An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials, Applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other Purposes.
Year: 1899

page_text: 22nd Nov 1800
Complete Specification Left. 23rd Aug., 1900-Accepted, 23rd Nov., 1900
Complete Specification Left. 23rd Aug.. 1900-Accepted, 23rd Nov., 1900
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials,
Applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other Purposes.
.
I, PAUL NAEF, Ph.D., of Woody Crest Avenue, near 165th Street, New York
City, United States of America, Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
:―
This invention relates to the treatment of solid materials with the application,
regulation or withdrawal of heat; and it is applicable to such processes as the
distillation of bituminous fuel for the production of illuminating gas and coke,
the manufacture of water gas by the action of steam on fuel, the destruction
of sewage matter and the recovery of ammonia therefrom, the calcination of lime-
stone and cement, the production of carbon di-oxide, the smelting of ores and the
carrying out of catalytic reactions requiring a constant temperature such as the
manufacture of chlorine from hydrochloric acid gas.
a
The chief objects of the invention are to economise heat or the heating or cool-
ing agent, to treat large quantities of material and gas in a single apparatus,
and to conduct such operations as the burning of limestone without the presence
of nitrogen in the apparatus or with a less quantity of nitrogen than heretofore.
According to my invention I apply heat to (or abstract heat from) the material
to be treated by circulating gases or vapours in heaters (or coolers) forming
part of the apparatus. The gases are passed through the material until they are
cooled to a temperature at which the operation to be carried out ceases for prac-
tical purposes. Then the gases are again heated and brought into contact with
the material. A continuous circulation of heated gas through the material is thus
obtained, the material itself being preferably also moved through the apparatus.
The excess of the gases or vapours produced during the operation is conducted
through the material to be treated and all the heat is abstracted from the same.
The drawing is a vertical sectional view of the plant for carrying out the
process. A is a shaft. On top is a hopper 92, from which material can be
charged into the shaft by opening the slide 93. At the base of the shaft is a
cone 94 having doors 95. The shaft has four systems of ducts 96. 97, 98, 99,
and channels 100, 101, 102, 103. It is in communication with heaters B111
and C, shown only in outline. Pipes 105, 106 connect heater B with the
shaft A, and a continuous circulation of gas is kept up from A to B
pipe 105 and back to A by pipe 106 by a suitable fan 107 arranged in
pipe. Heater C₁ communicates with shaft A¹ by pipes 108, 109.
A
through
the latter
gas circu-

page_text: lation is kept up by a fan 110 in pipe 109, through the heater C and
shaft A111
If the apparatus is to be employed for the production of gas from.fuel, the
fuel is fed into the shaft A through the hopper 92 and ashes are withdrawn
from the bottom of the shaft through the doors 95.
Steam is admitted into the heater B by a pipe 111 and heated steam and gas
are then circulated by the fan 107 between the heater 13 and shaft A, through
the fuel in the lower part of the shaft A. Some of the gas and steam passing
upwards is circulated by the fan 110, between the heater C and the shaft A,
through the fuel in the upper part of the shaft A. It will thus be seen that
gas and steam are withdrawn from the centre of the shaft A through the
pipes 105, and 108 and after being reheated in the heaters B and C, is re-
injected into the ends of the said shafts. The excess of gas produced is cooled
by passing through fresh fuel in the upper part of the shaft A above the
ducts 99 and is then withdrawn through the pipe 112.
Another application of the process is the production of coke, gas and by-
products.
The series of ducts are then arranged at such a height that the gas will pass
upwards through the fine coal, and coke can be withdrawn without being incon-
venienced by escaping gas. The part of the apparatus below the entrance of the
gas is then made larger and water is introduced into the coke for the purpose of
producing ammonia from the nitrogenous compounds of the coke as shown in my
prior Specification No. 7951 of 1898.
As the fuel reaches the zone of the circulating gas it is quickly heated and dis-
tillation takes place rapidly. Some volatile matter is deposited as carbon and
hard coke is produced.
The gas produced rises through the upper part of the shaft, where it meets
fresh fuel. As its volume is comparatively small it is possible to cool it to a
degree that most of the tar and moisture is condensed and intercepted by the fuel.
An important application of the method is for the purpose of calcining lime-
stone, cement and other substances.
The process enables the simultaneous production of pure carbonic acid gas,
which is an important matter for instance in the well known ammonia-soda
process, where the carbonic acid is used for the production of bicarbonate of
soda.
Limestone is charged into the top of the apparatus and burnt lime is withdrawn.
from the bottom, and a current of pure carbonic acid gas is circulated through the
heaters and the shaft by the fans or in any suitable way. The carbonic acid gas
produced by the action of the limestone passes upwards through the limestone
in the top of the shaft and is thus cooled before it leaves the apparatus. As the
volume of gas is much smaller than in ordinary lime kilns, the gas leaving the
shaft passes slowly through the material and carries little dust and is thoroughly
cooled.
For the purpose of economising heat it is of advantage to discharge the hot
lime into a kiln on a lower level, which has arrangements for conducting the
air through it, which is used for the combustion of gas in the heaters. In this
way a higher temperature is obtained in the heater and heat is economised.
Further important applications are the oxidation or reduction of gases by
means of catalytical or other substances and the carrying out of reactions requir-
ing a very stable temperature. Important examples of the oxidation of gases
are the oxidation of hydrochloric acid gas to chlorine by oxygen in the presence
of a catalytical substance such as copper oxide and the oxidation of sulphurous
acid gas by oxygen in the presence of catalytical substances such as platinum
or oxides of copper iron etc.
Both reactions require a careful regulation of temperature and the apparatus
shown is therefore of special advantage for carrying them into effect. The gas
passes into heater B through pipe 111 and enters shaft A¹11 at 96 in a heated

page_text: condition. Some gas, is drawn off at 97 and passes through the heater B,
pipe 106 and fan 107 back to the shaft A11 A similar circulation takes place
from heater C to shaft A through pipe 109 and ducts 99 and back to
heater C through pipe 108. As the gas passes quickly and repeatedly through
heaters B and C and furnace A an excellent regulation of temperature is
possible and the action between gas and contact-material is very good.
As
the fresh gas enters heater B at 111 the gas circulating through the lower part
of the furnace contains more unoxidised constituents than the gas circulating
through C If desired more than 2 heaters and circuits can be used.
If the method is used for the oxidation of sulphurous acid to sulphuric acid, it
may with advantage be combined with the roasting of ore. The oxides obtained in
roasting the ore, which usually contain some copper, are passed through the
shaft A1 and thus utilized as contact substance.
and
As an example of the application of the process for reducing gases can be men-
tioned the manufacture of carbonic oxide from carbonic acid. In this case
shaft A is filled with fuel. Carbonic acid gas is introduced into heater B
circulated as described. The carbonic oxide leaves the apparatus through
pipe 112.
It may be mentioned, that the method is not limited to the use of a shaft for
carrying out the process. Other suitable apparatus can be used for instance
revolving furnaces, as already described in certain application in my case No.
20659 of 1899.
In any case the construction of the apparatus may be varied to effect the best
results in the process under certain conditions without departing from the spirit
of the invention. The process herein described, can also be used for carrying out
reactions, which generate heat, which is injurious. Such reactions are the
absorption of chlorine by lime for the production of bleaching powder, also the
production of bicarbonate of soda by treating solid carbonate of soda with carbonic
acid gas. The apparatus shown can in these cases be used with advantage, with
the difference, that gas coolers of suitable construction are used instead of heaters.
Dated this 21st day of August 1900.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials,
Applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other Purposes.
I, PAUL NAEF, Ph.D., of Woody Crest Avenue, near 165th Street, New York
City, United States of America, Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement ;-
This invention relates to the treatment of solid materials with the application,
regulation or withdrawal of heat; and it is applicable to such processes as the
distillation of bituminous fuel for the production of illuminating gas and coke,
the manufacture of water gas by the action of steam on fuel, the destruction
of substances and the recovery of ammonia therefrom, the calcination of lime-
stone and cement, the production of carbon di-oxide, the smelting of ores and the
carrying out of catalytic reactions requiring a constant temperature such as the
manufacture of chlorine from hydrochloric acid gas, and the manufacture of
sulphur trioxide from sulphur dioxide.
The chief objects of the invention are to economise heat or the heating or cool-

