IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HEAT, LIGHT, AND POWER FROM HYDRO-CARBON OILS
Year: 1880

page_text: 25
LETTERS PATENT to Herbert John Haddan, of the Firm of Herbert and
Company, Solicitors of Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster,
Civil Engineer, for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
GENERATING HEAT, LIGHT, AND POWER FROM HYDRO-CARBON OILS." A
communication from abroad by Charles Holland, of Chicago, State of Illinois,
United States of America.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Herbert John Haddan at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 8th January 1880.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors
of Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HEAT, LIGHT, AND POWER
FROM HYDRO-CARBON OILS." A communication from abroad by Charles Holland,
of Chicago, State of Illinois, United States of America.
This Invention consists in a retort formed in compartments for volatilizing hydro
carbon fluids and water; matts of wire or other metallic netting for arresting the
flow of oil in said retort, and by the larger surface thus exposed expediating the
evaporation; a series of supply pipes having a wire net or equivalent filling for
preventing combustion of hydro-carbon in the supplying pipes; a series of pipes
for heating and superheating the vapors and steam and gas generated in the retort,
leading them to the place of ignition under the retort when used for heating
purposes, and to a purifier, strainer, or filter, and a gasometer when used for
illumination by ordinary tubes and burners, or when used with special burners
to a retort where further temperature is imparted prior to burning. This Invention
also includes a strainer or filter, and a special burner for illuminating purposes.
The retort is provided with ribs or partitions which divide it into three separate
chambers, and in which are arranged wire gauze mats. Pipes lead from the oil and
water reservoir to these chambers, the flow of the fluid being regulated by stop
cocks or valves. A pipe leads out of the retort, and is coiled around it so as to be
well exposed to the flame of the burning carbon, and is intended for water or steam,
and said pipe after passing around the retort leads to the strainer or jet. Another
pipe is also coiled round the retort for receiving and superheating the gas. The
strainer or condenser is composed of a strong metal box, and is provided with
perforated metal plates arranged horizontally at or near the upper part of said
box.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Herbert John Haddan in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 1st July 1880.
HERBERT JOHN HADDAN, of the Firm of Herbert and Company, Solicitors
of Patents, of 67, Strand, in the City of Westminster, Civil Engineer.
"IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR GENERATING HEAT, LIGHT, AND POWER
FROM HYDRO-CARBON OILS." A communication from abroad by Charles Holland,
of Chicago, State of Illinois, United States of America.
The apparatus is susceptible of several modifications inform, as shown in the
several Figures in the Drawings, in some of which portions only of the entire
Invention are employed and illustrated. Fig. 1 is a top view of the retort and
pipes; Fig. 2 is a bottom view, and Fig. 3 is a side view of the same; Fig. 4 is an
interior view or section of the retort; Fig. 5 is an elevation of the gas strainer or
condenser; Fig. 6 is a vertical section of the same; Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the
entire machinery; Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the corner of the gas strainer or
condenser with plug; Fig. 9 is a section of the oil and water supply pipes from the
valves to the retort. Similar letters of reference occurring on the several Figures
indicate like parts.
A represents the retort provided with ribs or partitions H, I, which divide the
retort into three separate chambers u, v, w, and in which are arranged wire gauze
mats, as shown in Fig. 4. The pipes E, F, and G lead from the reservoir of oil and
water into these chambers, the flow of the fluid being regulated by the stop cocks
or valves k, k, k, as shown in Fig. 7, while the pipe B leading out of the retort, and
around which it is coiled so as to be well exposed to the flame of the burning
carbon, is the water or steam pipe in which the steam becomes super heated, and
passing around and under the retort escapes through small perforations in the pipe,
and mingles with the blaze of the carbon for perfecting the combustion, and pro-
ducing an intense heat. The pipe C coiled around the retort A, and leading from
the chamber u of the same, receives the gas from said chamber. Here the gas is
superheated, thereby converting it into a fixed gas, and it is then conducted to the
gas strainer or condenser f, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. This gas strainer or
condenser is composed of a strong box wrought or cast metal, and is provided with
a perforated sheet iron plate arranged horizontally at or near the upper part, as
shown in Fig. 6, and which is covered with iron shavings or their equivalents.
