Improvements in or relating to Hydro-carbon Furnaces
Year: 1888

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Hydro-carbon Furnaces.
A communication from abroad by THE PORCELAIN. DENTAL ART Co., of the City of
Detroit, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.I.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street, Manchester both in
the County of Lancaster & 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex, Civil
Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The invention relates to a compound hydro-carbon furnace adapted for using liquid
or gaseous fuels, either separately or in combination for chemical, metallurgical, and
other purposes.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elevation.
Figure 2 a view of the opposite side.
Figure 3 a cross section.
Figure 4 a longitudinal section, and
Figure 5 a perspective.
A represents a combustion chamber, B inclosing walls, preferably consisting of
base B, and cover B' hinged at b¹.. These walls may be of any desired form, and
material, and provided with escape flues 62. The case, when desired, may be provided.
with a wrapping or packing B³ on the exterior, and with packing 63, intermediate the
base and cover, to prevent entrance of air. is a support. Da muffle or oven
in the combustion chamber of any desired construction, having orifices d therein,
preferably at the top, through which the residue of combustion may enter the
muffle.
E represents a Bunsen, or other suitable burner, having communication with the
chamber A through orifices ; E an air-blast pipe connected therewith; E² a
hydro-carbon pipe. .F is an air supply pipe from the bellows, communicating with a

page_text: main G to supply the burners and a blow-pipe H. I represents a hydro-carbon pipe
connecting a light hydro-carbon generator and a main J, through which hydro-carbon
is supplied to the burners.
It is preferable to lead the pipes E1, E2, through the base B, connecting mains G
and J respectively, with the burners. Their contents thus become heated. The main J
is provided with regulating cocks j, ¹. An air pipe K connects main G with blow
pipe F provided with controlling cock k.
A hydrocarbon pipe L connects main J with blow pipe, provided with regulating
cock . M represents a counter-draught pipe located in supports m, preferably over
orifices, to heat the draught therein in passing. This pipe M is engaged with
a movable door N and is preferably hung so that it may move longitudinally, and
swing also at right angles to said movement, permitting the door to be moved to open
or close the combustion chamber. The end of pipe M opposite the door is connected
with air pipe, F, as by pipe,m', leading to an additional air-main M³ communicating
with air-main G. Other ways of connecting pipes M and F may, however, be
adopted. The pipe M¹ is provided with a regulating cock m².
P is a heavy hydrocarbon receptacle. P₁ an air blast pipe communicating
therewith, P² a pipe through which heavy hydrocarbon passes to the main J, preferably
passing through base B' to heat its contents. The pressure of supply through pipe 1
prevents heavy hydrocarbon descending into pipe L. The contents of pipes I and P
are caused to divide and pass in both directions in main J when cocks j, j³, are
opened. Pipes P and P2 are provided with regulating cocks p and m³ respectively.
A hydrocarbon pipe Q leads from main J into chamber A provided with cock g.
R is a jar for supplying any desired atmosphere to the combustion chamber.
The operation of the device is as follows: The hydrocarbon supply through
pipe I is divided and passes in both directions from its admission into main J, thence
through the base B', becoming heated thereby, and is communicated through
pipes E to burners E.
The air blast F passes to main G, and passes in both directions through said main,
and through the base B¹, becoming heated thereby, and passes through pipes E to
the burner. Combustion takes place beneath and about the muffle, carbon monoxide
being formed around the base of the muffle, and carbon dioxide around its upper
part. The dioxide being heavier, descends into the muffle through orifices d, the
monoxide disappearing. It will be desirable for some purposes to leave the chamber A
and muffle D open at one end. The blast which forces the dioxide into the muffle
affords effective resistance to the entrance of air into the muffle, excluding oxygen
and overcoming all liability of oxidation, while by closing the door N an air blast
may be admitted through pipe M, if oxygen is desired within the muffle.
Should hydrocarbon be desired in the combustion chamber it may be admitted by
pipe Q. The work may be watched through mica n in the door N.
The counter pressure of the air blast through pipe M may readily overcome the
pressure through E₁, and exclude fuel gases from the muffle, permitting delicate
porcelain to be baked therein without injury. By disengaging pipe m¹ from
inain M', and engaging it with jar R, or other retort, as upon pipe r, and leading a
pipe from the said main to the retort, any desired vapor may be forced into the
muffle. By removing the muffle, the chamber is ready necessary appliances for
crucible, ladle, and blow-pipe work. The supply through pipes I and 1" may be
used separately or conjointly. The pressure of carbon dioxide forced into and
through the chamber or muffle, is an effectual means for preventing oxidation of
substances at high temperatures in open hearths.
The range of work which may be accomplished by such a furnace is unlimited.
In leading pipe P' through base B' it is preferable to enlarge the pipe to form a.
cavity pl above the heavy hydrocarbon in which said carbon may be vaporized. The
said pipe may be provided with an indicator p². By employing the heavy hydrocarbon
in pipe P² the cost of fuel is reduced, and a higher heat secured.
The pipe Q should be introduced into the combustion chamber in the region of the
presence of dioxide of carbon, otherwise free oxygen would be encountered, and the