page_text: ing agent, to treat large quantities of material and gas in a single apparatus,
and to conduct such operations as the burning of limestone without the presence
of nitrogen in the apparatus or with a less quantity of nitrogen than heretofore,
and to obtain a small volume of gas at low temperature from such operations.
According to my invention I apply heat to (or abstract heat from) the material
to be treated by circulating gases or vapours in heaters (or coolers) forming a
part of the apparatus and thus heating or cooling the gas above or below the
temperature of reaction. The gases are passed through the material until they
are cooled to a temperature at which the operation to be carried out ceases for
practical purposes. Then the temperature of the gases is again adjusted by heat-
ing or cooling and the gas is then brought into contact with the material.
continuous circulation of heated gas through the material is thus obtained, the
material itself being preferably also moved through the apparatus. The excess
of the gases or vapours produced during the operation is conducted through the
material to be treated and the reaction is thus completed and most of the heat is
abstracted.
A
In order that my invention may be clearly understood and readily carried into
practical effect I will proceed to describe the same more fully with reference to the
drawing accompanying my Provisional Specification which is a vertical sectional
view of the plant for carrying out the process. A is a shaft. On top is a
hopper 92, from which material can be charged into the shaft by
opening the slide 93, the charging being preferably assisted by a continuously
acting mechanical charging arrangement such as the rollers indicated
in the drawing. At the base of the shaft is a cone 94 having doors 95 and also
discharging rollers. The shaft has four systems of ducts 96, 97, 98, 99 and
channels 100, 101, 102, 103. It is in communication with heaters B and C
shown only in outline. Pipes 105, 106 connect heater 13
and a continuous circulation of gas is kept up from A to B
and back to A by pipe 106 by a suitable fan 107 arranged
Heater C communicates with shaft A by pipes 108, 109.
is kept up by a fan 110 in pipe 109, through the heater C and shaft A
If the apparatus is to be employed for the production of gas from fuel, the
fuel is fed into the shaft A through the hopper 92 and ashes are withdrawn
from the bottom of the shaft through the doors 95.
with the shaft A,
through pipe 105
in the latter pipe.
A gas circulation
Steam is admitted into the heater B by a pipe 111 and heated steam and gas
are then circulated by the fan 107 between the heater B and shaft A, through
the fuel in the lower part of the shaft Am Some of the gas and steam pass-
ing upwards is circulated by the fan 110, between the heater C and the shaft A
through the fuel in the upper part of the shaft A. It will thus be seen that
gas and steam are withdrawn from the centre of the shaft A through the
pipes 105, and 108 and after being reheated in the heaters B and C, is re-
injected into the ends of the said shafts. The excess of gas produced is cooled
by passing through fresh fuel in the upper part of the shaft A above the
ducts 99 and is then withdrawn through the pipe 112.
The part of the apparatus above the outlet 99 is therefore of great importance.
It enables the continuous production of a gas of low temperature, practically
free from tar and containing much of the nitrogen of the coal in the form of
ammonia. The tar and moisture intercepted by the cold fuel in the upper part
of the apparatus is carried down to the lower part of the apparatus where the
heat is sufficient to gasify the same. Some of the constituents are after evanora-
tion drawn through the off-takes 98 into the heater and are, after reheating.
returned to the generator. As the coal is burned in a mixture of steam and water
gas, nearly all the nitrogen present in the coal is converted into ammonia and is
recovered from the gas leaving, the apparatus.
It is an important part of the method to bring the gas produced by circulating
a heated gas in one part of the apparatus, in contact with fresh material in
another part of the apparatus. It is further important that the charging and

page_text: discharging takes place without interrupting the operation. Usually the best
results are obtained by passing the material through the apparatus continuously.
Another application of the process is the production of coke, gas and by-
products.
The series of ducts are then arranged at such a height that the gas will pass
upwards through the fine coal, and coke can be withdrawn without being incon-
venienced by escaping gas. The part of the apparatus below the entrance of the
gas is then made larger and water is introduced into the coke for the purpose of
producing ammonia from the nitrogenous compounds of the coke as shown in my
prior Specification No. 7951 of 1898.
As the fuel reaches the zone of the circulating gas it is quickly heated and dis-
tillation takes place rapidly. Some volatile matter is deposited as carbon and
hard coke is produced.
The gas produced rises through the upper part of the shaft, where it meets
fresh fuel. As its volume is comparatively small it is possible to cool it to a
degree that most of the tar and moisture is condensed and intercepted by the fuel.
An important application of the method is for the purpose of calcining ores.
limestone, cement and other substances.
The process enables the simultaneous production of pure carbonic acid gas.
which is an important matter for instance in the well known ammonia-soda
process, where the carbonic acid is used for the production of bicarbonate of
soda.
Limestone is charged into the top of the apparatus and burnt lime is withdrawn
from the bottom, and a current of pure carbonic acid gas is circulated through the
heaters and the shaft by the fans or in any suitable way.
The carbonic acid gas
produced by the action of the limestone passes upwards through the limestone
in the top of the shaft and is thus cooled before it leaves the apparatus. As the
volume of gas is much smaller than in ordinary lime kilns, the gas leaving the
shaft passes slowly through the material and carries little dust and is thoroughly
cooled.
For the purpose of avoiding the re-absorption of carbonic acid by the burnt
lime the gas is advantageously withdrawn from the top of the apparatus with so
much vacuum that some air is drawn into the apparatus at the bottom through
the doors 95 to replace the carbonic acid in the lower part.
For the purpose of economising heat it is of advantage to discharge the hot
lime into a kiln on a lower level, which has arrangements for conducting the
air through it, which is used for the combustion of gas in the heaters. In this
way a higher temperature is obtained in the heater and heat is economised.
Further important applications are the oxidation or reduction of gases by
means of catalytical or other substances and the carrying out of reactions requir-
ing a very stable temperature. Important examples of the oxidation of gases
are the oxidation of hydrochloric acid gas to chlorine by oxygen in the presence
of a catalytical substance such as copper oxide and the oxidation of sulphurous
acid gas by oxygen in the presence of catalytical substances such as platinum
or oxides of copper, iron etc. The gas is first repeatedly circulated through the
catalytical material, and then passed through fresh catalytical material in the
top part of the apparatus.
Both reactions require a careful regulation of temperature and the apparatus
shown is therefore of special advantage for carrying them into effect. The gas
passes into heater B through pipe 111 and enters shaft A at.96 in a heated
condition. Some gas is drawn off at 97 and passes through the heater B,
pipe 106 and fan 107 back to the shaft A¹. A similar circulation takes place
from heater C to shaft A through pipe 109 and ducts 99 and back to
heater through pipe 108. As the gas passes quickly and repeatedly through
heaters B and C and furnace A an excellent regulation of temperature is
possible and the action between gas and contact-material is very good.
the fresh gas enters heater B at 111 the gas circulating through the lower part
As

page_text: of the furnace contains more unoxidised constituents than the gas circulating
through C If desired more than 2 heaters and circuits can be used.
If the method is used for the oxidation of sulphurous acid to sulphuric acid, it
may with advantage be combined with the roasting of ore. The oxides obtained in
roasting the ore, which usually contain some copper, are passed through the
shaft A and thus utilized as contact substance.
As an example of the application of the process for reducing gases can be men-
tioned the manufacture of carbonic oxide from carbonic acid. In this case
shaft A is filled with fuel. Carbonic acid gas is introduced into heater B111 and
circulated as described. The carbonic oxide leaves the apparatus through
pipe 112.
It may be mentioned, that the method is not limited to the use of a shaft for
carrying out the process. Other suitable apparatus can be used for instance
revolving furnaces. as already described in the Specification of my prior Appli-
cation No. 20659 of 1899.
:
In any case the construction of the apparatus may be varied to effect the best
results in the process under certain conditions without departing from the spirit
of the invention. The process herein described, can also be used for carrying out
reactions, which generate heat, which is injurious. Such reactions are the
absorption of chlorine by lime for the production of bleaching powder, also the
production of bicarbonate of soda by treating solid carbonate of soda with carbonic
acid gas. The apparatus shown can in these cases be used with advantage, with
the difference, that gas coolers of suitable construction are used instead of heaters.
It is important that in each circuit the most suitable temperature can be main-
tained, the temperature of the various circuits being different.
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 carrying out reactions which consists in conducting hot gas
through a material, readjusting the temperature of the same after it is cooled
to the temperature of reaction and again passing it through the material, sub-
stantially as described.
2. The method of treating solid material with gas, which consists in continu-
ously circulating the gas through a column of the material in such manner that
the gas is injected, near both ends of the material and withdrawn at two points
near the centre of the material, readjusting the temperature of the gas after
every passage through the material, and cooling the gas produced by passing it
through the material to be treated, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
3. The method of carrying out catalytical reactions which consists in repeatedly
circulating the same gas through a catalytical agent and readjusting the tem-
perature of the gas every time before it is brought into contact with the cataly-
tical agent, substantially as described
4 The method of oxidising gases such as hydrochloric or sulphurous acid gas
with air, which consists in heating the gas and passing it through a contact sub-
stance, then withdrawing the gas readjusting its temperature and passing it
again through the contact substance, and repeating this-withdrawing readjusting
of temperature and re-passing of the gas through the contact substance so as to
maintain one or more continuous gas circuits, substantially as described
5: The method which consists in passing a roasted ore through an apparatus
and conducting a gas containing sulphurous acid gas through said apparatus at
suitable temperature to convert the sulphurous acid gas into sulphur trioxide,
substantially as described.
6. The method which consists in circulating gas through material in several
separate circuits, the temperature of the circuits being maintained different to
obtain the most favourable conditions for the reaction, substantially as described.
7. The method which consists in passing ore first through an apparatus in

