IMPROVEMENTS IN CONDENSING AND REFRIGERATING, AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN OR CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Henry Johnson, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in
the County of Middlesex, Gentleman, for an Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN CONDENSING AND REFRIGERATING, AND IN THE APPARATUS EMPLOYED
THEREIN OR CONNECTED THEREWITH." A communication from abroad by
Désiré François Savalle, of Paris, in the Republic of France, Engineer.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Henry Johnson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 17th February 1880.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CONDENSING AND REFRIGERATING, AND IN THE
APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN OR CONNECTED THEREWITH." A communication
from abroad by Désiré François Savalle, of Paris, in the Republic of France,
Engineer.
This Invention relates chiefly to the condensation of the vapours of volatile
substances, such, for example, as alcohols, methylenes; benzenes, and other analogous
compositions, which are obtained or refined by distillation (by first evaporating and
then condensing the vapours).
According to the ordinary system large quantities of water are required for this
treatment, the vapours being caused to circulate in suitable apparatus in contact
with metal partitions which are constantly in contact with a current of cold water,
but this system is attended with disadvantages, which it is the object of this
Invention to remove.
In carrying out this Invention in order to effect this object air is substituted for
the water heretofore employed, and for this purpose the apparatus are constructed
with such an extent of cooling and condensing surface that by causing sheets of
air, which are continually renewed, to act upon this surface a perfect condensation
of the vapours is effected.
The condition of the temperature in the interior of the apparatus by heating the
sheets of air in contact with the sides ensures in itself a continuous circulation
of this air, which is constantly being renewed on the external surface of the
apparatus.
This circulation will be further accelerated and regulated as well by enclosing
the refrigerators in a casing or chimney with a natural draught, the effect of which

page_text: will be in proportion to the height and diameter of the casing. Registers or valves
may moreover be employed to regulate the passage of the air.
A more practical result is obtained by renewing the sheets of air upon the
condensing surfaces by means of a fan or other suitable mechanical apparatus for
forcing or exhausting air.
The process may be applied to various descriptions of apparatus as, for example,
the following, vist.—
1. Refrigerators of alembics used in various descriptions of distilling apparatus.
2. The analysing condensers of apparatus for distilling and rectifying alcohols.
3. The columns employed in the rectification of alcohols and which are capable
of acting as condensers, and the like.
In applying the Invention to apparatus for the rectification of alcohols, for
example, the following modifications in existing apparatus are adopted, viz.:-
The columns of rectifying apparatus are provided with a much greater extent
of cooling surface and the condenser proper is dispensed with, tho column acting
both as a condenser and as a rectifying columo.
An evaporating vessel provided with a vapour regulator communicates at its
upper part with the lower part of a column of rectangular section, the upper
extremity of which is connected by a pipe to the upper part of a tubular
refrigerator.
The column is formed in segments divided internally by a series of horizontal
partitions constructed with narrow orifices and baffle plates, for causing the vapour
to come in contact with a large condensing surface. A fan is provided in a
chamber separated from the evaporating vessel by a partition, and supplied with
cool air from the exterior.
The column which serves both as a column and as a condenser is enclosed in a
casing communicating at its upper extremity with an air passage provided with
valves leading from the fan, and the tubular refrigerator is also enclosed in a casing
communicating at its lower extremity with the same air passage.
The alcoholic vapours from the evaporating vessel pass through the column and
enter the tubular condenser, and are condensed and refrigerated during their
passage through the apparatus by a current of cold air forced by the fan through
the casings, the passage of the air being regulated by means of valves in the passage
herein before referred to.
It will be desirable in some cases to cool the air artificially before using it, which
cooling may be effected by any known means.
According to another modification of this Invention, as applied to apparatus for
rectifying alcohols (for example), the improvements consist not only in the employ-
ment of air for the purposes of condensation and refrigeration but also in the mode
of charging the horizontal partitions of the column with alcohol of a high degree
before the operation, and by the mode of discharging the residues remaining on
these partitions after the operation.
The crude alcohol is contained in a vessel constructed of sheet iron or copper,
provided with a worm for heating, and communicating at its upper part with a
rectangular copper column constructed with a series of horizontal partitions. A
pipe at the upper part of the column communicates with the upper part of a tubular
analysing condenser provided with a pipe at its lower part communicating with the
upper part of a tubular refrigerator.
A vapour regulator constructed according to what is known as Savalle's system
is placed in communication with the evaporating vessel, and a fan driven by friction
gearing is employed for generating the current of air.
The products from the apparatus are received in a test glass for gauging and
indicating the quantity of alcohol delivered per hour. The air delivered by the fan
is conducted to the lower parts of the condenser and refrigerator through sheet
iron tubes, and its passage through the condenser is regulated by means of flaps or
valves on the upper part of the condenser, controlled by means of a chain and
levers.

