Improvements in Apparatus for Washing or Cleaning Grain or Granular Materials.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 12th Jan., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 10th Oct., 1893-Accepted, 12th Jan., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Washing or Cleaning Grain or
Granular Materials.
I, JAMES YATE JOHNSON, of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of
Middlesex, Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has
been communicated to me from abroad by Jules Saladin of Nancy in the Republic
of France Engineer) to be as follows:
This invention relates to apparatus for washing or cleaning grain or seeds or
other granular materials or produce and is more particularly applicable to apparatus
employed for washing or cleaning barley in order to prepare it for being placed in
germinating cases for the manufacture of malt.
The grain supplied to this improved apparatus is acted on in the first place by
a washer or rubber in which the individual grains are caused to rub against each
other and against fixed obstacles or rubbing surfaces by which the stream of grain
is constantly caused to change its direction in the presence of water.
constitutes the first stage of the operation.
This
The grain is afterwards caused to pass into a separating, filtering or rinsing
apparatus in which the dirty water about the grain being the water charged with
the impurities detached from the grain in the preceding operation is washed away
by a stream of clean water. This constitutes the second stage of the operation.
The two parts of the apparatus in which these two stages of the operation are
performed may be connected together being arranged vertically one above the other
as hereinafter described.
The washing apparatus or rubber in which the first stage of the operation is
performed is composed of a watertight external cylindrical casing of sheet iron or
other metal arranged in a vertical position being connected at the upper end with
a tube through which the grain is supplied to the apparatus and at the other end
with a separating or filtering apparatus. In the interior of this casing there is a
hollow cast iron column built up with a series of rings fitted together one above
the other. Each ring is provided on its external surface or periphery with pins
or baffles and a cone is provided on the top of the central column for the purpose
of dividing the falling mass or body of grain and distributing it equally at the
circumference so as to direct it into the annular space between the central cast iron
column provided with the baffles and the outer casing.
When the rings, all of which are provided with the same number of pins are
arranged one above the other in such a manner that the pins stand in the same
vertical lines, the grain falling in the space between two adjacent pins pursues a
vertical direction without meeting any obstacle until it reaches the bottom of the
apparatus, but when the second ring from the top is arranged below the first ring
in such a position that its pins are situated under the intervals between the pins on
the first ring the grain after passing between the upper series of pins comes in
contact with the lower series of pins so that the stream of grain is divided in two
and the two divisions in like manner come in contact with and are again divided by
the pins of the third ring and so on.
The rings being thus arranged with the pins of each ring over the spaces between
the pins of the adjacent rings the grain is brought into contact with the pins in
passing each ring and the streams are divided at each contact. The grains are
thus caused to rub against one another and against the pins and as this action takes
place in the presence of water the impurities on the surface of the grains gradually
become detached and mix with the water.

page_text: When it is desired to wash the grain it is advisable to soak it previously for a
few hours in an ordinary soaking trough with a conical bottom. The washing
apparatus is then connected with the discharge tube of the trough.
To regulate the number of pins or baffles acting on the grain it is simply necessary
to cause any desired number or series of the rings to describe a fraction of a
revolution so as to alter the relative positions of the pins or baffles and arrange
the latter one above the other or otherwise as required.
According to a modified arrangement the washing or rubbing apparatus is com-
posed of an external casing and an internal concentric hollow column, forming
between them an interval or annular space or passage down which the grain falls.
The sides of this passage are formed by a series of inclined surfaces and circum-
ferential obstacles over which the grain descends and is constantly caused to change
its direction.
The inner column may be shortened by taking away one or more of the
removable rings of which it is composed, in order to reduce the number of baffles
or surfaces of contact if required.
The rubbing apparatus is preferably placed in direct communication with the
grain supply tube and with the filter in which the grain is subsequently washed
and rinsed.
The grain mixed with the dirty washing water descends into the filtering or
separating apparatus arranged underneath the rubber and which forms a continuation
of the latter being composed of three concentric casings preferably of cylindrical
form.
Two of these casings preferably constructed with perforated galvanized sheet
iron are arranged in the interior of the apparatus with a space of say about 4 inches
(12 millimetres) between them. The third casing forms an external shell enclosing
the apparatus and preventing leakage.
The annular space between the two inner perforated cylinders is situated
immediately beneath the annular space in the washer through which the rubbed
grain descends mixed with the water. This grain passes between the perforated
cylinders where it is spread out in a thin sheet.
