IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING, REFRIGERATING, AND, MAKING ICE
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Martin Benson, of No. 9, Southampton Buildings,
London, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE METHOD OF
AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING, REFRIGERATING, AND, MAKING ICE.”—A.
communication from abroad by John M'Gouch Beath, of San
Francisco, in the State of California, United States of America.
Sealed the 26th February 1875, and dated the 3rd December 1874.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Martin Benson at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
3rd December 1874.
I, MARTIN BENSON, of No. 9, Southampton Buildings London, do
hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for “IMPROVEMENTS IN
THE WETHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING, REFRIGERATING, AND MAKING ICE,"
(a communication to me from abroad by John McGouch Beath, of San
Francisco, in the State of California, United States of America, to be as
follows:-

page_text: and through which it operates by the congelation of water which is
applied to and over said surfaces in flowing streams, whereby ice of any
desired thickness may be formed, and the surface of the ice as it is
formed is constantly washed and kept free from air bubbles and such
other objectionable matter as is naturally thrown to the surface of the 5
ice in the process of congelation, and which would if not thus removed
render the ice impure and less solid.
The second part consists in a novel mode of manufacturing ice by
forming it around or upon vertical, inclined, or horizontal hollow cores
containing the refrigerant by showering the water upon them, so that
constant currents of water flow over the surface of the ice during its
formation.
The third part consists in arranging the congealing pipes in a vertical
position, whereby they and the ice formed thereon are rendered self-
sustaining. The use of a freezing tank is thus obviated, and the
congealer is not exposed to straining.
The fourth part consists in combining with said vertical congealers a
water feeding or delivering apparatus, whereby the water may be dis-
charged upon the congcalers on all sides and in proper quantities for
the production of ice, and at the same time in sufficient excess to wash
the face of the ice, and remove all objectionable matter therefrom.
The fifth part consists in the combination with each such vertical
congealer of a trap at the base thereof for containing condensed portions
of the refrigerant, through which the gases will pass in their course from
one congealer to another.
The sixth part consists in combining and connecting a series of
isolated vertical congealing pipes with a supply pipe common to all,
and provided with a continuous passage throughout its length, whereby
said supply pipe may deliver the refrigerant successively into and
through each congealer, and back to the supply pipe. The supply pipe
may have diaphragms and ports, and the congealers may have double
connections with the supply pipe, all so arranged that the refrigerant is
partially diverted from its direct course through, the congealers, and
returned to the supply pipe. The ports may be of less area than that of
the supply pipe, in order to cause a closer contact of the gaseous and
fluid portions of the refrigerant, and the areas through the ports may be
made adjustable.

page_text: Each vertical congealer is by preference composed of an exterior
casing with closed end, and of an interior conductor with an open end
adjoining the closed end of the casing, so that the refrigerant can be
conducted into the congealer by way of the interior pipe, and thenco to
the supply pipe. The admission of the refrigerant is rogulated by
suitable cocks and valves.
The water distributor is placed above the congealer, and is made to
revolve. Tanks may be employed having hollow vertical partitions,
the refrigerant being inside the same, and the water is caused to travel
backwards and forwards between them by a usual rotary paddle
wheel.
The seventh part consists in the construction of the condensor. It is
composed of a stack or coil of pipe arranged for conducting gases,
vapours, fluids, &c., in combination with intermittent water-delivering
apparatus, whereby the exterior surfaces of said pipes may be alternately
charged with water and freed therefrom.
The eighth part consists in a process of absorbing ammonia gas in
water by mingling them in due proportions while in transit, and then
passing the mixture in streams through conduits exposed to an outer
cooling agent.
The ninth part consists in a method and apparatus for treating
ammonia solutions employed in ice-making apparatus. The ammonia
gas is evolved in assorted qualities from the solutions by treating the
latter in a retort, which is composed of communicating compartments.
The retort is exposed to varied degrees of heat, and the gas evolved by
low temperature and that evolved by high temperature with watery
vapour are led away by separate conducting pipes. The heating
apparatus is arranged to heat one compartment more than the other.
The pure gas is led direct to the condenser, and the impuro gas is
passed through a dryer first, and thence to the condenser. Means are
provided for controlling the passage of the impoverished solution.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Martin Benson in the Great Seal Patent Office on
the 15th March 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, 1, MARTIN
BENSON, of Number 9, Southampton Buildings, London, send
greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Third day of December, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, in the thirty-
seventh year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Martin Benson, Her special licence
that I, the said Martin Benson, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Martin Benson, my exccutors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, excrcise, and vend,
within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Channel
Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for “IMPROVEMENTS IN THE
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING, REFRIGERATING, AND MAKING ICE," a
communication to me from abroad by John McGouch Beath, of San
Francisco, in the State of California, United States of America, upon
the condition (amongst others) that I, the said Martin Benson, my
executors or administrators, by an instrument in writing under my,
or their, or one of their hands and seals, should particularly describe
and ascertain the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner
the same was to be performed, and cause the same to be filed in the
Great Seal Patent Office within six calendar months next and imme-
diately after the date of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Martin Benson, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement:-
(The following Specification with accompanying Drawings forming a
part of the same fully describes and ascertains the nature of my said
Invention, and in what manner the same is to be put into practical
operation.)

page_text: My improvements relates to a novel process of forming the ice, and a
novel congealing apparatus; also, to the condensation of ammonia,
to the absorption of ammonia gas in aqueous or other solutions, and
to the treatment of ammonia solutions in the retorts or distilling
boilers.
That portion of my Invention, to which I will first refer, relates to
improvements in the process of forming the ice, and to that portion of
the ice-making apparatus properly termed tho "congealor."
One object of my Invention is to produce solid icc in great bulk, prac-
tically free from air, and also free from such impuritics as are liable to
exist in the water to be congealed.
Another object is to simplify the congealing apparatus that it may
be extensively constructed with comparatively little expense, and by
filling large rooms or store houses therewith, practically admit of the
ice remaining upon the congealers as in a magazine untill demand exists
therefore.
This branch of my Invention may properly be divided into six
divisions.
The first relates to a novel process, which consists mainly in
forming the ice on freezing surfaces, in the rear of which the refri-
gerating agent is applied, and through which it operates, by the con-
gelation of water which is applied to and over said surfaces in flowing
streams (or currents), whereby ice of any desired thickness may be
formed, and the surface of the ice as it is formed is constantly washed
and kept free from air bubbles and such other objectionable matter
as is naturally rejected, and thrown to the surface of the icc in the
process of congelation, and which would if not thus removed render the
icc impure and less solid.
The second division thereof consists in a novel process of manufac-
turing ice by forming it around or upon hollow corcs containing the
refrigerant by showering or throwing the water upon them.
The third division thereof consists in arranging the congealing pipes
in a vertical position, whereby they and the icc formed thereon arc
rendered self-sustaining.