page_text: The steam escaping from the engine employed to drive the fan is conducted
through a pipe to one of the worms employed for heating the evaporating vessel,
and when condensed returns through a suitable pipe. A pump is provided for the
purpose of elevating the secondary alcohol for the purpose of charging the partitions
in the column. A reservoir serves for the reception of the phlegms or crude
alcohol, and another reservoir for the residual inferior alcohol. Steam may be
admitted from the boiler to the direct evaporating vessel through a cock, and a
three way cock is also provided for emptying and filling the vessel when required.
The condensed steam from the worm for heating the vessel by direct steam is
discharged through a cock at the lower part of the worm. The products flowing
back to the vessel may be returned by a cock, which also serves for the discharge
of the water employed for washing the column. The pipe leading from the pump,
hereinbefore referred to, for charging the partitions in the column with secondary
alcohol for commencing the operation is provided with a stop cock, and the residual
alcohol in the upper partitions at the end of the operation is discharged through a
cock into the reservoir provided for that purpose, as hereinbefore described.
In order to work this apparatus the evaporating vessel is filled with crude alcohol
from the reservoir, after which the upper partitions of the column are charged with
secondary alcohol of a high degree. This operation being completed the apparatus
is heated by admitting steam direct from the boiler to the evaporating vessel.
Care should be taken to open the corresponding cock for the escape of condensed
steam, and the alcohol contained in the evaporating vessel as well as that on the
partitions in the column is brought to a state of ebullition. At the same time the
fan is set in motion, causing cold air to rise in the air tube leading to the tubular
condenser; the vapours from the evaporating vessel rise through the rectifying
column and pass into the condenser, where they are partially condensed by
circulating in contact with surfaces kept cool by the current of air from the fan,
which has the result of causing the weakest alcohol to return in a liquid state to
the column, whilst the vapours that are more rich in alcohol pass into the refrigerator,
where they are completely condensed and cooled by the current of air from the fun,
after which they flow into the test glass.
The yield of alcohol at the test glass is regulated by means of the valvos worked
by a lever, serving to regulate the quality of air admitted to the tubular surfaces
in the condenser.
The termination of the operation is indicated by a thermometer, which rises to a
given height when all the alcohol has been extracted from the liquid in the
ovaporating vessel, which is then emptied and the steam cock is closed.
A small quantity of alcohol remains on the upper partitions only of the column,
and this alcohol is of very bad flavour. It is removed by opening the cock com-
mmunicating with the reservoir for the reception of the residues, and displacing the
liquid on the partitions by introducing water, after which the cock is closed and
another cock is opened to allow the water to escape.
This washing is effected by means of the pump which raises the water on to the
upper partitions in the column by a return pipe and cock; it is indispensable to
perform this washing after each operation.
The escape steam from the engine driving the fan is utilized for heating the
apparatus. This steam is introduced into a second worm provided in the interior
of the evaporating vessel.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said John Henry Johnson in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 17th
August 1880.
JOHN HENRY JOHNSON, of 47, Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the County of Middlesex,
Gentleman. "IMPROVEMENTS IN CONDENSING AND REFRIGERATING, AND IN THE
APPARATUS EMPLOYED THEREIN OR CONNECTED THEREWITH.” A communication
from abroad by Désiré Francois Savalle, of Paris, in the Republic of France,
Engineer.
The first part of the said Invention relates to an improved process for the
condensation and refrigeration of the vapors of volatile substances, such, for
example, as alcohols, methylenes, benzenes, and other analogous compositions,
which are obtained are refined by distillation (by first evaporating them and then
condensing the vapours).
According to the ordinary system large quantities of water are required for this
treatment, the vapours being caused to circulate in suitable apparatus in contact
with metal partitions which are constantly in contact with a current of cold water.
This mode of operating presents the following disadvantages, videlicet :-
-
(1st.) The refrigerating surfaces become encrusted with the salts or clays contained
in the water and consequently lose their efficiency.
(2nd.) The cost of the fuel required for supplying the engines for raising the
water required as well as the expense of erecting the said engines is very
considerable.
(3rd.) The process cannot be carried on in districts where the supply of water is
insufficient.
This Invention has for its object obviating all these disadvantages by substituting
air for the water heretofore employed, and for this purpose the apparatus are
constructed with such an extent of cooling and condensing surface that by causing
sheets of air, which are continually renewed, to act upon this surface a perfect
condensation of the vapours is effected.
The condition of the temperature in the interior of the apparatus by heating the
sheets of air in contact with the sides ensures in itself a continuous circulation
of this air, which is constantly being renewed on the external surface of the
apparatus.