page_text: effect destroyed, hydrocarbon introduced as described forms a richer carbon to be
forced into the muffle, and whereby the work may be freed from the monoxide
of carbon, and injury prevented.
By reference to Figure 5, it will be seen that a crucible S¹ can be set within the
furnace, and smelting carried on thereby, by one of the burners, while the other
burner may be used for soldering work, and the blow pipe also, if desired.
It is found very desirable in smelting ores, to exclude monoxide of carbon from the
smelting mass, and the introduction of carbon dioxide is a protector thereto, a
protection adequately provided for by this invention. The monoxide will be formed
in the region between dotted lines a, a, Figure 3, and the dioxide between b, b,
and c, c.
In using certain crucibles and their jackets it is preferable to employ a cap. s.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Hydro-carbon Furnaces.
A communication from abroad by THE PORCELAIN DENTAL ART Co., of the City of
Detroit, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.I.M.E. of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street Manchester both in
the County of Lancaster & 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex, Civil
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 :-
The invention relates to a compound hydrocarbon furnace adapted for using liquid
or gaseous fuels, either separately or in combination, for chemical, metallurgical, and
other purposes.
In the drawings filed with the provisional specification,
Figure 1 is a side elevation.
Figure 2 a view of the opposite side.
Figure 3 a cross section.
Figure 4 a longitudinal section, and
Figure 5 a perspective.
A, represents a combustion chamber, B enclosing walls, preferably consisting of
base Band cover B2 hinged at 6. These walls may be of any desired form and
material, and provided with escape flues 62. The case, when desired, may be provided
with a wrapping or packing B³ on the exterior, and with intermediate packing 63
between the base and cover, to prevent entrance of air. C is a support, D a muffle
or oven in the combustion chamber, of any desired construction, having orifices d
therein, preferably at the top, through which the residue of combustion may enter
the muffle.
E represents a Bunsen, or other suitable burner having communication with the
chamber A through orifices ; E an air blast pipe connected therewith; E² a
hydrocarbon pipe. F is an air supply pipe from the bellows, communicating with a
main G, to supply the burners and a blow pipe H. I represents a hydrocarbon pipe
connecting a light-hydrocarbon generator and a main J, through which hydrocarbon
is supplied to the burners.
It is preferable to lead the pipes E¹ E through the base B, connecting mains G
and J respectively with the burners. Their contents thus become heated. The
main J is provided with regulating cocks, j, j¹. An air pipe K connects main G with
blow pipe H, provided with controlling cock k.
A hydrocarbon pipe L connects main J with blow pipe, provided with regulating
cock 1. M represents a counter-draught pipe located in supports m, preferably over
orifices ², to heat the draught therein in passing. This pipe M is engaged with a
movable door N, and is preferably hung so that it may move longitudinally and swing
also at right angles to said movement, permitting the door to be moved, to open or

