Year: 1891

page_text: DISTRIBUTION.
The compressed and dried air contained in the receivers G is delivered by piping
wherever required, whether for driving engines or other motors intended to perform
work of any kind such as the production of electric light, a ventilating current and
so forth, or for producing a reduction of temperature. For the latter purpose,
either the direct expansion of the compressed and dry air may be utilized, or the
compressed and dry air supplied by the exhaust of one or more motive power
engines that have been set in motion by such compressed and dry air. In either
case, the expanded air will produce a reduction of temperature in the ambient
medium, without depositing moisture as is done by all the processes at present
in use.
This process has therefore the important advantage of cooling in a manner
eminently favourable to the preservation of health without the deposit of any
unwholesome moisture, and the dry air produced can be utilized, without incon-
venience, by motive power engines. It is also applicable to the preservation of
food, the production of ice, and other important uses in hot climates.
It is necessary that the flow of compressed dry air from the receivers G should
take place at a definite and constant pressure so that all the subscribers receiving it
should be able to arrange their machinery on identically the same fixed bases.
In order to assure this regularity of flow of the compressed air into a medium
where the pressure is less than that in the receivers G at least approximately, the
automatic arrangement shown in section in Figure 2 of the drawings may be
employed.
Let it be assumed that the pressure in the pipe equals p and that that in the
pipe V equals P. A piston a bnp composed of two cylindrical parts a bhl
and gm np is adapted to move easily up and down in a cylinder as shown and has
a passage c formed through it. The pressure p acts freely on the face n p through
the side passage d. The pressure Pacts through the passage e on the face a b.
Atmospheric pressure pacts through the passage o on the annular surface g h 1 m.
Let W represent the weight of the piston, then W + P (area a b) + p (area of
annular surface g h 1 m) = p (area n p) that is to say there will be equilibrium.
If the pressure P remains constant and the pressure p increases, the piston will
rise and the passage c will close more or less. If the pressure p decreases the
piston will fall and the passage c will be opened more or less, the regulation will
therefore be automatic.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
:-
First The process for producing dry compressed air by mechanical means which
consists in compressing and cooling the air, in then expanding it whereby the
watery vapour is eliminated, and in then re-compressing this air which has been
compressed, expanded and dried, substantially as hereinbefore described.

page_text: Second-The use of compressed dry air, produced by the process forming the
first claiming clause hereof, for various useful purposes such as for the production
of ice, and for cooling purposes generally for the preservation of food, ventilation,
the production of motive power generally and so forth, as hereinbefore described.
Third The apparatus for regulating the flow of compressed and dried air or of
any gas under pressure and for maintaining different pressures in adjacent vessels
or receivers containing air or gas, consisting of a piston and cylinder constructed,
arranged and operating substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in
Figure 2 of the drawings hereto annexed.
Fourth-The apparatus constituting a compressed air station, comprising a series
of steam boilers A, a series of air compressing engines B, worms or other tubular
cooling apparatuses d, a collecting pipe e, one or more receivers for compressed
air, a series of air motors and air compressors C, one or more exhaust receivers D,
one or more reservoirs E forming a snow chamber or chambers, a series of steam
engines and air compressors F, worms or other tubular cooling apparatuses K, a
collecting pipe e, and a series of storage reservoirs G, arranged, combined and
operating substantially as hereinbefore described, and illustrated in Figure 1 of the
drawings.
W. H. BECK,
115, Cannon Street, London, E.C., Applicant.
W. H. BECK,
115, Cannon Street, London, E.C., Applicant.