page_text: which it is roasted, and afterwards passing the roasted material through an
apparatus in which it is brought into intimate contact with the gas from the
roasting furnace, substantially as described.
8. The method of carrying out catalytical reactions, which consists in first
repeatedly circulating the same gas through a catalytical ageut and afterwards
conducting the gas over fresh catalytical material, substantially as described.
9. The method of treating material with gas which consists in maintaining
several circuits of gas through the material and adjusting the temperature of tho
gas of each circuit, substantially as described.
10. The method which consists in maintaining several circuits of gas through
the material, adjusting the temperature of the gas of each circuit and finally
conducting the gas through fresh material, substantially as described.
11. The method of carrying out catalytical reactions which consists in several
times circulating the same gas through a catalytical agent, substantially as
described.
12. The combination of a shaft means for passing material through the same,
means for introducing gas through two series of inlets some distance from each
end of the shaft, and means for withdrawing gas at points situated between the
two series of inlets, substantially as described.
13. The combination of a shaft, means for withdrawing and re-introducing gas
whereby several circuits of gas are obtained, and means for adjusting the tem-
perature of the gas in each circuit, substantially as described.
14. In apparatus for treating solid material with gases the combination of a
shaft with gas heaters and means for circulating gas between the shaft and the
said heaters in such manner that there is a separate gas circuit between each of
the heaters and the shaft, substantially as described.
15. Apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, constructed
arranged and operating substantially as described with reference to the drawing
accompanying my Provisional Specification for the purpose specified.
Dated this 23rd day of August 1900
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 20rd Nov., 1999-
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Aug., 1900-Accepted, 23rd Nov., 1900
Date of Application (m ONEGU KUID NUT
U
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Aug., 1900-Accepted, 23rd Nov.,
1900
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials
Applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other Purposes.
I, PAUL NAEF, Ph.D., of Woody Crest Avenue, near 165th Street, New York
City, United States of America, Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the treatment of solid materials with the application,
regulation, or withdrawal of heat; it is applicable to such processes as the
distillation of bituminous fuel for the production of illuminating gas and coke,
the manufacture of water gas by the action of steam on fuel, the destruction of
sewage matter and recovery of ammonia therefrom, the calcination of limestone
and cement, the production of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and the
smelting of ore.
The chief objects of the invention are to economise heat or the heating or
cooling agent, to treat large quantities of material and gas in a single apparatus,
and to conduct such operations as the smelting of ores or the burning of lime-
stone without the presence of nitrogen in the apparatus, or with a less quantity
of nitrogen than heretofore.
According to my invention I apply heat to (or abstract heat from) the material
to be treated by circulating gases or vapours in heaters (or coolers) forming a
part of the apparatus. The gases are passed through the material until they are
cooled to a temperature at which the operation to be carried out ceases for
practical purposes. Then the gases are again heated and brought into contact
with the material. A continuous circulation of heated gas through the material
is thus obtained, the material itself being preferably also moved through the
apparatus. The excess of the gases or vapours produced during the operation is
conducted through the material to be treated and all the heat is abstracted from
the same.
The drawing is a vertical sectional view of the plant for carrying out the
process and consists of a blast furnace or cupola A" and a heater B. The blast
furnace consists of a shaft 61 supported on columns 62 and encased by iron. It
has a charging arrangement consisting of a hopper 65 connected with the
furnace A by a ring 66. The ring 66 is so arranged that it can be rotated and
that tight joints are obtained between the said ring and the hopper 65 and

page_text: +
between the said ring and the top plate of the furnace. Inside the ring 66 is
fastened an helical blade 63*. On the ring 66 is fastened a toothed wheel 67
which gears with a toothed pinion and shaft 68. Suitable rollers 67 support the
toothed wheel 67. 67b are vertical rollers to prevent the ring sliding laterally.
For the purpose of distributing the material in the furnace a cone 63 is
fastened to the ring 66, and revolves with the same.
At the base of the shaft A there is a suitable crucible 69 and a set of ducts
for air 70. Some distance above there is another set of ducts 71 with separate
pipes 72 leading into the general main 73. The latter is by means of a pipe 74,
in connection with the bottom of the heater B A considerable distance above
the ducts 71, there is a series of gas off-takes consisting of ducts 75 and a
channel 76, which is connected to the top of heater B by pipe 77. A fan 78
or other suitable arrangement creates a continuous circulation of gas, which
consists in this case, mostly of carbonic oxide. Instead of ordinary heaters,
there is in this case shown a heater B consisting of a shaft. It has a cover 79,
on top for periodically charging fuel. At the base there is a conical bottom 80
and doors 81 for the discharge of the cinders. Some distance above the cone,
is arranged a series of ducts 82 communicating with a channel 83. This channel
communicates with the shaft All by pipe 74 and with an air pipe 85 leading from
a blower (not shown). Suitable water cooled valves 86 and 87 are arranged in
pipes 85 and 74. Some distance from the top there is a second series of ducts 88
and an annular channel 89. A pipe 90 having a valve 91 and also a pipe 77,
.which leads to the shaft A¹ and has a suitable valve 92, are in connection with
channel 89. The operation of the heater B is as follows-It is filled with
fuel, and air preferably heated is injected through a pipe 85 and valve 86 until
the body of fuel is raised to incandescence.
Producer gas escapes during this period through pipe 90. After the fuel is
sufficiently heated the supply of air is stopped. Valves 86 and 91 are closed,
valves 87 and 92 are opened, and gas from shaft A" is conducted to the heater
by pipe 77 and fan 78, passes downwards through the heater and re-enters A"
by pipe 74.
After the fuel is cooled down, it is again heated by injecting hot
air at 85. Two or more heaters are worked alternately.
If the apparatus is intended for smelting metals, which melt easily, the
heater B is connected to the ducts 70 instead of 71 and the latter can be done
away with.
If I wish to employ the apparatus for the production of gas, I replace the
heater B by an ordinary gas heater containing fire-proof material and connected.
to the shaft A" in the same way as the heater 13". The operation of the
apparatus is then as follows:-
Fuel is fed into the shaft A" and a mixture of steam and gas is circulated
through heater and shaft by the fan 78 the mixture of steam and gas entering
the shaft A by the ducts 71 and leaving by the ducts 75, and water or water and
oil being sprayed into the top of the heater. Through the ducts 70 air is intro-
duced for the purpose of melting the cinders, so that they can be withdrawn in
the liquid state. By making suitable admixture of substances such as alkali
and lime to the coal, the melting point of the cinders can be so much reduced
that they can be melted by the hot gas direct. In that case the hot gas is
introduced at 70 instead of i1 and no air is used. A pure gas free from nitrogen
is then obtained in a continuous manner and the cinders are also removed in a
continuous manner in the liquid state. They can be removed from the furnace
by granulation as practised with blast furnace slags and form a suitable material
for the manufacture of cement. To avoid corrosion of the lining by the alkali
it is then of advantage to use a water jacket, where the melting takes place.
The excess of gas produced is drawn, off through the pipe 66 after passing
through the cool fuel in the upper part of the shaft.
An important application of the method is for the purpose of calcining lime-
stone cement or other substances.

page_text: The process enables the simultaneous production of pure carbonic acid gas,
which is an important matter for instance in the well known ammonia-soda
process in which the carbonic acid is used for the production of bicarbonate of
soda.
For the calcining of limestone and the production of carbonic acid the
heater B is replaced by an ordinary heater containing non combustible material.
Limestone is charged into the top of the shaft A" by means of the mechanical
charging arrangement and burnt lime is withdrawn from the bottom and a
current of pure carbonic acid gas is circulated through the shaft A" by the
fan 78, the excess of carbonic acid gas produced being discharged by the pipe 66b
after being cooled by passing through the limestone in the upper part of the
shaft A¹¹.
This
As this method furnishes a pure carbonic acid, it also enables the production
of pure or nearly pure carbonic-oxide gas in a very convenient manner.
can be effected by working the lime kiln in connection with generators of similar
construction to the heater B", in which fuel can be periodically heated by in-
jection of air. By conducting the carbonic acid through the fuel a pure carbonic
oxide gas can be cheaply produced.
=
Carbonic oxide gas containing some nitrogen can be produced by mixing au
amount of air with the carbonic acid-gas, sufficient to effect generation of heat
by combustion of fuel for the reaction CO2 + C 2 CO. The carbonic acid or
the mixture with air is preferably heated before it passes through the fuel.
Another application of the process is the production of metals from ores etc.
The apparatus shown is intended for producing metals, which melt at high
temperature. The operation is as follows:-
Ore mixed with a suitable flux is fed into the apparatus and evenly distributed
over the whole area of the cone 63. A continuous circulation of gas takes place
from furnace A through pipe 77 and fan 78 into the heater B and after passage
through the same through pipe 74 back to the furnaces. The operation of the
heater B has already been described. It has the great advantage, that carbonic
acid is reduced to carbonic oxide during the passage of the gas through the
same.
The gas which enters furnace All contains a large amount of carbonic oxide.
It is highly heated and effects reduction and partial melting of the metal. The
complete melting is in this case effected by an air blast entering the ducts 70.
The gas circulating between heater and furnace contains therefore some nitrogen
but much less than is present in ordinary blast furnaces. The carbonic oxide is
partially oxidised to carbonic acid during its passage through the furnace A",
but is again reduced in the heater and the gas entering at 71 contains therefore
mostly carbonic oxide. The gas produced per ton of metal is much smaller than
in ordinary smelting processes and it passes therefore so slowly through the fresh
ore in the upper part of the furnace A", that it is as completely oxidised as
possible and cooled nearly to the temperature of the air and loss of metal in the
flue-gases is entirely avoided.
For the purpose of smelting metals, which melt at low temperature, such as
lead, the apparatus is so changed, that the gas from the heater B" is introduced
through the ducts 70. The reduction and smelting is then entirely effected by
pure hot carbonic oxide gas, free from nitrogen, no air being introduced and the
volume of the gases leaving the apparatus is still smaller and loss of metal is
entirely avoided.
In place of using the heater B3", consisting of a shaft filled with fuel, ordinary
heaters of fire-proof material can be used. The ore is then mixed with some
fuel and the reduction of the carbonic acid takes place in the furnace A" itself.
Dated this 21st day of August 1900.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant,