page_text: The fourth division consists in combining with said vertical con-
gealers a water delivering apparatus, whereby the water may be dis-
charged upon said congealers at proper points, and in proper quantities
for the production of ice, and at the same time in sufficient excess to
wash the face of the ice, and remove all objectionable matter there- i
from.
The fifth division consists in the combination with each vertical
congealer of a trap for containing a portion of the liquidized refri-
gerant, through which the gases will pass in their course from one
congealer to another.
The sixth division consists in a mode of connecting.and arranging the
vertical congealers with a refrigerant supply pipe common to them all,
so that the refrigerating agent can be divided successfully into and
through each congealer back to the supply pipe.
I will now briefly refer to the improvement in condensors, wherein
the gaseous ammonia is liquified. Said improvement consists in so
arranging the water supply, which is divided upon the pipes containing
the gas, that said pipes may be intermittently charged with water and
freed therefrom, instead of being constantly wet as heretofore, whereby
the full and valuable effect of surface evaporation is attained.
The next portion of my Invention consists in an improvement in the
method of absorbing ammonia in aqueous or other solutions, and it con-
sists in merging the gas and water in due proportion by mingling them
while in transit, and then passing the mixture in streams through
conduits which are exposed externally to frigorific or cooling action.
The last portion of my Invention relates to a method of treating
ammonia solutions in retorts or boilers, and apparatus therefore, whereby
the gas is continously assorted into two classes, pure and impure, and
which allows the pure gas to be passed direct to the condensers, and the
impure gas (by a separate and distinct route) through a dryer, and
thence to the condenser.

page_text: Fig. 4 represents a like view of an elbow or trap.
Fig. 5 represents a plan of the congealing apparatus shown in
Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 represents an clevation of round congealing pipes in a different
arrangement.
In these Figures A denotes the congealing pipes, they may be round
or flattened; preferably they are composed of iron, but may be lined with
any other metal which is a good conductor of heat, and they can be
varied in dimensions from one inch in diameter to several inches, and
from five to twenty feet and upwards in length. I have performed
excellent service with ordinary unlined iron gas pipes one and one-half
inch in diameter and eighteen feet in height. The connections at top
may be made of bends in the pipes, and at the bottom by elbows
and straight pipe. When elbows are employed they have a pedal flange,
as 'shewn, resting upon and supported by the foundation timber or
masonry. Within the elbows beneath the vertical bore is a trap as
at a.
The vertical pipes are arranged in rows along the timbers, and in
this instance also diagonally, that is, each pipe (except the exterior ones)
is surrounded by six others' equidistant from it and each other.
The vaporizing liquid ammonia, for instance, is introduced from the
liquifying apparatus, and its quantity regulated by the cock 6 in the
coil c, whence it is divided by the two-way cock & through the system
in either direction, and discharged from either of the outlets e orf.
Just above the system of congealing pipes is one form of spinkler
or water distributer. A system of water pipes g with a nozzle h over
cach vertical pipe, and extra ones for each outside pipe. Each nozzle
has lateral perforations so arranged so as to direct the water in fine
streams or spray upon the upright pipes. Each nozzle throws water
upon the congealing pipe next beyond it. For example, the nozzle h,
No. 1, may be arranged to throw water upon congealing pipes Nos. 1, 2,
3, 4, and 5. This results practically in a more general distribution of the

page_text: water than would be the case if it were discharged directly upon the
nearest pipes. The water is intermittently supplied by the automatic
feeder, shewn in Fig. 3, and at B, Fig. 1. The feeder consists of a
cylinder i which communicates with the sprinkler pipe 9 by the valve k
which is operated as follows:-Within the cylinder is the float sliding
/
vertically on the valve rod m. Outside the cylinder is the counter-
balance n supported by two cords passing over pulleys, and attached to
the float. The float weighs a little more than the counterbalance.
Above the float on the valve rod is a collar q adjusted by a thumbscrew.
Through the valve rod near its top passes a pin o. This pin rests upon
the ends of bent forked lever p pivoted near the valve rod, and having the
horizontal end the heaviest, so that its forked end shall always press against
the pin. As the water is pumped from the floor below into the cylinder it
raises the float / until it strikes the collar q, and carries the rod and
valve upward until the pin o rises above the fork, permitting the latter
to drop under the pin, and suspends the rod and valve until the discharge
of water below the float, the vavle sinks and the counterbalance rises
sufficiently to raise the horizontal end of the lever p which moves the
fork from under the pin, and allows the valve to fall and close when the
water commences to rise, as before. The feeder should be protected from
external heat.
The operation of this form of congealer is as follows:-The stop-
cock 6 being opened the refrigerating agent, preferably ammonia, passes
into the coil c, thence into the system of upright pipes A, and is
conducted and distributed therein. In the traps A the gas condensed:
accumulates, and the gas in passing through said condensed portions.
carries more or less of them with it. After passing through the
congealers the gas si conducted to the condensers, as will, be hereafter
more fully described.
.
The water for congelation is first passed over the coil c, and is thereby
cooled to an appreciable and valuable degree, and at the same time the
gas formed in the coil in the performance of that service adds in driving

page_text: Fig. 9 represents on an enlarged scale a diametrical section of the
refrigerant supply pipe at its junction with one of the vertical
congealers.
.
Figs. 10 and 11, and Fig. 12 represents in vertical section modifications
of vertical congealers and their combination with the supply pipe, both
with and without diaphragms and ports.
'
Fig. 13 represents a plan view of one form of distributer for supplying
water to the congealers.
:
-As before described the congealers however constructed should
occupy chambers properly guarded against the entrance of heat from the
external atmosphere.
In each instance C denotes one form of congealer. It may
be com-
posed of a plain iron pipe, and is closed at its upper end and communi-
cates at its lower end with the refrigerant supply pipe D. Within the
congealer is the supply E, Fig. 8, of smaller diameter, which extends to
a point adjacent to the upper closed end of the congealer. Within the
supply pipe D, coincident with the central vertical line of the inner pipe,
is a vertical diaphragm or partition r. The arrows on pipe D indicate
the direction taken by the refrigerant therein as it supplies the congealers.
For convenience in description the side of the diaphragm toward the
heel of the arrow will be turned toward the front side, and the opposite
the rear side.
The refrigerant supply pipe in front of each partition communicates
with the interior pipe E, and on the rear side thereof it communicates
with the annular space between the inner pipes and the interior of the con-
gealer, so that when these two passages are open a circulation is effected
along the supply pipe to a partition, thence upward through the inner
pipe, thence downward in the congealer into and onward through the
supply pipe. In order to place each congealer under control I guard
both passages by means of a valve or cock, a desirable form of which is
shown at s. This cock may be manipulated by means of a lever, as at t,
or by other equivalent device. This cock also will wholy cut off the
supply of refrigerant to the congealer. To secure desirable results it is
obvious that the refrigerant must be partially vaporized when it cuters
the supply pipe and as it is introduced to the congealing apparatus in
fluid form it is of value that the refrigerating effect resulting from said
partialy gasification be fully utilized. This may be accomplished by