The gas enters the condenser from the pipe C underneath the said horizontally
arranged perforated plate, and passing upward and through the iron shavings
passes out through the pipe a above the same, and is conducted thence to the gas
holder K. The condenser or gas strainer f is provided at the extreme lower end
with a plug g, by means of which all condensed matter from the vapor or gas is
drawn off as it accumulates in the bottom of the condenser, and is poured back into
the oil reservoir so that no oil is wasted by condensation, as is usually the case when
no special condenser is used.
The gas holder K is constructed of galvanized iron or its equivalent, and provided
with the usual frame and weights, as shown in Fig. 7. An air pipe 6 leads from
the inside of the gas holder, and stands perpendicularly on the outside of the same,
where it is provided with a valve at the upper end so as to admit a suitable
quantity of atmospheric air to mingle with the pure gas in the holder so as to
enable the gas to burn freely in ordinary coal gas burners.
Fig. 10 is a rear view of the same; Fig. 12 is a vertical longitudinal section
taken on the line x, x, of Fig. 1; Fig. 13 is a bottom view of the retort showing
the arrangement of the perforated steam pipe; and Fig. 14 is a modification.
Referring to the ten first Figures of the Drawings Å represents the dome shaped
retort having a rectangular base B and a hollow cap or bar C at the top, said retort

page_text: being divided lengthwise by two partitions a, b, into three chambers D, E, and F
each being provided with an opening c in the rectangular base, and an opening at
the top in the cap or bar C for the introduction of the induction and eduction pipes
hereinafter more fully described. A pipe G leading out of the water chamber D at
the base B, and provided at that point with union joints or couplings P, extends
entirely around the flange of the base outside of the retort, and passing downward
and under the retort is arranged around the edges of the same, and closed at the
end, said pipe being perforated with small holes for steam to be discharged from it
to mingle with the blaze of the carbon from the burner under the retort for securing
a perfect combustion and producing an intense heat. The pipe H leads from the
central oil chamber E at the base, and passing under and to the centre of the retort
terminates in a jet e for heating the retort and its arrangement of pipes.
A wire gauze ball is arranged in the bend of the pipe H directly under the
orifice or jet for preventing the clogging or accumulation of waste matter in the
bend of the pipe; as also for regulating and controlling the supply of carbon or fuel
to the burner. I represents the pipe which leads the gas from the chamber F to
the gas receiver M. above the retort; this pipe I projects from the side of the
chamber F, as shown in Fig. 1, and passing downward to the base B is arranged in
coils on the outer sloping walls of the retort on both ends, and then passing upward
enters the bottom of the gas receiver M to one side. The gas receiver is placed
directly above the retort, and consists of a strong iron bar rectangular in shape, and
having a horizontally arranged perforated partition g at the upper part provided
with iron shavings or its equivalent. A pipe J leads from an opening in the top of
the receiver, over the perforated partition g, down to the side of the retort, and from
thence to the gas strainer and holder.
When the apparatus is in operation water enters the chamber D by the induct
pipe K, and in passing through such chamber becomes highly heated and converted
into steam, which flows through the pipe G, and becoming superheated in such will
be discharged through the perforations in the same beneath the retort into the
flame of the burner or gas jet. Petroleum is also conducted into the chamber E by
the pipe L, and being heated and vaporized escapes from the chamber through the
pipe H and its jet upon which it is enflamed. The chamber F receives the hydro-
carbon fluid intended to be resolved into gas from the induct pipe N. In passing
through the said chamber F, and through the coiled pipe I, the conversion of the
fluid into gas is very thoroughly accomplished, particularly by its passage through
the coils of pipe I on each end of the retort, which are heated by exposure to the
flame of the burner which spreads laterally in all directions under the retort, and
this effect is further perfected by the arrangement of the gas receiver M above the
retort into which the gas flows from the pipe I, and is broken up and volatilized by
the heat from the burner O under the gas receiver leading from the central oil
chamber E at the top of the retort, thereby producing a superior quality of gas with
little or no waste of the material.
Fig. 15 is a side elevation; Fig. 16, a bottom view; Fig. 17, a top or plan view;
Fig. 18, an end view; Figs. 19 and 20, modifications.
In the Drawings A represents the retort, which is made in the form shown, and
has its interior divided into two separate and distinct compartments or chambers;
a, the burner jet or nipple; b, the pipe for the combined gases; c, the union or
coupling; d, e, retort connections; g, gas pipe; 8, steam or water gas pipe; o, oil
pipe; and w, water pipe. The retort A is made of cast iron or other suitable metal,
and is provided with a partition dividing its interior into two equal or nearly equal
compartments.