page_text: An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials,
Applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other Purposes.
I, PAUL NAEF, Ph.D., of Woody Crest Avenue, near 165th Street, New York
City, United States of America, Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to the treatment of solid materials with the application,
regulation, or withdrawal of heat; it is applicable to such processes as the
distillation of bituminous fuel for the production of illuminating gas and coke,
the manufacture of water gas by the action of steam on, fuel, the destruction of
substances and recovery of ammonia therefrom, the calcination of limestone
and cement, the production of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and the
reduction and smelting of ore.
The chief objects of the invention are to economise heat or the heating or
cooling agent, to treat large quantities of material and gas in a single apparatus,
and to conduct such operations as the reduction and smelting of ores
burning of limestone without the presence of nitrogen in the apparatus, or with
a less quantity of nitrogen than heretofore.
or the
According to my invention I apply heat to (or abstract heat from) the material
to be treated by circulating gases or vapours in heaters (or coolers) forming a
part of the apparatus. The gases are passed through the material until they are
cooled to a temperature at which the operation to be carried out ceases for
practical purposes. Then the gases are again heated and brought into contact
with the material. A continuous circulation of heated gas through the material
is thus obtained, the material itself being preferably also moved through the
apparatus. The excess of the gases or vapours produced during the operation is
conducted through the material to be treated and all the heat is abstracted from
the same, and the reaction completed.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood and readily carried into
practical effect I will proceed to describe the same more fully with reference to
the drawing accompanying my Provisional Specification which is a vertical
sectional view of the plant for carrying out the process and consists of a blast
furnace or cupola A" and a heater B. The blast furnace consists of a shaft 61
supported on columns 62 and encased by iron. It has a charging arrangement
consisting of a hopper 65 connected with the furnace All by a ring 66. The
ring 66 is so arranged that it can be rotated and that tight joints are obtained
between the said ring and the hopper 65 and between the said ring and the top
plate of the furnace. Inside the ring 66 is fastened an helical blade 63ª. On
the ring 66 is fastened a toothed wheel 67 which gears with a toothed pinion
and shaft 68. Suitable rollers 67ª support the toothed wheel 67. 67b are vertical
rollers to prevent the ring sliding laterally.
For the purpose of distributing the material in the furnace a
fastened to the ring 66, and revolves with the same.
cone 63 is
At the base of the shaft A there is a suitable crucible 69 and a set of ducts
for air 70. Some distance above there is another set of ducts 71 with separate
pipes 72 leading into the general main 73. The latter is by means of a pipe 74,
in connection with the bottom of the heater B. A considerable distance above
the ducts 71, there is a series of gas off-takes consisting of ducts 75 and a
channel 76, which is connected to the top of heater B" by pipe 77. A fan 78
or other suitable arrangement creates a continuous circulation of gas, which
consists in this case, mostly of carbonic oxide, Instead of ordinary heaters,

page_text: there is in this case shown a heater B consisting of a shaft. It has a cover 79,
on top for periodically charging fuel. At the base there is a conical bottom 80
and doors 81 for the discharge of the cinders. Some distance above the cone,
is arranged a series of ducts 82 communicating with a channel 83. This channel
communicates with the shaft A" by pipe 74 and with an air pipe 85 leading from
a blower (not shown). Suitable water cooled valves 86 and 87 are arranged in
pipes 85 and 74. Some distance from the top there is a second series of ducts 88
and an annular channel 89. A pipe 90 having a valve 91 and also a pipe 77
which leads to the shaft A" and has a suitable valve 92, are in connection with
channel 89. The operation of the heater B is as follows-It is filled with
fuel, and air preferably heated is injected through a pipe 85 and valve 86 until
the body of fuel is raised to incandescence.
Producer gas escapes during this period through pipe 90. After the fuel is
sufficiently heated the supply of air is stopped. Valves 86 and 91 are closed,
valves 87 and 92 opened, and gas from shaft A" is conducted to the heater
by pipe 77 and fan 78, passes downwards through the heater and re-enters A
by pipe 74. After the fuel is cooled down, it is again heated by injecting hot
air at 85. Two or more heaters are worked alternately.
If the apparatus is intended for smelting metals, which melt easily, the
heater B is connected to the ducts 70 instead of 71 and the latter can be omitted.
If I wish to employ the apparatus for the production of gas, and also if fuel
is mixed with the ore in smelting, I replace the heater B by an ordinary gas
heater containing fire-proof material and connected to the shaft A" in the same
way as the heater B. The operation of the apparatus is then as follows:
Fuel is fed into the shaft A" and a mixture of steam and gas is circulated
through heater and shaft by the fan 78 the mixture of steam and gas entering
the shaft All by the ducts 71 and leaving by the ducts 75, and water or water and
oil being sprayed into the top of the heater. Through the ducts 70 air is intro-
duced for the purpose of smelting the cinders, so that they can be withdrawn in
the liquid state. By making suitable admixture of substances such as alkali
and lime to the coal, the melting point of the cinders can be so much reduced
that they can be melted by the hot gas direct. In that case the hot gas is
introduced at 70 instead of 71 and no air is used. A pure gas free from nitrogen
is then obtained in a continuous manner and the cinders are also removed in a
continuous manner in the liquid state. They can be removed from the furnace
by granulation as practised with blast furnace slags and form a suitable material
for the manufacture of cement. To avoid corrosion of the lining by the alkali
it is then of advantage to use a water jacket, where the melting takes place.
The excess of gas produced is drawn off through the pipe 66 after passing
through the cool fuel in the upper part of the shaft.
An important application of the method is for the purpose of calcining lime-
stone cement or other substances.
The process enables the simultaneous production of pure carbonic acid gas,
which is an important matter for instance in the well known ammonia-soda
process in which the carbonic acid is used for the production of bicarbonate of
soda.
For the calcining of limestone and the production of carbonic acid the
heater B is replaced by an ordinary heater containing non combustible material.
Limestone is charged into the top of the shaft A" by means of the mechanical
charging arrangement and burnt lime is withdrawn from the bottom and a
current of pure carbonic acid gas is circulated through the shaft A" by the
fan 78, the excess of carbonic acid gas produced being discharged by the pipe 66b
after being cooled by passing through the limestone in the upper part of the
shaft, A. In this case the bottom of the shaft A is fitted with suitable doors
for the withdrawal of solid material. The apparatus is then usually worked in
such a way that some air is drawn into it at the bottom to replace the carbonic

page_text: acid gas in the lower part, which can be effected by maintaining sufficient suction
at the exit pipe.
As this method furnishes a pure carbonic acid, it also enables the production
of pure or nearly pure carbonic-oxide gas in a very convenient manner. This
can be effected by working the lime kiln in connection with generators of similar
construction to the heater B, in which fuel can be periodically heated by in-
jection of air. By conducting the carbonic acid through the fuel a pure carbonic
oxide gas can be cheaply produced.
=
Carbonic oxide gas containing some nitrogen can be produced by mixing an
amount of air with the carbonic acid-gas, sufficient to effect generation of heat
by combustion of fuel for the reaction CO, + C 2 CO. The carbonic acid or
the mixture with air is preferably heated before it passes through the fuel.
Another application of the process is the reduction of ores and the production
of metals from ores etc.
The apparatus shown is intended for producing metals, which melt at high
temperature. The operation is as follows:-
Ore mixed with a suitable flux is fed into the apparatus and evenly distributed
over the whole area of the cone 63. A continuous circulation of gas takes place
from furnace A through pipe 77 and fan 78 into the heater B and after passage
through the same through pipe 74 back to the furnaces. The operation of the
heater B has already been described. It has the great advantage, that carbonic
acid is reduced to carbonic oxide during passage of the gas through the
same.
The gas which enters furnace A¹¹ contains a large amount of carbonic oxide.
It is highly heated and effects reduction and partial melting of the metal. The
complete melting is in this case effected by an air blast entering the ducts 70.
The gas circulating between heater and furnace contains therefore some nitrogen
but much less than is present in ordinary blast furnaces. The carbonic oxide is
partially oxidised to carbonic acid during its passage through the furnace A¹¹,
but is again reduced in the heater and the gas entering at 71 contains therefore
mostly carbonic oxide. The gas produced per ton of metal is much smaller than
in ordinary smelting processes and it passes therefore so slowly through the fresh
ore in the upper part of the furnace A", that it is as completely oxidised as
possible and cooled nearly to the temperature of the air and loss of metal in the
flue-gases is entirely avoided.
For the purpose of smelting metals, which melt at low temperature, such as
lead, the apparatus is so changed, that the gas from the heater B is introduced
, through the ducts 70. The reduction and smelting is then entirely effected by
pure hot carbonic oxide gas, free from nitrogen, no air being introduced and the
volume of the gases leaving the apparatus is still smaller and loss of metal is
entirely avoided.
In place of using the heater B¹¹, consisting of a shaft filled with fuel, ordinary
heaters of fire-proof material can be used. The ore is then mixed with some
fuel and the reduction of the carbonic acid takes place in the furnace A" itself.
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 treating solid material with gas which consists in acting with
steam on fuel and afterwards heating the remainder of the fuel with air, sub-
stantially as described.
2. The method which consists in melting the cinders in the lower part of a
gas generator and afterwards granulating the melted cinders.
3. The method which consists in heating a mixture of carbonic acid and air
and conducting the same through fuel, substantially as described.
4. The method which consists in heating fuel with a blast of air and after-

