may be cooled by waste Ice if necessary, before the said weak
liquor Amonia enters the Absorber, whereby its temperature is greatly reduced, and
its capacity to absorb Amonia Gas is proportionately increased.

page_text: Figure 11 of the drawings hereto annexed is a sectional elevation, and figure 12 a
plan, illustrating a method of arrangeing a complete Apparatus shewing the various
vessels, and improvements, forming the subject of my invention. A is the Boiler,
C. the Generator contained therein. B the Heater Rectifier & Analyser. D the
Condenser. E the refrigerator. F the Absorber. G. a vessel constructed in the
usual way, in which the weak Amonia liquor from the Generator, on its way
the Absorber, is reduced in temperature by water circulating round the coil contained
therein, and which water can be mixed with waste Ice, or the unfrozen surplus water
contained in the Ice Cells, or Boxes, in general use. H is the Amonia liquor
pumps.
to
Haveing now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
First. In the Generator of an Amonia absorption refrigerating apparatus, the use
of an Iron cylindrical vessel, or other suitable shape, rivetted to or placed bodily
inside the steam Boiler, as herein before described and illustrated in figures 1 and 2
of the drawings hereto annexed, and for the purposes specified.
Second. In the construction of an Heater or Rectifier or Analyser of an Amonia
absorption refrigerating apparatus, the use of a single vessel doing treble duty in the
respects mentioned thereof, where by the arrangement of the Analyser and rectifier
Coil, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4 of the drawings hereto annexed, & for the
purposes specified.
Third. In the construction of a Condenser & receiver of an Amonia absorption
refrigerating apparatus, the use of a series of partition plaies, as shewn in the
figures 5 and 6 of the drawings hereto annexed, and the simple arrangement of tubes,
whereby the ammonia is caused to receive the full benefit of the condensing water, the
bottom row of tubes of a suitable diameter forming a receiver for the condensed
- Anhydrous Amonia, the height of which is denoted by a guage, as shown in the above
drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Fourth. In the construction of a Refrigerator of an Amonia absorption refrigerating
apparatus, the use of a vessel similar in construction to the condenser and receiver,
the lower row of tubes in this respect forming a receiver for any weak Amonia
liquor, that may have condensed therein, means being provided to return the same to
the Generator, as illustrated in figures 5 and 6 on the drawings hereto annexed, and
for the purposes specified.
Fifth. In the construction of the Absorber of Amonia absorption refrigerating
apparatus, the use of a finely perforated T pipe, enclosed within an outer pipe of
similar shape with a slot in the bottom to allow of the escape of the strong Amonia
liquor caused by the intimate mixture of the Amonia gas from the Refrigerator, with
the weak Amonia liquor from the generator; the cooling water in this vessel, being
passed through the tubes, & being made by means of my improved baffle plates to
traverse the whole length of tubeing before escapeing, whereby the Amonia liquor
has the full benefit of its cooling power, as illustrated in figures 7 of the drawings
hereto annexed, and for the purposes specified.
Sixth. In the construction of the liquor pumps of an Amonia absorption re-
frigerating apparatus, the use of an inner steel or Iron ring, haveing an internal
groove, placed in the stuffing box of the pump, and connected with the suction pipe
or by other means, the amonia liquor passing the first series of packing, and contained
therein, is returned to the Generator, (instead of the ordinary water containers in
general use) as illustrated in figures 8. 9 and 10 of the drawings hereto annexed, and
for the purposes specified.
Seventh. My seventh improvement in an Ammonia absorption refrigerating apparatus,
consists in passing the strong liquor Amonia from the Absorber, through the vessel
hereinbefore described as the Heater Rectifier and Analyser, and illustrated in
figures 3 and 4 of the drawings hereto annexed, whereby the strong liquor Amonia
on its way to the generator, abstracts heat from the Amonia Gas passing up the

page_text: Rectifier Coil, and enters the generator at a high temperature, also reducing the
temperature of the Amonia Gas passing over to the condenser, thereby securing great
efficiency and economy in the working of the Machine.
Eighth. My eighth improvement in Amonia absorption refrigerating apparatus
consists in passing the weak liquor amonia from the generator, on its way to the
Absorber, through a coil or other suitable vessel, cooled by water, which may be
further cooled by waste Ice if necessary or the surplus unfrozen water from the Cells
or Ice boxes in general use, whereby the temperature of the said weak liquor Amonia
is greatly reduced, and its capacity to absorb amonia gas is proportionately
increased.