The perforations in the two plates or cylinders are of course of such dimension
that the grain cannot pass through them. The three casings of sheet metal are
supported upon a hollow casting perforated with holes or passages. One of these
passages is for the admission of clean water. This water flows into a circular
channel communicating with six hollow arms in the casting or base through which
the water flows into a central passage and ascends into the central space or
chamber in the inner perforated cylinder. Another circular passage communicates
with the second annular space being the space between the two perforated
cylinders and discharges the water into the outlet orifice in the base.
The action of the apparatus is as follows:-
The grain proceeding from the rubber or upper part of the apparatus passes in a
thin layer into the annular space between the two perforated cylinders descends
through the casting or base passing through the openings between the hollow arms
and is discharged through a discharge orifice whence it falls into the germinating
case.
As hereinbefore explained clean water is introduced through the base. This
water ascends through the casting until it reaches the inner or central space and
being supplied under a certain amount of pressure it passes horizontally through
the perforations in the inner perforated cylinder and through the vertically
descending layer of grain and escapes through the perforations in the outer
perforated cylinder into the annular space between this cylinder and the outer or
unperforated shell or casing.
In passing radially through the layer of grain the clean water drives off the
water charged with the impurities detached from the grain and compels it to escape
into the outer casing whence it finally passes away through the outlet in the base
carrying with it all the impurities with which the grain was contaminated.

page_text: In order to render the filter more powerful or efficient in its action the holes of
the upper series or row being the holes with which the grain comes in contact in
the first place may be made comparatively few in number and set wide apart so as
to allow a relatively small quantity of water to pass, the holes of the second and
each succeeding series being set closer and closer together as they approach the
bottom.
By means of this arrangement, the grain as it descends is traversed by
currents of water gradually increasing in force and volume and on arriving at
the bottom of the filter is mixed with clean water only being completely cleansed
of all impurities.
To enable the action of the apparatus to be observed a short length of transparent
or glass tubing is connected with the dirty water outlet which enables the amount
of dirt or impurities carried with the water to be seen.
With the same object the outlet for the water may be divided so as to obtain as
many distinct currents as there are series of perforations in the outer perforated
cylinder for example in order to show the progress of the operation in different
parts of the apparatus.
In case the orifices of the filter are accidentally choked by grains getting into the
holes they may be cleared by unscrewing the bolts in the casting forming the base
(which bolts are hinged so as to admit of being turned back) and releasing the
outer casing which can then be lifted off or removed. The filter being thereby
uncovered it can be easily cleaned and the holes cleared out if necessary.
These apparatus possess the advantage of being automatic in their action and
requiring no motive power except that which is derived from the natural weight of
the grain mixed with water.
The grain may be acted upon by any other suitable liquid or mixtures of liquids
in place of the water hereinbefore described and means may be provided for
ventilating or aerating the grain in the apparatus at the same time by the action of
air or other gases according to the nature of the materials and of the product to be
obtained.
Dated this 19th der of Ion 1802
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
Agents.
CUMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Washing or Cleaning Grain or
Granular Materials.
1 JAMES YATE JOHNSON of 47 Lincoln's Inn Fields in the County of Middlesex
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention (which has been com-
municated to me from abroad by Jules Saladin of Nancy in the Republic of
France Engineer) and in what manner the same is to be performed to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to apparatus for washing or cleaning grain or seeds or
other granular materials or produce. The improved apparatus hereinafter described
by way of example is more particularly intended for removing the dirt and
impurities adhering to barley as usually delivered by the grower in order to
cleanse it and prepare it for being placed in germinating cases for the manufacture
of malt.
The grain supplied to this improved apparatus is acted on in the first place by a
washer or rubber in which the individual grains are caused to rub against each
other and against fixed obstacles or surfaces by which the stream of grain is
constantly caused to change its direction in the presence of water. This constitutes
the first stage of the operation.
The grain is afterwards caused to pass into a separating, filtering or rinsing

page_text: apparatus in which the dirty water about the grain being the water charged with
the impurities detached from the grain in the preceding operation is washed away
by a stream of clean water. This constitutes the second stage of the operation.
The two parts of the apparatus in which these two stages of the operation are
performed may be connected together being arranged vertically one above the other
as hereinafter described.