page_text: wards conducting carbonic acid gas mixed with air through said fuel, substan-
tially as described.
5. The method of producing gas, which consists in treating fuel with steam
and other gas and afterwards injecting air into the fuel, substantially as
described.
6. The method which consists in repeatedly circulating the same gas in the
upper part of a shaft furnace and simultaneously carrying on smelting in the
lower part of the said furnace, substantially as described.
7. The method which consists in introducing heated gaseous fluid containing
no oxygen in one part of a shaft furnace and introducing an air blast for smelt-
ing in another part of said furnace, substantially as described.
8. The method which consists in withdrawing gas containing carbonic acid
from a furnace, reheating said gas to a high temperature and reintroducing it
into the furnace where carbon is present to reduce the carbonic acid, substantially
as described.
9. The method of treating solid material with gas, which consists in con-
tinuously circulating the gas through a moving column of the material and a gas
heater, passing the material thus heated and acted upon into a cupola, and pass-
ing the excess of gas produced through the material to be treated, substantially
as and for the purposes specified.
10. The method of producing gas which consists in conducting a heated mixture
of steam and gas through fuel mixed if necessary with fluxes such as alkali and
lime, simultaneously injecting air into the bottom of the apparatus, and with-
drawing the cinders in liquid form from the apparatus, substantially as described.
11. The method of treating ore which consists in passing heated carbonic oxide
through the ore, withdrawing the gas produced, re-heating and reducing said gas
to carbonic oxide and then re-passing it through the ore, and passing the surplus
gas produced through fresh ore, substantially as described.
12. The method of treating ores which consists in passing heated carbonic
oxide through the ore, withdrawing the gas produced, re-heating it and reducing
it to carbonic oxide by passing it through highly heated fuel, then again passing
the carbonic oxide through the ore and repeating these operations, so as to keep
up a continuous circulation of the gas through the ore, and if necessary completing
the smelting by the injection of air into the ore, substantially as described.
13. The method of reducing carbonic acid to carbonic oxide which consists in
heating it and passing it through fuel, then re-heating it and again passing it
through the fuel so as to maintain a continuous circulation of the gas through
the fuel, substantially as described.
14. The combination with a shaft furnace of means for circulating gas in the
upper part of said furnace and means for smelting in the lower part of said
furnace, substantially as described.
15. In combination with a shaft furnace, a gas exit near the top of said furnace,
means for withdrawing gas some distance below said exit, means for reintro-.
ducing said gas on a lower level, and means for adjusting the temperature of
the gas before it is reintroduced, substantially as described.
16. The combination of a shaft furnace, one or more chambers containing fuel,
means for heating the fuel in said chambers, and means for afterwards circula-
ting gas from the furnace through the fuel and back to the furnace, substan-
tially as described.
17. The combination of a blast furnace, an inlet for introducing gas above the
smelting part of said furnace, means for withdrawing gas some distance above
said inlet and a gas exit near the top of said furnace, substantially as described.
18. In combination with a furnace an apparatus for heating gas consisting of
a shaft, means for alternately injecting air into the fuel in said shaft, and for
afterwards conducting gas through the heated fuel, substantially as described.
19. In a gas heater, the combination of a shaft, a series of ducts some distance
from each end of said shaft, means for alternately injecting air into the fuel in

page_text: .
said shaft and afterwards conducting a gas through the heated fuel, substan-
tially as described.
20. In a shaft furnace the combination of means for circulating gas through
a gas heater and furnace, and means for injecting air into the bottom of said
furnace, substantially as described.
21. In apparatus for treating solid material with gas, the combination with the
shaft in which the solid material is treated, of a gas heater consisting of a shaft
filled with fuel and provided with a series of ducts near the bottom and a series
of ducts near the top, means for periodically conducting air upward through the
shaft for heating the fuel and then passing the gas to be heated down through
the fuel, substantially as described.
22. In apparatus for treating solid material with gas, a shaft having a
mechanical feeding device at the top, a cupola at the bottom, and two series of
ducts which respectively connect the lower and upper parts of the shaft with the
top and bottom of a gas heater, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
23. Apparatus for treating solid material with gas, constructed arranged and
operating substantially as described with reference to the drawing accompanying
my Provisional Specification for the purpose specified.
1000
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: Date claimed for Patent under Sect. 103 of Act,
being date of first Foreign Application 26th Apr., 1899
(in United States),
Complete Specification Left, 23rd Aug., 1900-Accepted, 23rd Nov., 1900
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials,
applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other
purposes.
I, PAUL NAEF, Ph.D., of Woody Crest Avenue, near 165th Street, New York
City, United States of America, Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the treatment of solid materials with the application,
regulation or withdrawal of heat; and it is applicable to such processes as the
distillation of bituminous fuel for the production of illuminating gas and coke,
the manufacture of water gas by the action of steam on fuel, the destruction of
sewage matter and recovery of ammonia therefrom, and the production of carbon
dioxide and to the carrying out of catalytic re-actions requiring a constant
temperature, such as the manufacture of chlorine from hydrochloric acid gas
The chief objects of the invention are to economise heat or the heating or
cooling agent, to treat large quantities of material and gas in a single apparatus,
and to conduct such operations as reducing ore without the presence of nitrogen
in the apparatus or with a less quantity of nitrogen than heretofore.
According to my invention I apply heat to- (or abstract heat from) the material
to be treated by circulating gases or vapours in heaters (or coolers) forming a
part of the apparatus. The gases are passed through the material until they are
cooled to a temperature at which the operation to be carried out ceases for
practical purposes. Then the gases are again heated and brought into contact
with the material. A continuous circulation of heated gas through the material
is thus obtained, the material itself being preferably also moved through the
apparatus. The excess of the gases or vapours próduced during the operation
is conducted through the material to be treated and all the heat is abstracted
from the same.
My invention also comprises improved means for charging the material to,
and for discharging it from the apparatus.
The drawing is a vertical sectional view of the plant for carrying out the
process. A¹ is a shaft supported on columns. Above the shaft is a hopper 21,
which is in connection with the shaft A' by means of a ring 22. This ring is
so arranged, that it can be rotated, and that tight joints are obtained between
the ring and the hopper 21 and also between ring and the top-plate 23. If
there is no pressure in the top of the shaft and if the gases are harmless a

page_text: sufficient joint is obtained by close fitting flanges 24 and 25. If there is pres-
sure or if the material is fine the joints are arranged in the form of stuffing
boxes. In the interior of the ring 22 is fastened a helicoid blade 26 and a rod 27
of suitable shape to prevent clogging, reaching into the hopper 21. On ring 22
is fastened a toothed wheel 28, which is put in action by the cog wheel and
shaft 28ª.
Suitable rollers 29 are arranged to support the toothed wheel shell 28 and
vertical rollers 30 arranged on the periphery prevent the ring and shell from
sliding sideways. The cog-wheel and shaft 28" set the ring 22 and helicoid
blade 26 fastened to the same, into the rotating motion. The rod 27 prevents
clogging of the material and the blade 26 charges material continuously into
the apparatus. The arrangement has the advantage, that the whole charging
arrangement is easily accessible and can be entirely removed or replaced after
closing damper 31, without interfering with the hopper 21. At the base the
apparatus has a conical bottom 32 and doors 33. A ring 34 having a helicoid
blade 36 and a rod 37 reaching into the interior of the shaft closes against the
cone. This rod 37 may be bent or given such a form that it will prevent
clogging. A toothed wheel 38 is fastened to the ring 34 and both are rotated
by the cog wheel and shaft 39. The wheel 38 is supported and kept in position
by suitable rollers 40. The rotation of the ring and helicoid blade causes a
continuous discharge into a wagon 57.
All the working parts are easily accessible and the discharging arrangement
can easily be replaced.
The shaft A is shown with three series of ducts 41, 42, 43 having annular
channels 44, 45, 46 which are in connection with heater B. The heater B¹ is
only shown in outline. It is so arranged 'that the gas which is to be heated,
enters the upper and lower end and travels towards the centre, where it leaves at
high temperature and enters shaft A¹ through pipe 47, channel 45 and ducts 42.
The hot gas passes upwards and partly downwards through the material in the
shaft A¹ and leaves the shaft through pipes 48 and 49 which re-enter the heater
at the bottom and top. Fans 50 and 51 create a continuous circulation of gas
between the heater B¹ and the shaft A¹. The surplus-gas produced passes
through a considerable column of material on the top and leaves in cool condition
through pipe 52. It will be noticed, that as the gas enters the apparatus in the
centre, there is only a small gas pressure at the charging and discharging end.
The apparatus is capable of treating large quantities of material. If it is
used for the production of water-gas, water sprays 55 and 56, are arranged at
each end of the heater, which distribute water in fine division in the gas and
make the use of steam unnecessary. Supplementary steam pipes 53 and 54
are shown in pipes 48 and 49.
Having described the apparatus I will now describe its operation with reference
to some of the applications of the process.
The apparatus can with great advantage be used for the manufacture of water
gas. As the hot gas from heater B circulates partly upwards, partly down-
wards and leaves the generator A¹ through the two series of ducts 43 and 41,
the apparatus has a large capacity. The excess of gas produced before it leaves
the generator has to pass through a column of fuel of considerable height for
the purpose of cooling the gas and condensing moisture and tar.
The highest temperature zone in this apparatus is in the centre where the hot
gas enters, towards the two ends the temperature is lower, and there is little
pressure where the charging and discharging of the fuel takes place.
Another application of the apparatus is the production of coke, gas, and by-
products. The series of ducts are then arranged at such heights that the gas
will pass upwards through the fine coal and that coke can be withdrawn with-
out being inconvenienced by the escape of gas. The part of the apparatus below
the lowest series of ducts is then made larger and water is introduced into the
coke for the purpose of producing ammonia from the nitrogenous compound's

