Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Generating Acetylene.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Mar., 1899-Accepted, 6th May, 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Method of and Apparatus for Generating
Acetylene.
I, BERNHARD FRÖHLICH, of Constantinstrasse, Reudnitz, near Leipzig, in the
German Empire, Engineer, do hereby declara the nature of this invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:-
:-
This invention relates to the method of and apparatus for generating acetylene
and its object is to enable an acetylene generator to be thrown out of action and
thus stop the formation of the gas when a certain pressure has been reached in
the container or when desired. By the use of these improvements the carbide is
not only removed from contact with the water but is also removed from the humid
gas already formed, so that, practically, the decomposition is checked at once.
In carrying this invention into effect the carbide is surrounded by or immersed
within an inactive liquid as soon as the generation of gas is to be stopped. The
inactive liquid employed may, for example, be chloroform or carbon disulphide and
is preferably one which is not only stable in the presence of the carbide but is
also inactive in the presence of the products of decomposition of the carbide. As
soon as the carbide is immersed in or surrounded by the inactive liquid, the
generation of the gas ceases with the exception, perhaps, of that caused by any
small quantity of water which may be enclosed between the pieces of carbide, or
which may be adherent.
The accompanying drawings to which I will hereinafter refer illustrate in what
manner this invention may be carried into effect.
Figure 1 illustrates the improved gas generating apparatus in section with the
carbide container in position for the generation of gas.
Figure 2 similarly illustrates the generator when out of action and with the
carbide immersed in or surrounded by the inactive liquid.
The apparatus consists of a shell or container a which, at the bottom, is pro-
vided with a cylindrical or other suitable extension b. Fitting within this exten-
sion is the movable carbide receptacle or holder d which is normally forced upwards
to the position shown in Figure 1 by the helical spring c. In this position the
mouth of the receptacle is above the level of the inactive liquid e and opens into
the water f. The generation of the gas consequently takes place freely, the gas
being led away through the pipe g.
Should the gas be developed in excessive quantities or should the consumption
be decreased or cease, then the pressure within the tank increases. This pressure,
when it exceeds a certain point, forces the receptacle d downwards against the
spring c and thus removes the carbide from the water and immerses it in tho
inactive liquide. The generation of the gas is thus at once checked.
When the pressure in the tank a is reduced owing to further consumption of
the gas, the receptacle is forced upwards by the spring until the carbido
re-enters the water, when the generation of the gas is resumed.
The generation of acetylene is thus automatically interrupted and re-started
according to the pressure within the container a.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:-
1. The method of regulating the production of acetylene, which consists in
immersing the carbide within or surrounding it by an inactive liquid when the
pressure in the container rises above a certain point, and in restoring the carbide
to the water when the pressure falls below a certain point, substantially as and by
the means herein before described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
2. Apparatus for the generation of acetylene, which consists of a suitable tank
or container furnished with a movable receptacle for the carbide, this receptacle
being capable of either opening into the water or into an inactive liquid, con-
structed arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose hereinbefore
described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 14th day of March A.D) 1899.
W. E. HEYS & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.