And in order that the said invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same and for that purpose shall refer to the
several figures on the annexed sheet of drawings the same letters of reference
indicating corresponding parts in all the figures.
Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings represents in vertical section an apparatus
constructed according to this invention with a series of pins acting as baffles or
deflectors and Figure 2 represents in plan one of the rings carrying the said pins
as employed in this apparatus.
Figure 3 represents the developement of a portion of the periphery or external
surface of these rings the pins being arranged vertically one above the other.
Figure 4 illustrates an arrangement in which the pins of one ring are arranged
vertically over the intervals between the pins of the adjacent rings.
Figure 5 illustrates in vertical section a washing or rubbing apparatus with
annular or circumferential baffles or deflecting surfaces.
Figure 6 represents in plan a casting forming the base of the apparatus.
Figure 7 illustrates a developement of a portion of the perforated sheet metal
cylinder of the filtering or rinsing apparatus in which the dirty water is washed out
of the mass of grain.
Figure 8 represents the rubber or washing apparatus in horizontal section on the
line Figure 5.
Figure 9 represents the filtering or rinsing apparatus in horizontal section taken
on the line y-y Figure 5.
Fig. 10 represents in vertical section a modified construction of the apparatus
as hereinafter described.
The washing apparatus or rubber in which the first stage of the operation is
performed is composed of an external watertight cylindrical casing A (Figure 1)
of sheet iron or other suitable metal or material connected at the upper end with
a shoot or tube B3 through which the grain is supplied to the apparatus and at the
other end with a separating or rinsing apparatus C. In the interior of this
casing A there is a hollow cast iron column built up or constructed with a series of
rings D (Figure 2) fitted together one above the other. Each ring is provided on
its external surface or periphery with pins or projections E Figures 1 and 2 acting
as baffles. A cone F is provided on the top of this central column for the purpose
of dividing the falling mass or body of grain and distributing it equally at the
circumference so as to direct it into the annular space between the central cast
iron column (composed of the rings D provided with baffles E) and the outer
casing A.
When the rings D, all of which are preferably provided with the same number
of pins E, are arranged with their pins one above the other as represented in
Figure 3 in such a manner that the pins of all the rings stand in the same vertical
lines, the grain falling in the space between two adjacent pins descends vertically
without meeting any obstacle until it reaches the bottom of the passage but when
the rings are arranged in such positions that the pins of each ring are situated under
the intervals between the pins on the ring above it as represented in Figure 4 the
grain after passing between the upper series of pins comes in contact with the lower
series of pins and the stream of grain is thereby divided in two and the two divisions
in like manner come in contact with the pins of the next ring and so on.
The rings being thus arranged with the pins of each ring situated in a line with
the spaces between the pins of the adjacent rings the grain is caused to fall against
and be brought into contact with the pins in passing each ring the streams of grain
being divided at each contact. The grains are thus caused to rub against one

page_text: another and against the pins and as this action takes places in the presence of water
the impurities on the surface of the grains gradually become detached and mix
with the water.
When the grain is to be washed it is advisable to soak it previously for a few
hours in an ordinary soaking trough with a conical bottom. The washing apparatus
is then connected with the discharge tube of the trough.
It is evident that the number of pins or obstacles with which the grain is
brought into contact can be regulated according to the condition and nature of the
materials treated. With this object it is simply necessary to cause any desired
number or series of the rings to describe a fraction of a revolution so as to alter
the relative positions of the pins or baffles and arrange the latter one above the
other or otherwise as required.
The apparatus employed' in carrying out the invention may be arranged as
represented in Figures 5 to 9.
According to this arrangement the apparatus is constructed with an external
casing L (Figs. 1 & 8) preferably of cast iron and an internal concentric hollow
column M, likewise of cast iron, forming between them an interval or annular
space or passage W down which the grain falls. The sides of this passage are
formed by a series of inclined surfaces or circumferential obstacles (Fig. 1) over
which the grain slides or descends and by which it is constantly caused to change
its direction and the grains are caused to rub together so that by the time the
grain reaches the bottom it has been acted on by about 10 obstacles or baffles for
example each causing the direction of the stream to be changed. As in the
arrangement of the apparatus previously herein before described the upper end of
the central column is provided with a cone F which divides the grain and directs
it towards the circumference. The central or inner column may be shortened by
taking away one or more of the removeable rings or sections of which it is
composed, in order to reduce the number of baffles or surfaces of contact if
required.