page_text: of the coke as shown in my prior Specification No. 7951 of 1898. A gas con-
taining a small amount of steam is circulated through the heater and generator.
If illuminating gas is required, oil is mixed with the water which is sprayed into
the heater at 55 or with the steam introduced at 53. As the fuel reaches the
zone of the circulating gas, it is quickly heated and distillation takes place
rapidly. Some volatile matter is deposited as carbon and hard coke is produced.
The gas produced rises through the upper part of the shaft, where it meets
fresh fuel. As its volume is comparatively small it is possible to cool it to a
degree that most of the tar and moisture is condensed and intercepted by the fuel.
The gas is then conducted to a suitable washing apparatus (not shown) for the
recovery of ammonia, through the pipe 52.
In any case the construction of the apparatus may be varied to effect the best
results in the process under certain conditions without departing from the
spirit of the invention. The process herein described, can also be used for carry-
ing out reactions, which generate heat, which is injurious. Such reactions are
the absorption of chlorine by lime for the production of bleaching powder also
the production of bicarbonate of soda by treating solid carbonate of soda with
carbonic acid gas. The apparatus shown can in these cases be used with advan-
tage, with the difference, that gas coolers of suitable construction are used in-
stead of heaters.
Further important applications are the oxidation or reduction of gases by
means of catalytical substances and the carrying out of reactions requiring a
very stable temperature. Important examples of the oxidation of gases are
the oxidation of hydrochloric acid gas to chlorine by oxygen in the presence
of a catalytical substance such as copper oxide, and the oxydation of sulphurous
acid gas by oxygen in the presence of catalytical substances such as platinum
or oxides of copper, iron etc.
תו נד
011
2
1000
HASELTINE, LAKE, & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials,
applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other
purposes.
:
I, PAUL NAEF, Ph.D., of Woody Crest Avenue, near 165th Street, New York..
City, United States of America, Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particu-.
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :—
This invention relates to the treatment of solid materials with the application,
regulation or withdrawal of heat; and it is applicable to such processes as the
distillation of bituminous fuel for the production of illuminating gas and coke,
the manufacture of water gas by the action of steam on fuel, the destruction of
substances and recovery of ammonia therefrom, and the production of carbon
dioxide and to the carrying out of catalytic re-actions requiring a constant
temperature, such as the manufacture of chlorine from hydrochloric acid gas,"
and the manufacture of sulphuric acid from sulphurous acid.
The chief objects of the invention are to economise heat or the heating or cool-
ing agent, to treat large quantities of material and gas in a single apparatus, and

page_text: to conduct such operations as reducing ore without the presence of nitrogen in
the apparatus or with a less quantity of nitrogen then heretofore.
According to my invention I apply heat to (or abstract heat from) the material
to be treated by circulating gases or vapours in heaters (or coolers) forming a
part of the apparatus. The gases are passed through the material until they
are cooled to a temperature at which the operation to be carried out ceases for
practical purposes. Then the gases are again heated and brought into contact
with the material. A continuous circulation of heated gas through the material
is thus obtained the material itself being preferably also moved through the
apparatus. The excess of the gases or vapours produced during the operation
is conducted through the material to be treated and all the heat is abstracted
from the same, and the reaction is completed.
My invention also comprises improved means for charging the material to,
and for discharging it from the apparatus.
In order that my invention may be clearly understood and readily carried into
practical effect I will proceed to describe the same more fully with reference to
the drawing accompanying my Provisional Specification which is a vertical
sectional view of the plant for carrying out the process.
A is a shaft supported
on columns. Above the shaft is a hopper 21, which is in connection with the
shaft A by means of a ring 22. This ring is so arranged that it can be rotated,
and that tight joints are obtained between the ring and the hopper 21 and also
between ring and the top-plate 23. If there is no pressure in the top of the
shaft and if the gases are harmless a sufficient joint is obtained by close fitting
flanges 24 and 25. If there is pressure or if the material is fine the joints are
arranged in the form of stuffing boxes. In the interior of the ring 22 is fastened
a helicoid blade 26 and a rod 27 of suitable shape to prevent clogging, reaching
into the hopper 21. On ring 22 is fastened a toothed wheel 28, which is put in
action by the cog wheel and shaft 28ª.
Suitable rollers 29 are arranged to support the toothed wheel shell 28 and
vertical rollers 30 arranged on the periphery prevent the ring and shell from
sliding sideways. The cog-wheel and shaft 28 rotate the ring 22 and helicoid
blade 26 fastened to the same. The rod 27 prevents clogging of the material
and the blade 26 charges material continuously into the apparatus. The arrange-
ment has the advantage, that the whole charging arrangement is easily accessible
and can be entirely removed or replaced after closing damper 31, without inter-
fering with the hopper 21. At the base the apparatus has a conical bottom 32
and doors 33. A ring 34 having a helicoid blade 36 and a rod 37 reaching into
the interior of the shaft, closes against the cone. This rod 37 may be bent or
given such a form that it will prevent clogging. A toothed wheel 38 is fastened
to the ring.34 and both are rotated by the cog wheel and shaft 39. The wheel 38
is supported and kept in position by suitable rollers 40. The rotation of the ring
and helicoid blade causes a continuous discharge into a wagon 57.
All the working parts are easily accessible and the discharging arrangement
can easily be replaced.
The shaft A is shown with three series of ducts 41, 42, 43 having annular
channels 44, 45, 46 which are in connection with heater B. The heater B is
only shown in outline. It is so arranged that the gas which is to be heated,
enters the upper and lower end and travels towards the centre, where it leaves
at high temperature and enters shaft A' through pipe 47, channel 45 and
ducts 42. The hot gas passes upwards and partly downwards through the
material in the shaft A¹ and leaves the shaft through pipes 48 and 49, which
re-enter the heater at the bottom and top. Fans 50 and 51 create a continuous
circulation of gas between the heater B₁ and the shaft A¹. The surplus-gas
produced passes through a considerable column of material on the top and leaves
in cool condition through pipe 52.
The part of the apparatus about the outlets 43 is therefore of great importance.
It enables the continuous production of a gas of low temperature, practically

page_text: free from tar and containing much of the nitrogen of the coal in the form of
ammonia. The tar and moisture intercepted by the cold fuel in the upper part
is carried down to the lower part where the heat is sufficient to gasify it. Some
of the constituents are after evaporation drawn through the off-takes 43 into
the heater and are, after re-heating, returned to the generator. As the coal is
burned in a mixture of steam and water gas, nearly all the nitrogen present in
the coal is converted into ammonia and is recovered from the gas leaving the
apparatus.
It is an important part of the method to bring the gas produced by circulating
a heated gas in one part of the apparatus in contact with fresh material in
another part of the apparatus. It is further important that the charging and
discharging should take place without interrupting the operation. Usually the
best results are obtained by passing the material through the apparatus con-
tinuously. It will be noticed that as the gas enters the apparatus in the centre,
there is only a small gas pressure at the charging and discharging ends.
The apparatus is capable of treating large quantities of material. If it is
used for the production of water-gas, water sprays 55 and 56, are arranged at
each end of the heater, which distribute water in fine division in the gas and
make the use of steam unnecessary. Supplementary steam pipes 53 and 54 are
shown in pipes 48 and 49.
Having described the apparatus I will now describe its operation with reference
to some of the applications of the process.
The apparatus can with great advantage be used for the manufacture of water
gas. As the hot gas from heater B circulates partly upwards, partly downwards
and leaves the generator A¹ through the two series of ducts 43 and 41, the
apparatus has a large capacity. The excess of gas produced before it leaves the
generator has to pass through a column of fuel of considerable height for the
purpose of completing the reaction, cooling the gas and condensing moisture and
tar.
The highest temperature zone in this apparatus is in the centre where the hot
gas enters, towards the two ends the temperature is lower, and there is little
pressure where the charging and discharging of the fuel takes place.
Another application of the apparatus is the production of coke, gas, and by-
products. The part of the apparatus below the lowest series of ducts is then
made larger and water is introduced into the coke for the purpose of producing
ammonia from the nitrogeneous compounds of the coke as shown in my prior
Specification No. 7951 of 1898. A gas containing a small amount of steam is
circulated through the heater and generator. If illuminating gas is required,
oil is mixed with the water which is sprayed into the heater at 55 or with the
steam introduced at 53. As the fuel reaches the zone of the circulating gas, it
is quickly heated and distillation takes place rapidly. Some volatile matter is
deposited as carbon and hard coke is produced.
The gas produced rises through the upper part of the shaft, where it meets
fresh fuel. As its volume is comparatively small it is possible to cool it to a
degree that most of the tar and moisture is condensed and intercepted by the
fuel. The gas is then conducted to a suitable washing apparatus (not shown)
for the recovery of ammonia, through the pipe 52.
In any case the construction of the apparatus may be varied to effect the best
results in the process under certain conditions without departing from the spirit
of the invention. The process herein described, can also be used for carrying
out reactions, which generate heat, which is injurious. Such reactions are the
absorption of chlorine by lime for the production of bleaching powder also the
production of bicarbonate of soda by treating solid carbonate of soda with car-
bonic acid gas. The apparatus shown can in these cases be used with advantage,
with the difference that gas coolers of suitable construction are used instead of
heaters.
Further important applications are the oxidation or reduction of gases by