This circulation will be further accelerated and regulated by enclosing the
refrigerators in a casing or chimney with a natural draught, the effect of which
will be in proportion to the height and diameter of the casing. Registers or valves
may moreover be employed to regulate the passage of the air.
A more practical result is obtained by renewing the sheets of air upon the
condensing surfaces by means of a fan or other suitable mechanical apparatus for
forcing or exhausting air.
The process may be applied to various descriptions of apparatus as, for example,
the following, videlicet:-
(1st.) The analysing condensers of apparatus for distilling and rectifying alcohols.
(2nd.) The columns employed in the rectification of alcohols, and which are
capable of acting as condensers and the like.
The second part of the said Invention relates to improvements in the construction
of the apparatus to which the system of condensation and refrigeration hereinbefore
described is applied.
And in order that the said Invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to the
several Figures on the annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the corresponding Figures.
Sheet 1 of the accompanying Drawings represents the general arrangement of a

page_text: rectifying apparatus provided with a rectangular column a condenser, and an air
cooler constructed and arranged according to the said Invention.
Figure 1, Sheet 2, is a longitudinal section of a portion of the said rectangular
column drawn to a larger scale, and Figure 2 is a corresponding transverse section
of the same; Figure 3 is a horizontal section, and Figure 4 is a plan of the base
or bed plate of the column; Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the arrangement provided
for running off the liquid from the eleventh partition fron the top of the
column.
Sheet 3 represents a modification of the apparatus for rectifying alcohol, in which
the relative positions of the condenser and refrigerator enable the fan employed,
according to the first arrangement, to be dispensed with.
An
In the arrangement illustrated in Sheets 1 and 2 the crude alcohol is contained
in a boiler A communicating at its upper part with a column B, which is con-
structed internally with a series of horizontal partitions, as hereinafter described.
This column communicates at its upper part by means of a pipe b with a condenser C,
which is supplied with air from a fan or blower F through a conduit H, the latter
having a branch I which communicates with a refrigerator D. Valves J are
provided at the upper part of the condenser for regulating the current of air, the
said valves being operated by means of a chain k connected to a lever K.
engine L is employed to drive the fan F, and the waste steam outlet of this engine
is connected by a pipe f to a worm contained within the vessel A where the steam
is condensed, the water of condensation being discharged into a pipe M. The
vessel A is also heated by another worm containing live steam supplied from a
steam regulator E through a pipe a and valve 1, the water of condensation from
this worm escaping through a pipe 2. A pipe o having a cock 3 (Sheet 1) is
provided at the lower part of the column B, and a pipe p with a stop cock 4
communicates with the upper part of the column. The column also communicates
with a pipe q provided with a stop cock 5, and the vessel A is provided with a
thermometer 6 and a discharge pipe 7 having a stop cock 7.
The two lower segments only of the column B are shown in the detail, Figures 1
to (Sheet 2), the other segments being all constructed on a similar principle.
These segments are provided with horizontal partitions M constructed with long
narrow orifices having raised edges P, above which are arranged inverted
troughs acting as baffle plates in combination with the raised edges P. Overflow
passages R are also provided in these partitions, consisting of tubes projecting above
the upper surface of each partition and descending nearly to the surface of the
partition next beneath. The lower segment of the column is provided with an
orifice S communicating with the vessel A, and is also connected with the pipe o,
hereinbefore referred to. Figures 5 and 6 are respectively an elevation and plan
showing the communication between the eleventh partition from the top and the
pipe q.
In order to work this apparatus the vessel A is filled with the crude alcohol
which it is desired to rectify, and secondary alcohol resulting from a preceding
operation is poured on to the partitions in the column B through the pipe p. The
column is thus washed and freed from the essential oils resulting from the preceding
operation. Moreover, the spaces between the partitions are filled up to the level
of the tops of the overflow pipes with alcohol of a high degree so as to be ready for
the next operation.
By this mode of operation the apparatus is thoroughly cleansed and the carbon
is dispensed with, which is requisite in operating with the apparatus heretofore
employed, in which case upwards of an hour is occupied in passing alcoholic
vapours through the condenser for the purpose of condensing them and thereby
charging the partitions of the column.
The apparatus being prepared as hereinbefore described the contents of the
vessel A are beated by introducing live steam through the regulator E, and also by
means of the waste steam from the engine L, as hereinbefore described. Numerous
advantages are obtained by thus causing the waste steam to circulate in a worm

page_text: for heating the rectifying apparatus. The engine is not loaded with a counter
pressure equal to that which exists in the apparatus heated; the distillation of the
escapo steam is effected without mixing it with the product contained in the
apparatus, and the difference between the temperatures of steam and of alcoholic
vapours is utilized in order to effect the economical heating of apparatus for rectifying
alcohol.