The rubbing apparatus is preferably placed in direct communication with the
grain supply tube B and with the rinsing apparatus or filter C in which the grain
is subsequently washed and rinsed.
The grain after being treated or rubbed in apparatus constructed according to
either of the arrangements herein before described as examples being mixed with
the water employed to soften or detach the dirt and impurities descends into the
filtering rinsing or separating apparatus hereinafter described arranged underneath
the rubber.
This part of the apparatus in which the second stage of the operation is performed
forms a continuation of the said washer or rubber and is composed of three concentric
casings G H and C (Figures 1 and 5).
Two of these casings marked G and H being preferably composed of perforated
galvanised sheet iron are arranged in the interior of the apparatus with a space of
say about 4 in. (12 millimetres) between them. The third casing, marked C,
forms an external shell enclosing the apparatus so as to confine the materials and
prevent leakage.
The annular space between the two inner perforated cylinders G and H is situated
immediately beneath the annular space in the washer or rubber through which the
rubbed grain descends mixed with the water.
This grain passes between the perforated cylinders where it is spread out in a
thin sheet about 4 inches thick which slides downwards between the perforated
plates or cylinders G and H.
The perforations in the two plates or cylinders G and H are of course of such
dimensions that the grain cannot pass through them. The three casings of sheet
metal are supported upon a hollow casting I perforated with holes or passages for
the admission and discharge of the water and materials.
The passage or orifice K (Figures 5 and 6) is for the admission of clean water.
This water flows into a circular chanuel O (represented by dotted lines in Figure 6)

page_text: communicating with six hollow arms P from which the water flows through a
central passage R and ascends in the central space or chamber S in the inner
perforated cylinder G.
Another circular passage T situated above the passage O communicates with
the second or outer annular space being the space between the cylinders C and H.
and discharges the water into an outlet orifice U in the base.
The action of this part of the apparatus is as follows:
The grain proceeding from the rubber or passage W in the upper part of the
apparatus passes in a thin layer into the annular space between the two perforated
cylinders G and H and descends through the casting or base I passing through the
openings J (Figure 6) between the hollow arms P and is discharged through a
discharge orifice V (Figure 5) whence it falls into the germinating case.
As hereinbefore explained clean water is introduced through the opening K. in
the base. This water ascends through the passage R in the casting I until it
reaches the inner or central space S and being supplied under a certain amount of
pressure it passes horizontally through the perforations in the inner perforated
cylinder G and through the thin vertically descending layer of grain and escapes
through the perforations in the outer perforated cylinder H into the annular space
between this cylinder and the outer or unperforated shell or casing C.
In passing radially through the layer of grain contained in the said space the
clean water drives off the water charged with the impurities previously detached
from the grain and compels it to escape into the outer casing C whence it finally
passes away through the outlet U carrying with it all the impurities with which
the grain was contaminated. The action of this part of the apparatus can be
regulated by changing or adjusting the perforations in the cylinders G and H and
modifying the pressure under which the water is supplied.
In order to render the rinsing apparatus more powerful or efficient in its action
the perforations in the cylinders G and H may be arranged in the manner repre-
sented in Figure 7. According to this arrangement the holes h at the upper part
of the cylinders being the holes through which the water first comes in contact
with the grain are comparatively few in number and set wide apart so as to allow
a relatively small quantity of water to pass, the holes of the second and each
succeeding series being set closer and closer together as they approach the
bottom at h².
By means of this arrangement, the grain as it descends is traversed by currents
of water gradually increasing in force and volume and on arriving at the bottom
of the filter the water passes off comparatively clean the grain being completely
cleansed of all impurities.
To enable the action of the apparatus to be observed a short length of transparent
or glass tubing is connected with the dirty water outlet U which enables the amount
of dirt or impurities carried off with the water to be seen.
With the same object the outlet for the water may be divided so as to obtain as
many distinct streams as there are series of perforations in the outer perforated
cylinder H for example in order to show the progress of the operation in different
parts of the apparatus.
In case the orifices of the filter are accidentally choked by grains getting into
the holes they may be cleared by unscrewing the bolts in the casting I (which bolts
engage with slots and are hinged so as to admit of being turned back) and releasing
the outer casing C so that it can be lifted off or removed. The filter being thereby
uncovered it can be easily cleaned and the holes cleared out if necessary.