page_text: means of catalytical substances and the carrying out of reactions requiring a
very stable temperature. Important examples of the oxidation of gases are the
oxidation of hydrochloric acid gas to chlorine by oxygen in the presence of a
catalytical substance such as copper oxide and the oxidation of sulphurous acid
gas by oxygen in the presence of catalytical substances such as platinum or
oxides of copper, iron etc.
As an example of the application of the process for reducing gases, can be men-
tioned the reduction of carbonic acid to carbonic oxide.
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 treating solid material with gas which consists in con-
ducting hot gas through the solid material, withdrawing, re-adjusting the tem-
perature of and re-passing the gas through the solid material so as to simul-
taneously produce several gas circuits through the solid material, substantially
as described.
2. The method of treating solid material with gas, which consists in con-
ținuously circulating the gas by injecting it at or near the centre and withdraw-
ing it near the ends of a moving column of the material, re-adjusting the tem-
perature of the gas after every passage through the material, and passing the
excess of gas produced through the material to be treated so as to abstract heat
from the said excess of gas, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
3. The method which consists in passing the same gas in several circuits
repeatedly through material in an apparatus, and afterwards conducting the
gas through fresh material, substantially as described.
4. The method which consists in injecting gas into a column of material near
the centre thereof, withdrawing gas near each end of the said column, readjust-
ing the temperature of said gas and again introducing it at the centre of the
column of material, substantially as described.
5. In apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, the combination
with a gas heater of a generator provided with two series of outlets for con-
ducting gas to the heater, and one series of gas inlets for the injection of gas
from the heater, the said series of inlets being situated between the two series of
outlets, and an exit pipe situated above the upper series of outlets, substantially
as described.
6. In apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, a mechanical
feeding device which consists in a hopper communicating with a rotary ring pro-
vided with a helical blade, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
7. In apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, a mechanical
feeding device which consists in a hopper communicating with a rotary ring
provided with a helical blade and also a rod projecting into the hopper, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose specified.
8. In apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, a hollow shaft
the bottom of which is connected to a rotary ring provided with a helical blade
and also with a rod extending into the bottom of the said shaft, substantially as
and for the purpose specified.
9. In an apparatus for treating material with gas, the combination of a part
in which gas circulates in several circuits and a part in which the surplus gas
produced is brought into contact with fresh material.
10. In an apparatus for treating material with gas, the combination of a re-
action chamber, means for passing material through the same, means for intro-
ducing near the centre of the chamber gas heated to a suitable temperature,
means for withdrawing the gas nearer to each end of the apparatus, and means for
withdrawing the gas still nearer one end, substantially as described.
11. In an apparatus for treating material with gas, the combination of a
reaction chamber, means for introducing gas near the centre of said chamber,

page_text: means for withdrawing gas nearer to each end of said chamber, means for
returning the gas thus withdrawn into the centre of the chamber, and means
for re-adjusting the temperature of said gas before it re-enters the chamber,
substantially as described.
12. In an apparatus for treating material with gas, the combination of a shaft,
a series of gas inlets near the centre of said shaft, two series of gas off-takes
each situated between said inlets and one end of the shaft, means for conduct-
ing and circulating gas from said gas off-takes to said inlets, and means for
re-adjusting the temperature of and again introducing the gas near the centre
of the shaft, substantially as described.
13. In apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, a hollow shaft
the bottom of which communicates with a rotary ring fixed to and surrounded
by a toothed wheel which gears with a pinion actuated by a driving shaft, sub-
stantially as described.
14. Apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, constructed,
arranged and adapted to operate substantially as described with reference to
the drawing accompanying my Provisional Specification for the purpose specified.
Datod this 23rd day of August 1900
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials,
applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other purposes.
I, PAUL NAEF, Ph.D., of Woody Crest Avenue, near 165th Street, New York City,
United States of America, Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to the treatment of solid materials with the application,
regulation or withdrawal of heat; and it is applicable to such processes as the distil-
lation of bituminous fuel for the production of illuminating gas and coke, the
manufacture of water gas by the action of steam on fuel, the destruction of sewage
matter and recovery of ammonia therefrom, the calcination of limestone and cement,
the production of carbon di-oxide and carbon mon-oxide, and to the carrying out of
catalytic re-actions requiring a constant temperature, such as the manufacture of
sulphuric acid from sulphurous acid.
The chief objects of the invention are to economise heat or the heating or cooling
agent, to treat large quantities of material and gas in a single apparatus, and to
conduct such operations as the burning of limestone without the presence of nitrogen
in the apparatus or with a less quantity of nitrogen than heretofore.
According to my invention I apply heat to (or abstract heat from) the material to
be treated by circulating gases or vapours in heaters (or coolers) forming a part of the
apparatus. The gases are passed through the material until they are cooled to a
temperature at which the operation to be carried out ceases for practical purposes.
Then the gases are again heated and brought into contact with the material.
continuous circulation of heated gas through the material is thus obtained, the
material itself being preferably also moved through the apparatus. The excess of the
gases or vapours produced during the operation is conducted through the material to
be treated and all the heat is abstracted from the same.
A
My invention also comprises improved means for charging the material to, and for
discharging it from the apparatus.
The drawing shows a vertical sections of the plant for carrying out the process.
The apparatus consists of a shaft, supported by columns, encased by an iron mantel
and partly lined with bricks 1. It has a continuous feed on top and also a continuous
discharge. Above the shaft A is a feed-hopper 2, with a conical bottom 3. The ring 4,
which is removable in sections, fits against the end plate 5. A rod 6, is fastened to a
suitable excentric 7 and slides in the guide 8. The reciprocating movement of the
Dis 877

page_text: shaft causes a continuous discharge of material into the furnace, which can be
regulated by the speed of the excentric and also by inserting plates 9 into the ring 4
having openings of various sizes. The shaft A is in this way always kept filled with
material. At the base the shaft A has a conical bottom 10, which can be closed by
doors 11. A rod 12 reaches into the apparatus. It is connected with an eccentric 13
and guided by guide 14. The reciprocating action of the rod causes a continuous
discharge, which can be regulated by the speed of the eccentric and the distance of
the two doors 11. Some distance above the base, the apparatus has gas ducts 15
and an annular flue 16.. Some distance above the ducts 15, but a considerable distance
from the top, is a second system of ducts 17 and an annular channel 18. Near the
top of the apparatus there is a suitable gas outlet 19. In connection with the
shaft A is a gas heater B, which may be of any suitable construction and is only
shown in outline. Pipe 20 connects the bottom of the heater with the annular
channel 16 and ducts 15. Pipe 20" connects the top of the heater with the channel 18
and the gas off takes 17.
A fan 20 in the pipe 20ª creates a continuous circulation of gas from shaft.A
through ducts 17 and channel 18, to heater B and from heater B through pipe 20,
channel 16 and ducts 15 back to the shaft A. During the passage through the
heater the gas is heated to a high temperature suitable for the operation to be
carried out.
Having described the drawing I will now describe some of the applications of the
process, and the operation of the apparatus. An important application is the pro-
duction of water-gas or illuminating gas. The operation is as follows:-Fuel,
preferably of the bituminous kind, is fed into the apparatus and cinders or preferably
a material containing unburnt combustible matter is withdrawn from the bottom.
A mixture of gas and steam is continuously circulated through the generator A and
heater B. The heated mixture enters the generator through the ducts 15 and
passes through the fuel. Steam is decomposed by the reaction C + H2O = CO + H₂
After the gas is cooled to a temperature at which the reaction progresses slowly, it is
withdrawn and conducted through the heater B by means of the fan 20 through the
pipe 20ª.
In passing through the heater its temperature is again raised. A continuous
circulation of a mixture of steam and gas takes place between heater and generator A
and water-gas is continuously produced in the apparatus. The surplus-gas thus
obtained passes upwards through the upper part of the apparatus, where it meets
fresh fuel. The steam contained in the gas is here mostly decomposed with the
production of water-gas by the prolonged contact with the fuel, and the gas is
gradually cooled to such a degree that most of the steam is converted into water and
is intercepted by the cold fuel. If bituminous fuel is used, distillation takes place in
the upper part of the apparatus and the gas will be so cooled, that most of the tar is
condensed, intecepted by the fuel and carried to the lower part of the apparatus,
where it is converted into permanent gas.
The water-gas leaving the top of the apparatus is conducted through a suitable
washing plant (not shown) for the recovery of ammonia.
For the purpose of replacing the amount of steam, which is converted into water-
gas during the circulation, a regular supply of steam is introduced through pipe 20°
from a boiler or other source, before the gas mixture enters the heater B. A further
improvement can be made by introducing water instead of steam in a fine spray into
the gas, before or as it enters the heater. The sprays 20d shown in the drawing are
of any suitable type. They distribute the water in form of a mist, which mixes with
the gas.
As the gas is already warm the mist will instantaneously be converted into
steam.
In this way it is possible to produce water gas without any steam whatever.
If gas engines are used for operating the blowers and other machinery, no boilers
will be required for operating the water gas plant. A further great improvement
consists in mixing some oil with the water sprayed into the gas at 20d. This
can be done by injecting a small stream of oil through pipe 20' into the water pipe