page_text: introducing the liquid refrigerant into the supply pipe direct from the
condenser through one or more of the congealers in order that in
becoming partially gasified it shall perform refrigerating service. The
branch pipe at u provided with suitable cock represents a connection
with the fluid containing portion of the condenser.
In the Drawings, Fig. 7, a stack of four congealers only are shown.
In practice a greater number will be employed, and arranged preferably
in rows so as to occupy properly the space of the chamber. In practice
I have located the pipes with a space of about three feet between them;
this may be varied however to any desired extent.
its
In operating upon a row of congealer pipes it is desirable that only a
proper proportion of the refrigerant moving in the supply pipe should be
diverted through each of the congealers. I have discovered in connection
with ammonia (which is believed by me to be the best refrigerant known in
the art) that when the area of the opening through which the liquid and
vapor is made to flow is such as to admit of considerable velocity of
the vapour that it carries the liquid with it, causing both to become
intimately mixed, and I have observed in this connection that they will
remain in that intermate relation or condition for a considerable length
of time, provided said mixture be kept in motion in vertical lines, and
meantime the velocity of the mass attained in practice be sufficient to
overcome the gravitation of the liquified particles or portions.
In Fig. 10 the vertical congealer is shown with an interior diaphragm,
which extends from the supply pipe D upward to a point near the top
of the interior of the congealer. Near the base of the diaphragm is tho
port v. As the refrigerant flows toward the lef hand the reduced area
of the opening of the port causes a portion thereof to be directed upward
over the top of the diaphragm, thence downward into the supply pipe,
where it joins that portion which passed directly through the port, and
thence onward to the next congealer.
.
In Fig. 11 the congealers are arranged in pairs united at the top, and
each are connected at the base with the supply pipe D¹. A diaphragm
as at provided with a port as before described is located between tho
two congealers in the supply pipe. As the refrigerant flows toward the
left hand it is partially obstructed by the diaphragm, and while a portion
thereof flows through the port, as before described, a sufficient quantity
will be directed upward into the right-hand congoaler, thence upward

page_text: through the connecting pipe, then downward through the left-hand
congealer into the supply pipe, as already described in connection with
the other two forms of congealers.
Although the continuous length of pipe with the top connection, as
shown in Fig. 11, is well adapted to small apparatus and will produce
desirable results with the diaphragm, as shown, I prefer for large
apparatus either that form which has a free interior passage or the
double interior passage, as previously shown.
In absolutely perfect apparatus (however the vertical congealers may
be constructed) it is desirable to have their openings into the supply pipe
controllable by suitable cocks, and also for convenience in adjusting the
area of the openings at the ports in accordance with their location, as
before referred to; said ports should in like manner be so controlled.
In order to divert and control in a measure the main body of the
refrigerant I provide in cach diaphragm or partition two ports, as at w
and x. The former is placed above and the latter below the horizontal
diametrical line of the supply pipe. Attached to the rod of the cock s
is a gate plate, which is in sufficiently close contact with the coincident
surface of the partition or diaphragm to close or partially close the
port w when the congealer passages are closed by raising the cock,
leaving the lower port wholly unobstructed. Should the passages into
the congealer be only partially closed both the upper and the lower ports
will be sufficiently open to admit passage of the refrigerant. In order
that the ammonia may not be objectionably retarded in its progress
through the several ports said ports will have an increased area of
opening at every partition, including the last; in the directon opposite
to that from whence the supply flows.
In order that the area of each port or pair of ports may be accurately
adjusted in accordance with requirements dictated by experience I
suggest that the gate plates be made vertically adjustable on the valve
rods, so that although the area of opening of the ports in all the par-
titions may be the same they may by the relative position of the gate
plate be varied in capacity to meet requirements in each instance. As
the movement of the ammonia is not materially effected by the laws of
gravitation it will be obvious that the congealers may be reversed in
position and the refrigerant supply pipe placed above instead of
below, and yet produce desirable results so far as congealing is concerned,

page_text: .
although I prefer the general arrangement shown, with the supply pipe
located below. The passage of the volatile refrigerant through the ports
serve in each instance at each passage thereof to effect to a valuable
degree the readmixture of liquid and gas by bringing them into close
relation, substantially as described in connection with traps shewn in
connection with the congealers first described.
Fig. 12 represents congealers similar to those shewn in Fig. 11, which
are connected in like manner with the supply pipe. Instead however of
having a uniform diameter, as is possible when the partitions and
openings are employed, the supply pipe is made in sections, which are of
gradually increased diameter, as shown. The refrigerant (ammonia for
instance) entering the supply pipe at its smallest end (by the way of one
or more of the congealers, as shown) under proper pressure, and being
not materially effected by gravitation, it readily rises in the first
succeeding vertical congealer and passes over to the next, thence
downard. At the point where the supply pipe is enlarged the pressure
of the refrigerant is decreased in consequence of said enlargement, and
in proportion thereto, which admits the refrigerant in the congealer, in
which the current is downward, to enter the supply pipe and unite with
that portion which continued in its direct course, and so on through the
series. In practice I seek to make the sectional are of the supply pipe
between the inlet and outlet of each pair of congealing pipes, such that
a small excess of the fluid will be caused to pass through the congealing
pipes over and above what is requisite to perform the freezing work
therein. The volume and density of the fluid may be determined at any
given point in its course, from its inlet in the form of liquid into the
main supply pipe to its outlet therefrom in the form of gas, by cacu-
lating by methods well known to experts in the art the amount of heat
it has absorbed in doing its freezing and cooling work before reaching
that point, and from this calculation I determine the area or capacity of
the pipe required to cause the requisite portions of its volume to traverse
the upright pipes at that given point.
It will be seen that the modifications of congealers shown in connec-
tion with a supply pipe involve in their practical operation in connection
with the manufacture of ice a novel method of distributing ammonia
and its vapors, or other volatile liquids and their vapors, in a mixed con-
dition through a series of vertical congealing pipes, whereby they may be
made of a uniform size and possess-uniform frigolific power, and although

page_text: connected with a supply pipe common to them all each congealing pipo
may be disconnected therefrom without affecting the operation of others.
It is obvious that by connecting the vertical congcaling pipes with the
common supply pipe a more direct route is open for the main portion of
the refrigerant, and renders it practicable to maintain such relations
between the frigolific power of the fluids and the pressure under which
they are worked as to promote as far as possible uniform congelation
throughout the series of congealing pipes. The terms "diaphragm " and
"partition" are employed by me herein in the broadest sense, as.
indicating such a variation in the interior dimensions of the supply pipe
as will admit of the presence of a port or opening having less area than
the lateral sectional are a of the supply pipe, for I am well aware that the
supply pipe itself at points where certain obstruction to the direct flow
is required may be so reduced in diameter as to present an opening of
reduced area, thereby producing the same results.
Having shown but one method of water distribution it is proper for
me to show others having a practical value, which have been employed
by me in this connection. The Figs. 20, 21, 22, and 23, showing the
complete apparatus, exhibit rotary pans at the top of the congealing
pipes, which are provided with delivery nozzles. The rotatation of the
pans is effected continuously by means of belt, chain, or cord, and
driving pulleys, as indicated.
To obtaini an ntermittent rotary motion of the pans requires merely the
application of ordinary mechanical skill; such an apparatus is shown by
Fig. 13. The several pans are fed from a water supply pipe. All the
pans are rotatively connected by a belt or cord. One of the pans is
provided with a ratchet wheel, with which a spring pawl on a sliding
bar engages. The sliding bar derives motion from the pump shaft, as
clearly indicated in the proceeding Fig. 7. The intermittent rotation of
this one pan communicates like movement to all the rest.
Having thus described the several forms of congealers, which are
known to possess practical value, and several forms of water distributers,
it will be seen that the congealers, however specifically constructed,
present exterior freezing surfaces, to the rear of which the refrigerating
agent is applied, and through which it operates. Also that as the ice
accumulates on said surfaces the surface of said ice constitutes the
freezing surface, on which other ice is formed in a homogeneous mass..
.