The apparatus constructed according to this invention possess the advantage of
being automatic in their action and requiring no motive power except that which is
derived from the natural weight of the grain mixed with the water.
The rubber apparatus or combination of deflecting surfaces and the filter or
rinsing apparatus may be arranged to act separately and independently upon the
.grain in place of being combined in one apparatus.
In this case the apparatus may be arranged as represented in Figure 10 for

page_text: example the casing A of the rubber being connected by a tube A' with the
rinsing apparatus C which may be placed either at a distance or in any suitable
position relatively to the said rubber as found most convenient. In place of
being directly connected together by an arrangement such as the tube A¹ these two
parts of the apparatus may evidently be arranged to act upon the materials
independently or separately if required.
The grain or other granular materials treated may be acted upon by any other
suitable liquid or mixtures of liquids in place of the water hereinbefore described.
In certain cases means are provided for ventilating or aerating the grain in the
apparatus at the same time by the action of air or other gases or gaseous mixtures.
according to the nature of the materials and of the product to be obtained and I do
not limit myself as to the precise forms dimensions proportions and materials
hereinbefore described and illustrated by way of example in the accompanying
drawings.
The grain as it descends through the rinsing apparatus herein before described
being in the form of a thin layer of moving grain is evidently in a favourable
condition for being acted upon by any liquid or other fluid with which it is desired
to bring it in contact. Air or other gases for example may be blown or forced
through the layer of grain in place of the water referred to in the preceding
description or two filters or rinsing apparatus may be combined together one of
such apparatus being arranged for subjecting the materials to the action of water
or liquids (for wetting washing or impregnating it for example) and the other being
arranged for subsequently or otherwise treating the same grain with air or gases
(for disinfecting, drying heating or other purposes).
Any desired number of such apparatus may be connected together in a series
communicating with one another through pipes for the purpose of treating the
materials with one or several different kinds of liquids or one or more kinds of gases,
the said liquids and gases.acting separately and independently of one another.
For example the grain may be caused to pass first through the rubber and
afterwards between the perforated cylinders G H a current of air under pressure
being caused to pass through the body of grain descending between these cylinders
in place of the stream of water herein before described. The rubbing action to
which this grain is subjected in the first instance detaches the dust, pollen fungi
or other extraneous matter adhering to it and this dust or other matter is carried
away by the current of air passing through the mass of grain as it descends
between the perforated cylinders. In place of the air sulphurous acid gas,
sulphuret of carbon or other gas may evidently be employed for the purpose of
destroying any noxious germs that may be present in the grain.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In an apparatus for washing barley and other grain or granular materials a
rubber composed of a series of baffles or deflecting surfaces the acting number of
which is capable of being regulated for the purpose of producing a more or less
energetic or efficacious action upon the material under treatment according to the
condition and nature of the latter substantially as hereinbefore described with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
2. In an apparatus for washing barley and other grain or granular materials a
combination of inclined or deflecting surfaces formed by circular or annular
battles or inclined surfaces forming zigzag or devious passages with varying
curves or angles or a combination of pins arranged alternately or bafflewise
substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
3. In an apparatus for washing barley or other grain or seeds, a filter or rinsing
apparatus in which a thin descending layer of rubbed grain is traversed by
horizontal currents of water gradually increasing in strength so as to eliminate or

page_text: wash out the water charged with the impurities which have been detached from the
grain and replace it by clean water the washing action being controlled by
regulating the pressure of the water and the number of openings in the perforated
or filtering plates substantially as herein before described.
4. The combination of a rubber and of a filter or rinsing apparatus the said
rubber and filter being either connected together in one apparatus or arranged
to act separately and independently substantially as herein before described.
5. A rubber and filter or rinsing apparatus for cleaning grain or seeds or
granular materials by means of water or other liquids or mixtures of liquids the
said water or liquids passing through the thin layer of grain descending in the
filter, combined with means for cleaning and ventilating the grain by means of air
or gases or mixtures thereof according to the nature of the materials treated or the
result or product to be obtained the said air or gases being caused to pass through
the thin layer of grain descending in the filter substantially as herein before
described.
6. The arrangements and combinations of parts constituting the improvements in
apparatus for washing or cleaning grain or granular materials substantially as herein
before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 10th do' Datahon 7002
J. H. JOHNSON & Co.,
Agents.