The oil pipe O is connected, by suitable extension, with a reservoir located either
within or without the building, and the water pipe wis above extended back and
connected with a supply pipe where there is a regular water service, or to a suitable
tank or reservoir, and at any convenient point along the pipes w and o valves or
cut-offs are applied to stop or regulate the flow of water or oil to the retort. These
pipes near the retort are filled or nearly filled with wire cloth or gauze rolled into

page_text: a cylindrical form and pushed into them, which also regulate to some extent the
flow of oil or water into the retort and prevent any great or sudden flow of either
into the retort. The exit pipes g, 8, are brought together or into a single pipe
before reaching the burner a by means of the coupling c; as shown in the main
Figures the coupling c brings the two currents of gas together at right angles.
This is avoided by the use of the V coupling shown at Figure 20, which has a
less tendency to check the flow of the currents and which may be used with the
same pipes.
A modification of both coupling and exit pipe are shown at Fig. 19, where the
pipes project up into the compartments of the retort from the bottom, and lead
directly to the burner by the curved coupling.
The burner or jet is provided with a small exit opening so that the gases are
expelled with considerable velocity into the air and against the bottom of the
retort, which expands the flame in all directions so as to highly heat it and so
much of the pipes as is in close proximity thereto.
In operation the device is first heated by a lighter. When the lighter is started
the oil and water are turned on, and the retort soon becomes sufficiently heated to
furnish its own combustible material when the lighter is extinguished, burned out,
or removed.
The oil which drips into the retort is converted into vapour and converted into
gas. As is well known, it will however, burn well in either form. The water
which drips in from the other pipe is converted into vapor or steam and super-
heated, in which form it will burn when mingled with the carburated hydrogen gas
from the oil, hydro-carbons being the oils usually used.
The two gases issue from the retort by or through the pipes g, s, and are
mixed or mingled in the pipe b, in which condition they pass through the burner a
and are consumed with a high degree of heat.
Fig. 21 is a side elevation; Fig. 22, a bottom view; Fig. 23, a top or plan view;
Fig. 24, an end view; and Fig. 25, a pipe section showing an exit hole.
In the Drawings A represents the retort; a, the jet or burner; b, the circular
perforated water gas jet; d, e, upper couplings of the retort; g, gas pipe; o, oil
pipe; 8, steam pipe; and w, water pipe.
The retort A is made in the form shown of cast iron or other suitable metal, and
its interior is divided into two compartments or chambers by a middle partition
for water and oil. The pipe O is connected by suitable extensions with an oil
tank or reservoir located either within or without the building, and the water
pipe w is connected with a service pipe where there is a regular water supply, or
with any suitable tank, cistern, or reservoir, and both pipes at any suitable point
along their length or extensions will be furnished with valves or cut-offs to regulate
their flow or shuf them off. The gas pipe 9 passes around to the burner a located
centrally under the retort. The steam or water gas pipe s has its outer end closed
and is curved around the burner a on a circle less in diameter than the width of
the retort, as shown at Fig. 22, and slightly below the tip of the burner as shown.
The curved or circular portion is perforated with a series of small holes cas nearly
uniform in size and distance as may be. These holes c are at the top with a
slight outward inclination, so that the currents or jets of steam will impinge
against the retort and assist in spreading the flame and insure their complete
combustion.
In operation the device is started by any suitable starter that will heat the
The
retort sufficiently to start the initial or primary oil gas flame of the jet a.
retort soon becomes highly heated, when the oil is vaporized and the vapor
converted into gas, and the water is vaporized and converted into steam and super-
heated, in which condition it is projected or driven through the perforations of
the coil b into the gas flame, which flame it increases and in which it is burned
with an intense heat.
Fig. 20 is a top or plan view; Fig. 27 is a side elevation; Fig. 28, a bottom
view; and Fig. 29, an end view.

page_text: In the Drawings A represents the retort; B, the convex portion thereof; C, the
gas pipe leading from the retort to a gasometer or gas holder; a, the jet or burner;
b, a perforated and bent or coiled pipe for discharging super-heated steam; c, a
coupling or union connecting the gas pipes and burner; g, gas pipe leading from the
top of the retort to the burner; g', gas pipe leading from the base of the retort to
the burner; o, o', oil pipes; 8, steam pipe leading to the discharge or exit pipe b;
8, steam pipe leading from a water compartment of the retort to the top of an oil
compartment; w, wl, water pipes; and x, supports shown that will be omitted when
the device is to be placed in working position. The retort A is made of cast iron or
other suitable metal, and its interior is divided into four longitudinal vertical
compartments into which the pipes o, o', w, w¹, discharge. The pipes o, o', aro
extended back by suitable pipes and connected with an oil tank or reservoir, and
the pipes w, w, with a water tank or reservoir, or with a water service pipe, and
such pipe or extension is provided at some point with a valve or cut off to regulate
or stop the flow. The sections next to the retort are filled or partly filled with
wire cloth or gauze rolled into a suitable form for insertion therein.