page_text: In distributing the water it is to be understood that it should be
discharged upon the congealers in such quantities as to evenly distribute
it over the surface of the pipes, or the ice formed thereon, and while a
portion of the water is congealed the remainder will flow over the
surface of the ice, and thereby wash away effectually air bubbles and all
impurities liable to exist in the water employed. This excess of water
flowing to the bottom of the room descends to a well, and may be
again pumped up, so utilizing the low temperature it has necessarily
attained.
The importance of the flowing streams will be obvious when it is
remembered that water in the act of congelation tends to reject the air
normanally contained in the water, and also all impurities therein, and
that the air bubbles and all impurities are effectually removed by the
flowing [streams. This effect will be appreciated when I state as a
matter of fact that I have produced by my apparatus masses of solid
translucent merchantable ice direct from surface water collected after a
rain storm in a clay pit; said water was so charged with earthly matter
as to render it quite opaque in a glass.
Valuable results accruing from the novel feature of applying the
water in flowing streams may be attained by employing tanks of a
peculiar construction. In Fig. 22 I show in plain view a tank provided
with hollow vertical plates, within which the refrigerant is applied.
These plates alternately project from opposite sides of the tank to a
point nearly adjacent to the coincident side, as shown. The two ends
of the tank are connected by a channel of equal depth with the tanks.
A rotary wheel of proper construction, such as has been before
employed for moving water in other connections, is located in this
channel, the function of which is to cause the water in the tank to be
constantly flowing from one end to the other, as indicated by the several
arrows. It will be seen that the freezing surfaces will be constantly
washed as the congelation progresses. The old method of freezing
water in tanks, freezing vessels, or moulds cannot produce these results.
While I do not relinquish that portion of my improvements in the
process of making ice which is applicable to tank processes, it is to be
understood that one valuable result of my Invention is that tho
expensive and cumbersome tank can be wholly dispensed with. In
tank or mould processes the ice as fast as formed must be removed in

page_text: order to admit of further manufacture, while by employing my vertical
congealers large ice houses can be filled with the pipes and a stock of
ice formed thercon, which may be allowed to stand as in a magazine
until demand occurs. It is obvious that with operations on a large
scale the manufacture of ice can be conducted most economically at the
coolest part of the year, and if an ice house as described be once filled,
that the congealers as fast as they are stripped for supplying the market
may be put into reproducing opperation under circumstances nearly as
favourable as when the icc house was filled, because the ice still
remaining in the house forms a "stock" on hand, not only to meet the
demands of trade, but also to maintain a low temperature, in which to
successfully continue further manufacture.
In mounting the congealers care will be taken to afford a foundation
for the column of ice to rest upon. The flanges at the base of the
congealers affords such a base, while in the complete apparatus shown
the floor is so arranged as to serve as a direct foundation.
In detaching the ice from the congealers no difficulty is experienced.
The ice although homogeneous has a perfect radial clearage and a slight
saw cut at one side, and the use of wooden or metal wedges affords a
means of ready detachment.
For the purpose of previously detaching the column from the con-
gealers several methods are illustrated in the Drawings. At Fig. 7, one
of the congealers is shown to have a pipe entering at its top, and
branched in opposite directions. Each branch has a suitable cock, one
branch connects with the pipes containing the liquid ammonia, from
which a supply may be taken when required, as before described. The
other branch connects with the upper part of the condenser, whereby
more or less heated gas may be admitted, which promptly loosens the
ice from the congealers. In the complete apparatus, as shewn, the con-
gealers are cut off from communication with the supply pipe. The
warmth of the room below in which the lower connections are exposed
is soon communicated to the interior of the congealers, and the ice is
detached as rapidly as is requisite in practice.
It will be seen that as the ice is formed on the hollow cores the
freezing surface is gradually increased in area, and although the freezing
operation may at times proceed proportionally slower as the thickness
of ice increases, the increase of freezing area will practically com-

page_text: pensate therefore, admitting of the formation of cylinders of ice of
any required size. It is therefore of great importance that the heavy
column of ice have a self sustaining capacity at its base, as heretofore
described, to avoid possibility of racking and straining the pipes.
I find in practice that the freezing operation progresses more rapidly
at the central portion of a series of congealing pipes than it does either
at those congealers near the point at which the liquid ammonia enters,
or the gas leaves the system. Therefore it is desirable that each of the
several sections be operated alternately as an initial section, and so
produce uniform ice on all.
CONDENSER.
I will next refer to that portion of my Invention which relates to my
improvements in condensers for the treatment of ammonia, that being
the refrigerating agent which is employed by me in the manufacture of
artificial ice, preferably to any other known refrigerating agent.
The condensation of gases and vapors prior to my Invention has been
effected by passing them through lengths, coils, or stacks of pipes, the
exterior surfaces of which were subjected to the continuous application
of water. In all cases known to me prior to my Invention the water
has either been continuously applied thereto by showering or spraying,
or the pipes have been submerged therein. In both cases water has
been employed, not only at its natural temperature, but also at a lower
temperature artificially induced. When water is applied by constantly
showering or spraying, the well-known, and in this connection
important refrigerating effect of evaporation is available to a limited
degree only; and when the said pipes are submerged in water none of its
advantages accrue. In both of these methods of applying water, either
a wasteful use of water occurs, or on the other hand a waste of the refri-
gerating agent employed for artificially reducing the temperature of the
water from time to time.
.
My Invention in condensers consists in the combination with coils or
pipes for containing and conducting the matter to be condensed of an
automatically operated water delivering apparatus, which intermittently
discharges the water on said coils or pipes, or portions thereof, at such

page_text: intervals as will admit of the surfaces of said pipes being intermittently
charged with water and freed therefrom, and permit a complete evapo-
ration of the water in the exterior surfaces of the said pipes between each
automatic discharge of the water thereon, whereby rapid condensation
is effected, an excessive use of water avoided, and the necessity for using
artificial agents for cooling the water used practically obviated.
Fig. 14 represents one of my condensers. It consists of the coil of
pipe shown at F, supported by suitable standards and mounted on a
water-tight floor with raised sides, as shown. For the purpose of securing
large evaporation surface, and for maintaining the vapors and gases and
the fluid to be charged therewith in small volume, I prefer that two sets
of pipes be used, as shown at y and z. Both sets of pipes connect with
the main induction at the branch pipe at G, so that the vapors and fluids
flow therefrom in opposite directions through the pipes to the base of
the coil into the receiver H, from which the condensed fluid may be
drawn for the congealers. The pipes may be variously arranged, but I
prefer the coil arrangement, as shown. I denotes a pipe shaft centrally
located within the coil and communicating at its base with the water
supply pipe shewn. The pipe shaft at its base is provided with a step
and packing box, whereby it may slowly revolve by means of a rag
wheel or pulley chain and driving wheel, not shown. The pipe shaft is
surmounted by and carries a horizontal pipe, the interior of which
communicates with the pipe shaft. Near the outer ends of the hori-
zontal pipe are perforations, as shown, through which water is discharged
upon the coil as the pipe shaft revolves. A cock in the water pipe
gauges the supply of water.
It will be seen that although the water will be continuously flowing
from the ends of the horizontal pipe that it will be intermittently applied
to portions of the pipes, and that the movement of the pipe shaft and
the quantity of water delivered may be so graduated as to allow eacli
portion after having been wet to become even wholly dried by the
absorption of the moisture by the air, before in its revolution the end of
the delivery pipe again reaches that portion and again wets it.
In Fig. 15 I show another form of water delivering apparatus, by
which closely approximating results may be attained. Itconsists of an
annular pipe perforated at its lower side. This pipe is located above the
coil, and the circle is of the same diameter. Water is supplied to the
B