The alcoholic vapors from the vessel A pass through and heat successively the
sheets of alcohol on the partitions in the column B, the vapours being caused to
pass through the openings O and bubble through the alcohol on the partitions in
passing under the edges of the inverted troughs Q, which divide the sheets of
alcohol into narrow strips, presenting a large surface and consequently possessing a
great distilling capacity. The alcohol which is being rectified is heated under more
favorable conditions by these means. The alcohol condensed between the partitions
overflows through the overflow pipes R, hereinbefore described.
After bubbling through and heating all the sheets of alcohol on the partition in
succession the alcoholic vapours from the vessel A pass along the pipe 6 into the
condenser C and circulate in the space between the tubes of the latter, whilst cold
air is driven by the fan F through the said tubes. The progress of the condensation
is regulated by means of the valves or registers J in such a manner as to condense
the aqueous portion of the vapours of alcohol and return them in a liquid form to
the column through a pipe W, whilst the more concentrated portion of the alcoholic
vapor passes on in the form of vapor through a pipe c to the refrigerator D.
A current of air from the fan F passes through the tubes in the refrigerator D and
serves to condense the alcoholic vapours therein, and also to cool the same down to
the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere, after which the liquid spirit enters
the test glass G, where its strength and quality are observed.
Among the important features of the apparatus herein before described and of its
operation may be enumerated the following, videlicet :-
==
First. The horizontal partitions in the column, arranged as shewn in Sheet 2.
Secondly. The system of washing the rectifying column by means of alcohol and
charging the partitions with alcohol of a high degree before operating.
Thirdly. The system of heating the apparatus, the same being effected to a
considerable extent by the waste steam which is caused to circulate in a worm
provided for the purpose.
Sheet 3 illustrates a modification of the apparatus for rectifying alcohols, in
which the relative positions of the condenser and refrigerator enable the fan or
blower to be dispensed with, the current of air being obtained by changing the
temperature.
A (Sheet 3) is the distilling vessel and B the rectifying column. The tubular
condenser C is arranged directly over the refrigerator D and is enclosed in a metal
casing I and surmounted by a chimney E communicating with the said casing.
The heat radiated from the condenser produces a strong draught in the casing
and chimney so that cold air is drawn in rapidly, and passing through the
refrigerator D and condenser C acts as a refrigerating medium in the first place
and in the next placo as a condensing medium.
The alcoholic vapours pass from the column B into the condenser C through a
pipe b, and after the condensation has been effected the alcohol of high degree
passes into the refrigerator D through a pipe c, whilst the weaker alcohol returns
to the column through a pipe W.
Valves H are provided at the lower part of the condenser C for the purpose of
regulating the draught of air, the said valves being operated by chains f, e, g,
provided with handles.
By means of these valves the quantity of air passing through the condenser is
controlled by causing a suitable proportion to pass direct to the chimney E outside
the condenser through the casing I, without circulating between the tubes of the
condenser.
This arrangement of the apparatus is more economical than the arrangement

page_text: firstly hereinbefore described, as the fan or blower together with its driving engine
is dispensed with, and the apparatus occupies considerably less space.
It is obvious from the foregoing description that rectifying apparatus as ordinarily
constructed may be readily converted so as to operate in accordance with this
Invention at a small cost.
In the case of the arrangement described with reference to Sheet 3, for example,
it will be simply necessary to substitute a tubular refrigerator and condenser for
the ordinary condenser and refrigerator worked with water, and in general the
Invention may be applied to all apparatus in which air can be employed for effecting
condensation or refrigeration to metallic surfaces.
The air may be employed at the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere or
be cooled artificially, as preferred.
It is also evident that the Invention is capable of a great variety of applications,
as example, it may be applied to the condensation of vapours in apparatus working
with a vacuum, and in general for the rectification of all products capable of being
graduated by distillation.
As an example of the products to the distillation or rectification of which the
Invention is applicable may be mentioned alcohol, methylene, benzole, petroleum,
and analogous products.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried into
effect, I would observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original,
and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein before in part
recited Letters Patent is,-
First. The system or mode of condensing and refrigerating by the employment of
a current of air, substantially as and for the purposes herein before described.
Secondly. The application in use of the waste steam from steam engines to and
in the heating of the rectifying apparatus, substantially as herein before described.
Thirdly. Charging the partitions of the rectifying columns with alcohol of a high
degree previously to or at the commencement of the operation, substantially as
herein before described.
Fourthly. The arrangement of the partitions applied to the rectifying columns,
the said partitions being provided with baffling devices, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said John Henry Johnson, have to this my
Specification set my hand and seal, this Twelfth day of August, One
thousand eight hundred and eighty.
J. HENRY JOHNSON. (L.S.)