The pipe s leads out of the top of a steam compartment, and extends downward
and connects with the pipe b, which is a part thereof.
The pipe b is carried around under the retort about on a line with its border, as
shown at Fig. 28, and is perforated along its upper side with a uniform row or
series of fine holes for the discharge of the superheated steam or water gas into the
oil-flame.
The pipe g leads from the top of the retort around under to one side of the
burner, and the pipe g¹ leads from the base of the retort (and out of the same oil
gas compartment as the pipe g) to the other side of the burner, as shown, thus
giving the burner two streams of gas for its supply.
The union or coupling c, which connects the pipes g, g¹, and supports the
burner a, may be made of the angular form shown; or it may be of a V or double
curved form, or a segment of a circle. The retort compartments connected with
the pipes o, w, and the pipes s, g, g', c, and burner a, constitute the portion of the
device that is used for generating the gases and maintaining the heating com-
bustion. The pipes o' and w¹ supply the compartments used for generating the gas
to be stored.
The pipe s¹ leads from the steam compartment into the top of an oil gas com-
partment, and aids in the more rapid discharge of the oil gas from the retort, and
the introduction of super heated steam therein prevents carbonization or the filling
up of the oil gas compartment with carbon or sediment.
Of another modification of this Invention, Fig. 30 is a side elevation; Fig. 31, a
In the
bottom view; Fig. 32, a top or plan view; and Fig. 33, an end view.
Drawings, A represents the retort, which is made in the form shown, and its interior
is divided into two separate carpartments similar to those shown in Figs. 10 to 14;
a, the burner or jet; b, a perforated pipe or coil from which the water gases issue ;
d, connection of the steam pipe with the retort; e, connection of the gas pipe
with the retort; f, g, h, i, c, gas pipe; o, oil pipe; w; water pipe; and 8, steam
pipe.
The oil and water pipes o, w, are connected by suitable extensions with oil and
water reservoirs located either within or without the building.
In the form here shown the vapor or gas from the oil passes out of the retort
through the pipe g, thence around the retort through the pipe or pipes f, h, i, and
under through the pipe c to the jet or burner a. The water vapor passes from the
retort through the pipe 8, and around under the border of the retort through the
pipe b, as shown at Fig. 31, nearly or quite surrounding the oil gas or initial
flame. The top of the pipe b is provided with a row of perforations made very
small, and as nearly uniform in size and space between them as is practicable. The
water gas issues through these holes into the spreading flame of the oil gas, and
mingling therewith is consuined, adding greatly to the flame and heat.

page_text: In starting the operation a starter or heater, such as is shown, or other suitable
starter may be used.
The pipe f, g, h, i, and c may be made in sections, as shown, or of a single bent
pipe. Of another modification of this Invention, Fig. 34 is a bottom view; Fig. 35,
a side view; and Fig. 36, an end view.
In the Drawings, A represents the retort, which is divided into three separate
compartments in its interior similar to those shown in Figs. 10 to 14; B, a circular
convex portion for spreading the flame; a, the burner or jet from which the gases
or vapors forming the flame issue; b, the gas or vapor pipe leading from the oil
compartment of the retort to the burner a; c, a coupling or union connecting the
water gas pipe with the pipe b; d, water gas pipe; e, f, pipes leading from the gas
generating compartment to a gasometer or other suitable gas holder; o, o', oil pipes;
and w, water pipe. The retort. A is made of cast iron or other suitable metal, and
is divided into three separate longitudinal compartments in the ordinary manner.