page_text: annular pipe by a conductor, shown, and in this conducter is a rotating
plug cock operated continuously by the gearing shown. Every revolution
of the largest gear opens and closes the cock twice, thus effecting inter-
mittent discharges of water upon the coil. The intervals of discharge
may be regulated by speed of the gearing. In this connection it is to
be understood that no novelty exists broadly in the combination of a
condensing coil and a water delivering apparatus. The novelty of my
Invention consists solely in that improvement in such condensers which
admits of the intermittent discharge of the water, whereby the full
cooling effect of surface evaporation is attained. As heretofore con-
structed the supply of water has been continuous, the water continually
flowing over the pipes, and therefore the evaporative effect was only
produced upon the water instead of upon the pipes themselves, and this
difference, slight as it may appear, has proved in practice to be of great
lus
I will next describe that portion of my Invention which relates to my
improvements in the process of absorbing ammonia gas in water and
other solutions, which I find to be of great practical value in the manu-
facture of ice, involving the use of ammonia when the same is employed,
in aqueous or other solutions. My said improvements are also applicable
to refrigerating apparatus not specially adapted to ice making, and my
chief purpose is to render the operation of absorbing ammonia gas
practicable on a large scale and by a process more simple and economical
than any heretofore practised within my knowledge.
My Invention in the process of absorbing ammonia gas in water or
other suitable liquid consists in mingling the gas and water in due
proportions while in transit, and then passing the mixture through
conduits exposed to a cooling agent. By this method I accomplish the
absorption under the most favourable conditions, maintaining as I
do a practically uniform temperature and pressure throughout the
operation.
In conducting cooling and freezing operations the intensity of the
hcat required for expelling the gas from its aqueous solution is pro-
portionate to the quantity of water the solution contains. Also the
whole mass of water used, has to be heated and cooled through a range
of temperature of about 200 degrees Fahricnheit each time it is charged,

page_text: Therefore economy in fuel and cost of apparatus demands that the
quantity of water used to absorb a given quantity of gas be reduced to
a minimum. The capacity of water for absorbing ammonia gas depends
entirely upon the temperature and pressure under which the operation
3 is conducted, that is to say, the lower the temperature and the higher
the pressure the greater will be the quantity of gas absorbed in a given
quantity of water.
When the absorption takes place at about the ordinary temperature
of air and water, and at about the pressure at which the gas usually
comes from an ordinary cooling and freezing apparatus, the quantity of
absorbed gas is more sensibly affected by any change of temperature or
pressure than when the absorption takes place at higher degrees of tem-
perature and pressure than those stated. Therefore in practice the most
favourable conditions under which absorption can take place is when gas
and water are uniformly mixed together, the initial pressure maintained
throughout the apparatus, and the cooling agent brought into the closest
possible proximity to all parts of the absorbing mixture.
My absorber designed and constructed in accordance with these
principles is illustrated by Fig. 16, showing a complete apparatus,
and Fig. 17, a portion in section of one of the parts of the apparatus
in a modified form.
The gas to be absorbed as it comes from the congoalers or refrigerating
apparatus is admitted through the vertical neck of the pipe K, and the
water or impoverished solutions from the retorts enter by the horizontal
neck of said pipe. Both the gas and the fluid which is to absorb it
enter with sufficient velocity to break the fluid into spray, and so effect
an intimate mixture at the outset. The lateral branches of pipe K
divide the entering complex stream of liquid and gas into two streams,
and cach of these are again subdivided into two other streams, as
shown. The four streams traverse the pipes containing them, which are
coiled in opposite directions, as shown, until they reach the receiver L,
which they enter from opposite directions. The four streams merge
into one in passing through the receiver, and thereby the gas unabsorbed
is remixed with the liquid, which then leaves the receiver in two streams
flowing in opposite directions in pipes coiled as before, until they reach
another receiver M, where both streams unite as before and dopart in
one stream through a pipe, also coiled, and from thence the liquid com.

page_text: pletely charged with gas is conducted to the boilers or distilling retorts
for further use.. As the mixture of gas and the water or other
absorbent advances through the pipes of the absorber, its volume is
constantly decreasing by the absorption; therefore the number of
pipes is successively reduced in each succeeding section until but a 5
single pipe is employed, which will ordinarily be sufficient. The two
receivers serve to correct any irregularity of absorption occurring previous
to the entrance of the stream therein.
The heat evolved by the absorption may be withdrawn from the pipes
by any of the well-known means for condensing or cooling fluids in 1
pipes; but I prefer a water distributing apparatus substantially like that
shown in Fig. 15, which illustrates my condensers; such an annular
perforated pipe as there exhibited is shown to be located above the
absorber in Fig. 16, to which this descriptive matter relates.
The oxtent of surface required to be exposed to the cooling agent may
be calculated by the usual methods, and the pipes may be arranged in
any convenient manner. The size and number of the pipes or their
sectional area should be calculated so as to enable the gas to move with
sufficient velocity to partially carry the water with it, but not so great
as to result in any considerable diminution of pressure in the lower
sections of the absorber. As my object is to expose a large surface to
the cooling agent I prefer rather to increase the number of pipes than
tlieir conducting capacity. When the number of pipes is as shown,
branching into two, four, eight, sixteen, I use the arrangement shown
at the induction to the absorber; but when any larger number is
employed, as for instance three, six, twelve, twenty-four, I prefer to
employ the distributing arrangement illustrated in section in Fig. 17.
The gas being admitted through the vertical exterior pipe by way of the
elbow, and the water through the central interior vertical pipe shown, the
two streams are well mixed by both striking in mass the interior surfaco
of the dome of the distributor which is provided with arched radial
webs dividing the interior upper portion into several compartments
equal in number to the several conducting pipes which branch there-
from, substantially as previously shown.