page_text: close the combustion chamber. The end of pipe M opposite the door is connected
with air pipe F, as by pipe m', leading to an additional air main M' communicating
with air main G. Other ways of connecting pipes M and F, may, however, be adopted.
The pipe M is provided with a regulating cock m².
P is a heavy hydrocarbon receptacle; P' an air blast pipe communicating there-
with; P2 a pipe through which heavy hydrocarbon passes to the main J, preferably
passing through base B' to heat its contents. The pressure of supply through
pipe I, prevents heavy hydrocarbon passing through the pipe P³, from descending
into pipe I, the contents of pipes I and P2 being caused to divide and pass in both
directions in main J, when cocks j, j are opened. Pipes Pl and P2 are provided with
regulating cocks m³ and P, respectively. A hydrocarbon pipe Qleads from main J
into chamber A provided with cock q. R is a jar for supplying any desired atmosphere
to the combustion chamber.
The operation of the device is as follows:-
The hydrocarbon supply through pipe I is divided and passes in both directions
from its admission into main J, thence through the base B', becoming heated thereby,
and is communicated through pipes E2 to burners E.
The air blast F passes to main G, and passes in both directions through said main,
and through the base B', becoming heated thereby, and passes through pipes E¹ to
the burner. Combustion takes place beneath and about the muffle, carbon monoxide
being formed around the base of the muffle, and carbon dioxide around its upper
part The dioxide being heavier, descends into the muffle through orifices d, the
monoxide disappearing. It will be desirable for some purposes to leave the
chamber A and muffle D open at one end. The blast, which forces the dioxide into
the mufe, affords effective resistance to the entrance of air into the muffle,
excluding oxygen and overcoming all liability of oxidation, while, by closing the
door N, an air blast may be admitted through pipo M, if oxygen is desired within the
muffle.
Should hydrocarbon be desired in the combustion chamber, it may be admitted by
pipe Q. The work may be watched through mica n in the door N. The counter
pressure of the air blast throngh pipe M, may readily overcome the pressure through E',
and exclude fuel gases from the muffle, permitting delicate porcelain to be baked
therein, without injury.
By disengaging pipe m² from main M³, and engaging it with jar R, or other
retort, as upon pipe », and leading a pipe from the said main to the retort,
any desired vapour may be forced into the muffle. By removing the muffle, the
chamber is ready for the necessary appliances for crucible, ladle, and blow pipe
work. The supply through pipes I and P2 may be used separately or conjointly.
The presence of carbon dioxide forced into and through the chamber or muffle is
an effectual means for preventing oxidation of substances, at high temperatures in
open hearths.
The range of work, which may be accomplished by such a furnace, is unlimited.
In leading pipe P through base B', it is preferable to enlarge the pipe to
form a cavity p² above the heavy hydrocarbon in which said carbon may be
vaporised. The said pipe may be provided with an indicator p². By employing
the heavy hydrocarbon in pipe P2, the cost of fuel is reduced, and a higher heat
secured.
The pipe should be introduced into the combustion chamber in the region of the
presence of dioxide of carbon, otherwise free oxygen would be encountered, and the
effect destroyed. Hydrocarbon introduced as described forms a richer carbon to be
forced into the muffle, and whereby the work may be freed from the monoxide of
carbon, and injury prevented.
By reference to Figure 5, it will be seen that a crucible S¹ can be set within
the furnace and smelting carried on thereby, by one of the burners, while
the other burner may be used for soldering work, and the blow pipe also, if
desired.
It is found very desirable in smelting ores to exclude monoxide of carbon from

page_text: the smelting mass, and the introduction of carbon dioxide is a protector thereto, a
protection adequately provided for by the invention. The monoxide will be formed
in the region between dotted lines a, a, Figure 3, and the dioxide between b, b,
and c, c.
In using certain crucibles, and their jackets, it is preferable to employ a cap s.
Having now. particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, 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 :-
1st. The combination with a furnace chamber having an air and vapour blast, of a
muffle having openings in its top, and a counter blast pipe communicating with the
interior of the inuffle, substantially as described.
2nd. The combination with a furnace chamber having escape flues, a muffle
located therein, and a burner, of a counter blast pipe located over the escape flues,
whereby it is superheated and adapted to convey a counter blast into said. chamber,
substantially as and for the purposes described.
. I
3rd. The combination with a muffle furnace, having a burner and a movable
door, of a sliding and swinging counter blast pipe adapted to communicate
with the interior of the muffle, said pipe located over the escape flues of the
furnace, and connected with said door, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
4th! The combination with a furnace chamber, a muffle having top openings,
a burner, and an air blast exerting a pressure upon the products of combustion,
of a counter blast to communicate with the interior of the muffle, and force
the products of combustion out under a greater pressure than that operating
the blast in the combustion chamber, substantially as and for the purposes
described.
5th. The combination with a furnace chamber, a muffle and a heating burner, of a
removable door, and a counter blast pipe located over the escape flues of the furnace
chamber, substantially as described.
6th. The combination with a muffle furnace provided with burner, and a removable
door, of an air blast pipe communicating with the burner, and a counter blast pipe
supporting said door, substantially as described.
7th. The combination with a muffle furnace provided with an air and vapour
blast, of a counter blast pipe communicating with the air and vapour blast,
and adapted to communicate with the interior of the furnace, substantially as
described.
8th. The combination with a muffle furnace provided with vents 63, of a muffle
perforated upon its upper surface, and one or more burners, the construction being
such, that the carbonic dioxide generated within the furnace will penetrate the muffle,
substantially as described.
9th. The combination of a furnace chamber, an open muffle located therein, and
having top perforations, and a heating burner provided with an air blast and com-
municating with the furnace chamber, to force the residue of combustion through
the muffle, and resist the encroachment of atmosphere into the muffle, substantially as
described.
10th. The combination with a furnace chamber provided with a removable cover,
and a muffle, of air and oil supply pipes, and a blow pipe located in front of the open
unuffle, substantially as described.
בד