Its outer edges or bounderies g are made thin, so that they may become highly
heated when in operation, and roast the gases or vapors as well as assist in their
formation. The pipes o, o¹, are connected by suitable extensions with an oil
reservoir located either within or without the building, and the water pipe wis
connected with a water service pipe or with a water tank or reservoir, and the
pipes w, o, o¹, are filled, or partly filled, with wire cloth or gauze rolled and
inserted, as shown at the pipe o, which is partly in section, for regulating the
quantity or flow of material. Other means of regulation may be adopted for regu-
lating the supply; but the means shown are preferred, as these pipes when near
the retort are in contact with the flame, and the wire filling furnishes additional
heating surface. In the form here shown the exit pipes are on the same plane as
the inlet pipes. The pipe b leads from the oil compartment direct to the burner a,
and the pipe d leading from the water compartment is let into the pipe 6 by the
coupling or union c. Instead of this coupling c, which intersects at right angles, a
V or branch coupling may be used in its place so as to bring the two currents
together with an equal flow. The oil pipe o leads to a separate compartment,
and the vapor there generated is roasted into a permanent gas by the thin
edge g connected therewith, and pipes e, f, which are reached and heated by the
flame.
b
Of another modification, Fig. 37 is a side elevation; Fig. 38, a top or plan view;
and Fig. 39, an end view.
In the Drawings, A represents the retort, which may be made in the form
shown, or in any other suitable form. It is made of cast iron or other suitable
metal, and has two interior longitudinal chambers or compartments. a, the burner
or jet; b, a section of oil pipe upon which the lighter is placed; c, the lighter; d, a
notch or opening in pipe b for the out flow of oil into the lighter or starter; e, cut
off valves or stop cocks; g, oil gas pipe; s, steam pipe; o, o¹, oil pipes; and w, water
pipes; represents a section of any floor, hearth, or other support for the pipes
when the connecting oil and water pipes are brought up from below, as shown.
The oil pipe is branched; the branch o¹ having a separate cut off. This branch
or pipe is brought up to the level of the other supply pipes, and is curved or
brought down at b and under the retort, so as to support the starter or lighter in
its proper position. Its extreme end is cupped over and a hole d is made near the
cup or plug for the outflow of oil into the starter c, through which it runs, as shown
at Fig. 37. The starter c is made in the form of a rectangular cup, or of other
suitable form to hold a sufficient quantity of oil to start the retort into operation ;
or the oil may be left to flow into the starter as long as may be desired, but it will
not be necessary to continue its operation after a flame has been started at the
jet a. When so started or when started the flow of oil is cut off, so that no further
care is necessary, as it will cease burning as soon as the oil is burned out. To start
the retort properly it should be as long or nearly as long as the retort is wide, as
shown at Fig. 37. The pipe 8 is brought around from the steam compartment into
the oil pipe a behind the oil gas compartment of the retort into which it passes, so
.

page_text: and provided with the union joints or coupling P, substantially as and for the
purpose described and shown in Figs. 10, 11, and 13.
VI. The combination of the retort A with the pipes g, 8, union or coupling c,
pipe b, and burner a, substantially as and for the purpose set forth and shown in
Figs. 15 to 20 inclusive.
VII. The steam exit circle 6 located above the burner pipe having about one half
the diameter of the bottom of the retort and outwardly inclined perforations c in
combination with the burner a, retort A, and pipes o¹, w¹, substantially as and for
the purpose set forth and shown in Figures 21 to 25 inclusive.
VIII. The gas pipe g, g', leading from the same compartment to opposite sides
of the burner a and in combination therewith, substantially as specified and shown
in Figs. 26 to 29 inclusive.
IX. In combination with the retort chambers for producing beating gas and their
supply pipes o, w, the chambers for producing illuminating gas and their supply
pipes o¹, w, the steam pipe 81, and the gas eduction pipe c, substantially as and
for the purpose set forth and shown in Figures 26 to 29 inclusive.
X. The combination of the oil gas pipe g, f, h, i, extending around the retort A
and burner a with the steam pipes 8, 6, constructed and combined substantially as
specified and shown in Figures 30 to 33 inclusive.
XI. The retort A having the enlarged body flaring outward and upward to a
border of less diameter, substantially as shown in Figs. 34, 35, 36, for the purpose
described.
XII. The combination of the retort A and pipes w, 8, with the pipes o, g, and the
burner a, substantially as specified and shown in Figs. 37, 38, and 39.
XIII. In combination with a burner a, the centrally and horizontally set retort
A having a vertical, circular, and concave face by which combination the heat of
the flame is also retained in compact form, thus increasing the light, substantially
as described and shown in Figures 40 to 45 inclusive.
In witness whereof, I, the said Herbert John Haddan, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Thirtieth day of June, A.D. 1880.
H. J. HADDAN. (L.D.)