page_text: apparatus therefore, whereby the gases driven from the retorts or
distilling boilers are assorted into two classes; first, the pure gas which
is conducted directly to the condenser; and second, the impure gas
which is more or less charged with watery vapor. This latter gas
having been purged of its watery vapor is then conducted to the
condenser.
My improvements under this head also embrace means for controlling
the passage of impoverished solution from the retorts or boilers to the
point where it merges with the gas, which having performed refrigerating
service, is returned from the congealers through the absorber to the
retorts.
My improved process involves the employment of novel apparatus
which consists in boilers or retorts, preferably horizontal in position,
arranged in pairs coupled at one end and placed side by side or onc
above the other. One boiler of cach pair is subjected to a greater degree
of heat than the other. The origional solutions and the returning
solutions are entered into the coolest end of the coolest boiler. From
this boiler or retort conducting pipes connect direct with the condenser,
and therefore the purest gases being climinated readily at a comparatively
low temperature are promptly discharged from the retort. The
remaining solution thus more or less deprived of its strength passes
through the coupling pipes at the opposite end into the end of the adjacent
retort. This latter as before stated is subjected to a higher degree of
heat, and in this retort the gas is therefore evolved in combination with
more or less watery vapor incident to the degree of heat necessarily
employed, and this impure gas is separately conveyed to the "dryer"
wherein the ammonia gas is separated from the watery vapor, and from
which dryer it proceeds with the origionally pure gas to the condenser.
As the impoverished solution in this latter retort must be recharged it
is drawn therefrom for a remingling with the returning gas from the
congealer, and the novel means which I have invented for properly
controlling the passage of solution without allowing an undue passage
of gas or vapor consist in combining with the discharge pipe a balanced
indicating cylinder, which when filled with liquid is depressed, but
which when filled with gas is elevated by a counterbalance, and so
indicates that further flow should be cut off; or it may be arranged to
automatically cut off said flow as I herein illustrate. It is to be under-

page_text: stood that various forms of distilling retorts have been heretofore used
in this connection, but I know of none which could assort the gascs into
classes, admit of the continuous discharge of the pure gas direct to the
condenser, and the impure gas to pass also to the condenser; but by a
distinct route by the
dryer and without affecting either of
these discharges also admit of the withdrawal from time to time of the
'impoverished solutions from the retorts.
way
of a
"
"
Referring to Figs. 18 and 19 respectively show my improved distilling
apparatus in elevation and plan. In cach Figure the distilling boilers or
retorts are shown at N¹, `N³, N³, and N, they should be of good strength
and of such size as will meet the requirements of the intended service.
The complete apparatus shown by Figs. 20, 21, 22, and 23, illustrates
one of my ice factories, on a comparative small scale, which is now in
successfull opperation. The boilers there used are cach composed of a
lap-welded iron tube ten inches in diameter and about sixteen feet long;
they are mounted in masonry with a furnace at the front end of the
boilers N and N. A flue from the furnace extends beneath these
boilers to their opposite end, then turns to the left hand and returns
beneath the boilers N' and N° to their front, and at that point enter the
chimney or smoke stack, not shown. The boilers N¹ and N° arc
separately coupled by pipes at their rear end with boilers N' and N³,
respectively, as shown. The fire being at the front of the right-hand
pair, and traversing the length of both pairs obviously results in a
graduated temperature, the front end of the pair of boilers N¹ and N³
being much cooler than the front end of boilers N³ and N. The
boilers N and N at their front ends are by means of the branch pipe,
shown at O, connected direct with the condensing coil previously
described. Both of these boilers are also coupled by the branch pipe O¹
through which the ammonia solutions in full strength are admitted to
the boiler after having made the circute through the apparatus. The
boilers N and N are also coupled by the branch pipe P, which by
means of a small pipe which communicates with the interior of the
drycr" P¹. The pipe P extends upwards into the "dryer" for about
twelve inches. The " "dryer" consists of a vertical hollow cylinder,
which is provided with interior flanges and plates which in section form
cones or parts of cones, as indicated in the Drawing, a portion of the
cylinder being broken away to show them and the upper end of
pipe P. The dryer at its upper end, by way of pipe P³, communicates
"

page_text: "
with the pipe O, which has been before described as connecting boilers
N' and N, direct with the condenser. The dryer is connected at its top
with the bottom of the temperature exchanger Q by means of the
pipe Ps. The temperature exchanger" consists of a vertical hollow
cylinder, a portion of which is broken away to show its interior. The
upper end of the exchanger Q is connected by way of pipe P' with the
single-acting pump at R, which in turn is connected, as shown by
Fig. 20, by the enlarged pipe R¹ (which also serves as a reservoir) with
the exit or delivery end of the "absorber." The pipes P³ and P* are
connected with the coil within the exchanger, and are in fact one pipe
leading from the pump to the dryer. The two boilers N³ and N' are
also coupled at their front ends by the pipe S, which crosses their heads
laterly, and then extends toward the rear of the boiler at right
angles, and enters the top of the cylindrical indicating chamber S¹; from
the bottom of the chamber S'a pipe S* extends parallel with pipe S
toward the front end of the boilers, and enters by a lateral bend the
"temperature exchanger "Qat its bottom. The exchanger being filled
with this solution it is discharged therefrom at the top by way of pipe S³,
thence to the "absorber" previously described.
It is desirable that cocks should be placed at numerous points in the
apparatus, as indicated in the Drawings, and some of the most important
ones will be hereafter referred to by simple figures in the explanation of
operation.
The apparatus is first properly charged with ammonia solution, I
prefer an aqueous solution containing about 30 per cent. of ammonia, and
with this I fill all the pipes connecting the boilers with the absorber, and
also charge the boilers to about two-thirds of their capacity. The
charging may be effected partially at the retorts by means of a pipe and
funnel, shown on pipe O¹, and partially at the top of large pipe R
(Figure 20), the pump being worked meantime. Pressure gauges are
provided for each of the boilers or retorts. The boilers are then heated
sufficiently, to drive the gas therefrom with the pressure required to
condense it in the condenser. The gas evolved from both pairs of
retorts will be for a short time at the outset of the purest character, and
will pass directly to the condenser by way of pipe O. From the con-
denser the condensed gas in liquid form will be conducted to the
congealers, thence in the form of gas to the "absorber," thence to the
pump R which forces it into the "exchanger "Q in the form of solution

page_text: .
of original strength, thence into the dryer P¹, thence by pipe O¹ back
to the retorts N¹ and N³. The boilers N and N* are heated by reason
to their relation to the furnace to a higher degree than the other two
retorts, the gases evolved therefrom are therefore more or less charged
with watery vapour, while the gas evolved at a comparatively low tem-
perature from retorts N' and N is practically free from said vapor. It
is therefore necessary to purify the gas from N³ and N' before allowing
it to merge with the pure gas on its way to the condenser. This purifi-
cation is accomplished in the "dryer" P¹. The watery vapor entering
from below, passes upwards through the descending volume of restored
solution, which has before been described as coming from the
exchanger "Q and the pump R, and the gas by contact with this
solution leaves with it the watery vapors, and proceeds comparatively
pure from the top of the dryer to the condenser by pipe O.
It will be obvious that the solution remaining in the boilers N³
and N+ will become impoverished after a while, as the tendency is for
the ammonia gas to be more or less freely evolved, and therefore I
provide a means for withdrawing said solution and enriching it by
recharging it with the ammonia it origionally contained. The pipe S
before described as coupling the two boilers N³ and N+, and com-
municating with the indicating chamber 8' pipe S", "exchanger" Q
S¹ S³,
and pipe S admits of the passage of the impoverished solution to the
"absorber," where it is again mingled with the gas which proceeds
from the congealers, and returns through the pump to the retorts.
"
As the withdrawal of the impoverished solution is only requisite when
an excess thereof is present in the retort, I have devised a means for
determining when sufficient has been drawn off, and in connection
therewith means for automatically or partially shutting off the discharge.
It will be seen that the pipe tap draws the heads of the retorts N³
and N at about their centres, and that therefore no flow will occur
The indicating
therefrom, except when filled above that point.
chamber S¹ it will be observed is connected with tight joints to the upper
pipe S and lower pipe S, and that said pipes have considerable length
and are horizontal, as shown at Figure 19. Their length and horizontal
position admits of considerable vertical movement of the cylinder S¹
resulting from the elastic bending capacity of the pipes. It will be
seen therefore that when solution is flowing through pipe S and S³ that
the cylinder S¹ will be full of solution, and that its weight will cause it

page_text: to be depressed to the extent admitted by the flexibility of the pipes,
and it will be as readily seen that when the solution has been so far
discharged from the retorts N³ and N* as to allow gas or vapor to enter
the pipe S, that the solution will be driven from the cylinder S¹ and
pipo S, and by their loss of solid contents they will be free to rise, and
by that movement indicate that the cocks at the retorts should be closed
or partially closed. To admit in the return upward movement of the
cylinder S¹ I apply a lever and weight thereto as a counterbalance,
which will readily be comprehended from the Drawings.
At Fig. 23 I show a device whereby the cock will be automatically
closed or partially closed when the cylinder S¹ rises. The cock in pipe S is
provided with a long arm and weight. Between the arm and the weight
is a holding block in wedge form; this wedge block by means of a
square faced abutment on one side and an inclined faced sliding bar on
the opposite side holds the weight when the cock is open. The opposite
end of the sliding bar is in contact with a square faced pivoted bar.
When the cylinder S¹ rises it lifts the pivoted bar from contact with the
sliding bar, leaving it free to slide away from the inclined face of the
wedge block, whereby the weight is free to fall and by its fall to close or
partially close the cock. When proper to resume the drawing off of the
solution the cock will be set as before, and by its automatic action again
secure the proper closure as described.
In practice it is. intended as far as possible to have the flow of the
impoverished solution from the retort continuous, and I prefer that the
cock controlling it should never befully closed. Of course the impoverished
solution leaves the retorts at a high temperature, but in its passage
upward through the "exchanger". its heat is extracted by the cold
restored solution which envelopes the coil in the "exchanger," and by
this exchange of temperature the enriched solution is all the better
fitted to enter the retorts, and the impoverished solution also better.
fitted to proceed to the absorber. It will be seen that by this arrange-
ment an economic expenditure of heat is effected, inasmuch as the
outgoing solution exchanges temperatures with the solution on its way
to the retorts N¹, N³.
It will be seen that a single retort of a length equal to that of N' and
If the fire was at
N³, for instance, would operate much like the two.
one end and the heat conducted throughout its length, there would be

page_text: approximately variable degrees of temperaturo between the front and
rear ends, and at the latter end the rich solution would be entered and
the pure gas discharged, while at the front end, as herein shown with
N³ and N*, the impure gas and exhausted solution would be drawn. In
such a retort however it would be well to have a partition midway
between its two ends, so perforated as to serve as a connection between
the two, after the manner of the coupling pipes in rear of retorts
shown.
Although I have shown the retorts in connection with a furnace, it
will be obvious that steam may as well be employed as a heating
medium. In heating by steam various methods may be adopted, which
will readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in the art. As an
instance the retorts could be encircled with a series of steam jackets or
steam spaces located at different points on the retorts, and graduated in
heating capacity so as to make one end of the retort its hottest portion,
and to vary the degrees of temperature between that portion and the
portion which is to be but slightly heated.
Fig. 20 is a view partially in elevation and partially in vertical section.

page_text: The congealer is located in a structure having complex walls of brick
and open places filled with any good non-conductor of heat. The interior
walls are covered with hydraulic cement. The supporting floor is located
some distance above the floor of a chamber below. This lower chamber
may be utilized as a storeroom for perishable articles, as its temperature
is such as to render it of great value. The vertical congealing pipes are
of common iron gas pipes eighteen feet high. Their general arrange-
ment resembles that shown in Figs. 1 and 5, although differing in special
arrangement. It will be seen that. six sections are shown, with six pipes
in cach section, and all are so connected as to afford continuous com-
munication throughout the series, alternately connected at top and
bottom. The water delivery apparatus resembels that shewn in Figs. 7
and 13, but differs from that in the mode of revolving the pans. Instead
of the intermittent revolution they revolve slowly but continuously by
means of a belt, chain, or cord, and a driver, as shown in Fig. 21. On the
roof of the congealing chamber exposed to the open air is the condenser
and absorber, substantially as previously described in detail, the con-
denser being placed above the "absorber," and both being exposed to
the action of water delivered from the rotating horizontal pipe sur-
mounting the coils. Although difficult to separate them in the Drawings
by the eye, they are distinct and separate, and in detail substantially as
previously described. The retorts are precisely as previously shown.
The only device which appears for the first time as a subject for
description is the indicator T, which is in fact in construction a duplicate
of the indicating cylinder S', previously described. It will be seen that
some means should be available whereby it may be determined wether.
or not the congealers are being properly supplied with liquid ammonia.
The indicator T is an intermediate connecting link between the con-
denser and the congealers, and through it all the liquid ammonia passes.
Being susceptible of vertical movement precisely like the indicator S',
and being like that provided with a counterpoise weight and lever, as
shown, it is depressed when full of liquid and elevated when empty, and
therefore so long as it is depressed it shows that the congealers are being
properly supplied, while by its elevation it indicates that connection
should be at least partially cut off with the congealer until a supply of
liquid has accumulated. In the centre of the congealer floor is a well,
into which the excess of water flows after passing down over the con-
gealers, and from this it is pumped to the system of upper pipes, from

page_text: which the revolving pans are supplied. As fast as congelation is effected
new supplies of water may be furnished to the well by pipes from a water
main, or by pumping from an original source.
It will be seen by Fig. 21 that each set of congealers is connected at
the top of one of them with the ammonia supply pipe T¹, which connects
with the condenser by the way of indicator T. The cocks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
control the supply to each set. The large central pipe U communicates
with each series at the top of the chamber, and it is into this pipe that
all the gas is discharged from the congealers after having performed its
freezing work. At every point of connection of this pipe or its branches
with the congealers are means for closing the connection; three-way
cocks are preferable, and these are shown at 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and
14. The pipe U conducts the gas upward to the absorber. For the
purpose of description in operation I will designate the several sets of
congealers as V¹, V², V³, V+, V³, Vº.
It will be seen that by the arrangement of the supply pipes, discharge
pipes, and cocks that ammonia may only be supplied into set V¹, and
made to traverse the entire system and discharge the gas from the set V
if such an operation were requisito; or it may be entered directly into
each set, and gas may be directly discharged therefrom, giving the widest
possible range of operation, and permit the active employment of any
five of the sets, while any one of them is detached for the removal of ice
from the pipes. For instance, to cut off the set V' the supply cock at 1
is closed, and that at 2 is left open. The cock at 8 is so set that the gas
in the section can freely escape into pipe U, and by its connection
therewith the temperature of the congealing pipes rapidly rises. Below
the floor the horizontal connections being in a warmer locality assists in
the gasification of the liquid, which may remain in the pipes, and
soon the ice will be sufficiently detached therefrom to admit of ready
removal by sawing and splitting, which is readily effected by reason of
the free radial clearage of the ice. The set V2 then becomes the first in
the series, the ammonia being supplied by cock 2, and so on.
The same
operation may be repeated with each set of the system. Any single sot
or number of sets may also be operated while the rest remain idle, as
for instance, set V* will be supplied with ammonia by way of cock 4, all
the other supply cocks being closed; cock 12 is then opened for com-
munication with pipe U, and cock 11 closed.

page_text: broken sheets or drops graduated to the freezing operation; that revolving
drums partially immersed in water have been arranged to form ice on
their peripherical surfaces; that said drums have been enclosed in
refrigerating chambers whereby the ice was formed; that ice has also
been formed on such drums by employing a refrigerant within the drum;
but by none of these systems has the water to be frozen been made to
flow in streams traversing freezing surfaces, to the rear of which the
refrigerant was applied, and through which it operated.
The only apparatus intended for the manufacture of ice known to me in
which flowing streams have been employed consisted of a refrigerating
chamber within which were suspended vertically boards, thin metal
plates, or cloth, on the surface of which ice was formed by flowing. films
of water down said surfaces. Such an apparatus differs from those
which embody the essential principles of my Invention in this, the
refrigerating agent is not applied to the rear of the freezing surfaces, and
does not operate through said surfaces, while in my process this location
of the refrigerant at the rear of said surfaces, so that it will act through
them, constitutes one of the vital elements of my Invention.
With freezing surfaces which operate by reason of the application of
the refrigerating agent to their front, as has heretofore been done, that a
ice which is first formed thereon is by the increase of its thickness in
point of fact placed farther and farther from the refrigerating agent, and
hence during the formation of successive layers it cannot be hardened
beyond the degree of hardness or density first obtained. By my process
with the refrigerant applied to the rear of said surface the ice first a
formed is continuously hardend, and maintains always the same location
with relation to the refrigerant. Moreover, the refrigerant when applied
to the front of the freezing surface occupies a position between which
and the freezing surface on which ice is formed the film of water
flows, therefore it will be seen that the refrigerant directly acts upon the a
outer portion of the film, and must necessarily expend a large portion of
its frigorific power upon the water which passes away from the bottom
of the freezing surface. In my process with the refrigerant applied to
the rear of the freezing surfaces that portion of the film which is next to
said surface has expended directly upon it through the ice already formed
the frigirific power of the freezing agent. I therefore wish to be under-
stood as making no claims to flowing streams in themselves considered,.
but to the process herein described, which involves the application of

page_text: flowing streams to freezing surfaces, to the rear of which the refrigerant
is applied, and through which it operates. Although 1 so limit myself I
have reason to believe that my Invention is prior date to the Invention
of the described apparatus involving the application of the refrigerant to
the front of the freezing surface.
Having thus described my Invention, what I claim as new and of my
own Invention is,―
1rst. The improvement in the manufacture of artificial ice, which
consists in forming the ice on freezing surfaces, in the rear of which the
refrigerating agent is applied, and through which it operates by con-
gealing portions of water applied to and traversing the freezing surfaces
in flowing streams, substantially as described, whereby the surface of
the ice is freed from objectionable matter, as specified.
2rd. The herein-described process of manufacturing ice around cores,
through which the freezing agent flows, by showering or throwing the
water upon them, so that constant currents of water shall flow over the
surface of the ice during its formation, substantially as specified.
3rd. In an ice-making apparatus whereby ice is formed by the con-
gelation on vertical freezing surfaces of water, which traverses the same
in flowing streams; an isolated vertical congealer mounted on a base,
which not only supports the congealor, but also affords a direct support
for the ice formed thercon, substantially as described, whereby the
employment of a freezing tank is obviated, and the ice in any desired
bulk or quantity may be formed upon the congealer without the liability
of racking or straining the same, as set forth.
4th. The combination with a congealer composed of pipes containing
the refrigerant of a water apparatus adapted to deliver the water to be
frozen on all sides of the congealer, substantially as described.
5th. The combination with a base pipe and vertical congealers adapted
to be operated by a volatile refrigerating agent, of a trap at the base
thereof for containing condensed or liquid portions of the refrigerant,
substantially as described, whereby gaseous portions of the refrigerant
will be passed through said liquid in its passage from one congealer to
another, as specified.
6th. In a congealing apparatus, a series of isolated vertical congealing

page_text: each, and provided with a continuous passage throughout its length,
substantially as described, whereby said supply pipe may deliver the
refrigerant to said congealing pipes and receive it therefrom, for the
purposes specified.
7th. The combination with a refrigerant supply pipe having diaphragms
and ports of vertical congealers having a double connection with the
supply pipe, and arranged with relation to the diaphragms substan-
tially as described, whereby the refrigerant will be partially diverted
from its direct course through the congealers and return to the supply
pipe.
8th. In a volatile refrigerant supply pipe, one or more diaphragms or
partitions provided with ports or openings of less area than the sectional
area of said pipe, substantially as described, whereby the gaseous and
fluid portions of the refrigerant may be brought into close relations with
each other by their passage through each opening, as specified.
9th. The vertical congealers, having independent interior passages for
conducting the refrigerant, the supply pipe, and the diaphragms or
partitions, with ports combined and arranged to operate substantially as
described.
10th. A vertical congealer for artificial ice manufacture, composed of
an exterior casing having a closed end, (an interior conductor with an
open end located adjacent to the close end of the casing, and a refrigerant
supply pipe connected with said pipe and casing, substantially as described,
whereby the refrigerant will be conducted into the congealer by way of
the interior pipe, and from the congealer to the supply pipe, for the
purposes specified.
11th. In a congealing apparatus having vertical congealers imme-
diately supplied from a pipe common to them all, the combination with
the congealers and supply pipe of a cock or cocks for controlling the
passage of ammonia or other refrigerent to each congealer, and a
diaphragm in the supply pipe opposite each congealer provided with a
port or ports, which are alsoe guarded by valves or cocks, substantially as
described.
12th. The combination with a vertical congealer for containing a
refrigerant of a water distributor located above the congealer, and
arranged to revolve while discharging water upon the congealer, sub-
stantially as described,

page_text: 13th. A condenser composed of a stack or coil of pipe, arranged for
conducting gases, vapors, and fluids, in combination with an automatic
intermittently operating water delivering apparatus, substantially as
described, whereby the exterior surface of said pipes may be alternately
charged with water and freed therefrom, for the purposes specified.
14th. The process of absorbing ammonia gas in water by mingling
them in due proportions while in transit, and then passing the mixture
in streams through conduits exposed to a cooling agent, substantially as
described.
15th. The improvement in the process of treating ammonia solutions
employed in ice making apparatus, which consists in evolving ammonia
gas from said solution by treating the solution in a retort which is
exposed to various degrees of heat, and assorting the gas evolved at low
temperatures from that gas evolved with watery vapor at a high tem-
perature, substantially as described.
16th. An apparatus for distilling ammonia from solutions, consisting
of a retort composed of communicating compartments, separate gas
conducting pipes, and a heating apparatus, arranged to heat one com-
partment more than the other, substantially as described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Martin Benson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Fifteenth day of March, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-five.
.