page_text: leading to the spray. The oil will be in very fine division and is converted into gas
during the passage through the heater and generator, so that it is thus possible to
produce illuminating gas continuously.
As the gas circulating through heater B and generator A contains an excess of
steam, there is little danger of ammonia being destroyed in the heater and most of
the nitrogen of the coal is obtained as ammonia.
The generator A is preferably operated in such a way, that a material is discharged
containing a considerable amount of combustible matter.
This material is further mixed with suitable amounts of clay, lime or other
materials so as to give a composition of the non-combustible matter equal to a cement.
The mixed materials are then burnt, preferably by means of hot air, in such a way
that a clinker is produced suitable for building purposes, and a producer-gas is
obtained, which can be used for heating the hot gas stoves. This operation can be
carried out in a revolving furnace. It is thus possible to make economical use of every
constituent of the fuel.
Another application of the process is the production of coke, gas and by-products.
The series of ducts are then arranged at such a height that the gas will pass
upwards through the fine coal and coke can be withdrawn without being incon-
venienced by escaping gas. The part of the apparatus below the entrance of the gas
is then made larger and water is introduced into the coke for the purpose of producing
ammonia from the nitrogenous compounds of the coke as shown in my prior
Specification No. 7951 of 1898. A gas containing a small amount of steam is
circulated through the heater and generator. If illuminating gas is required oil is
mixed with the water, which is sprayed into the heater at 20d, or with steam which is
introduced at 20°.
As the fuel reaches the zone of the circulating gas it is quickly. heated and
distillation takes place rapidly. Some volatile matter is deposited as carbon, and
hard coke is produced.
The gas produced rises through the upper part of the shaft, where it meets fresh
fuel. As its volume is comparatively small it is possible to cool it to a degree that
most of the tar and moisture is condensed and intercepted by the fuel.
It is conducted to a suitable washing apparatus (not shown) for the recovery of
ammonia through pipe 19.
For the purpose of avoiding risk of destruction of illuminating power in the
heater, some of the oil may be sprayed directly into the pipe leading into the shaft
as shown at 20º.
An important application of the method is for the purpose of calcining limestone,
cement and other substances.
The process enables the simultaneous production of pure carbonic acid gas, which
is an important matter for instance in the well known ammonia-soda process, where
the carbonic acid is used for the production of bicarbonate of soda.
Limestone is charged into the top of the apparatus by means of the mechanical
charging arrangement and burnt lime is withdrawn from the bottom. A current of
pure carbonic-acid gas is circulated through the heater and kiln by means of the fan
or in any suitable way.
The hot gas enters the shaft at 15, drives off the carbonic acid from the limestone
and is withdrawn at 17, after the temperature is so reduced that the reaction progresses
only slowly, through pipe 20a and re-enters the heater. The carbonic acid produced
by the action on the limestone passes upwards through a column of limestone
sufficient to intercept all the heat, and cold gas leaves the apparatus at 19.
the volume of gas is much smaller than in ordinary lime kilns, the gas leaving
the shaft passes slowly through the material, carries little dust and is thoroughly
cooled.
The apparatus can therefore be made of smaller size to do the same work.
As
The steam and water pipes shown are in this case not necessary. It will be seen,
that in this case no fuel has to be mixed with the lime and no cinders are therefore
mixed with the burnt lime,

page_text: For the purpose of economising heat it is of advantage to discharge the hot lime
into a kiln on a lower level, which has arrangements for conducting the air through
it, which is used for the combustion of gas in the heaters. In this way a higher
temperature obtained in the heater and heat is economised.
Further important applications are the oxydation or reduction of gases by means of
catalytical or other substances and the carrying out of reactions requiring a very
stable temperature. Important examples of the oxydation of gases are the oxydation
of hydrochloric acid gas to chlorine by oxygen in the presence of a catalytical
substance such as copper oxide and the oxydation of sulphurous acid gas by oxygen
in the presence of catalytical substances such as platinum or oxides of copper,
iron etc.
In any case the construction of the apparatus may be varied to effect the best
results in the process under certain conditions without departing from the spirit of
the invention. The process described can also be used for carrying out reactions,
which generate heat, which is injurious. Such reactions are the absorption of
chlorine by lime for the production of bleaching powder also the production of
bicarbonate of soda by treating solid bicarbonate with carbonic acid gas. The
apparatus shown in my applications can in these cases be used with advantage, with
the difference, that gas coolers of suitable construction are used instead of heaters.
Dated this 23rd day of November 1899.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
An Improved Method of and Apparatus for Treating Solid Materials,
applicable to the Manufacture of Gas, Coke, and to other purposes.
I, PAUL NAEF, Ph.D., of Woody Crest Avenue, near 165th Street, New York City,
United States of America, Chemical Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described
and ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to the treatment of solid materials with the application,
regulation or withdrawal of heat; and it is applicable to such processes as the distilla-
tion of bituminous fuel for the production of illuminating gas and coke, the manu-
facture of water gas by the action of steam on fuel, the destruction of substances and
recovery of ammonia there from, the calcination of limestone and cement, the pro-
duction of carbon dioxide and to the carrying out of catalytic reactions requiring a
constant temperature, such as the manufacture of sulphuric acid from sulphurous
acid.
The chief objects of the invention are to economise heat or the heating or cooling
agent, to treat large quantities of material and gas in a single apparatus, and to con-
duct such operations as the burning of limestone without the presence of nitrogen in
the apparatus or with a less quantity of nitrogen than heretofore, and to obtain a
small volume of gas of low temperature from such operations.
According to my invention I apply heat to (or abstract heat from) the material to
be treated by circulating gases or vapours in heaters (or coolers) forming a part of the
apparatus. The gases are passed through the material until they are cooled to a
temperature at which the operation to be carried out ceases for practical purposes.
Then the gases are again heated and brought into contact with the material.
continuous circulation of heated gas through the material is thus obtained, the
material itself being preferably also moved through the apparatus. The excess of the
A

page_text: gases or vapours produced during the operation is conducted through the material to
be treated and all the heat is abstracted from the same and the operation completed.
My invention also comprises improved means for charging the material to, and for
discharging it from the apparatus. In order that my invention may be clearly
understood and readily carried into effect I will proceed to describe the same more
fully with reference to the drawing accompanying my Provisional Specification which
shows a vertical section of the plant for carrying out the process.
The apparatus consists of a shaft, supported by columns, encased by an iron mantel
and partly lined with bricks 1. It has a continuous feed on top and also a continuous
discharge. Above the shaft A is a feed-hopper 2, with a conical bottom 3. The
ring 4, which is removable in sections, fits against the end plate 5. A rod 6 is
fastened to a suitable excentric 7 and slides in the guide 8. The reciprocating
movement of the shaft causes a continuous discharge of material into the furnace,
which can be regulated by the speed of the excentric and also by inserting plates 9
into the ring 4 having openings of various sizes. The shaft A, is in this way always
kept filled with material. At the base the shaft A has a conical bottom 10, which
can be closed by doors 11. A rod 12 reaches into the apparatus. It is connected
with an eccentric 13 and guided by guide 14. The eccentric reciprocating action of
the rod causes a continuous discharge, which can be regulated by the speed of the
eccentric and the distance of the two doors 11. Some distance above the base, the
apparatus has gas ducts 15 and an annular flue 16. Some distance above the ducts 15
but a considerable distance from the top is a second system of ducts 17 and an
annular channel 18. Near the top of the apparatus there is a suitable gas outlet 19.
In connection with the shaft A is a gas heater B, which may be of any suitable con-
struction and is only shown in outline. Pipe 20 connects the heater at the bottom
with the annular channel 16 and ducts 15. Pipe 20ª connects the heater on top
with the channel 18 and the gas off takes 17.
A fan 20 in the pipe 20ª creates a continuous circulation of gas from shaft A
through ducts 17 and channel 18, to heater B and from heater B through pipe 20,
channel 16 and ducts 15 back to the shaft A. During the passage through the
heater the gas is heated to a high temperature suitable for the operation to be
carried out.
Steam is introduced into the gas passing from the generator to the heater through
the pipe 20º. A sprayer 20 and a pipe 20' are arranged for the purpose of spraying
water and oil into the heater, and 20° serves for the same purpose.
The gas heaters can be of similar construction to the heaters used at blast furnaces
in which case two heaters are used alternately, one being heated by combustion of⚫
fuel gas while the other is being employed for heating gas.
A
Having described the drawing I will now describe some of the applications of the
process, and the operation of the apparatus. An important application is the pro-
duction of water-gas or illuminating gas. The operation is as follows:-Fuel,
preferably of the bituminous kind, is fed into the apparatus and cinders or preferably
a material containing unburnt combustible matter is withdrawn from the bottom.
mixture of gas and steam is continuously circulated through the generator A, and
heater B. The heated mixture enters the generator through the ducts 15 and passes
through the fuel. Steam is decomposed by the reaction C + H₂O= CO + H₁₂.
After the gas is cooled to a temperature at which the reaction progresses slowly, it is
withdrawn and conducted through the heater B by means of the fan 20 through the
pipe 20º.
In passing through the heater its temperature is again raised above the temperature
of reaction. A continuous circulation of a mixture of steam and gas takes place
between heater and generator A and water-gas is continuously produced in the
apparatus. The mixture of steam and gas in passing through the heater is brought
to a temperature above that which is necessary to produce water-gas.
The gas
therefore acts on the fuel in the generator until its temperature is reduced to the
temperature necessary for the reaction. When the gas ascending through the
generator reaches the outlets 17 part of it is withdrawn through these outlets and

page_text: returned to the heater; the rest of the gas is carried off after it has passed through
the upper part of the generator. The surplus-gas thus obtained passes upwards
The steam
through the upper part of the apparatus, where it meets fresh fuel.
contained in the gas is here mostly decomposed with the production of water-gas by
the prolonged contact with the fuel and the gas is gradually cooled to such a degree,
that most of the steam is converted into water and is intercepted by the cold fuel.
bituminous fuel is used distillation takes place in the upper part of the apparatus and
the gas will be so cooled, that most of the tar is condensed, intercepted by the fuel
and carried to the lower part of the apparatus, where it is converted into permanent
gas.
If
The part of the apparatus above the outlets 17 is therefore of great importance. It
enables the continuous production of a gas of low temperature, practically free from
tar and containing much of the nitrogen of the coal in the form of ammonia. The
tar and moisture intercepted by the cold fuel in the upper part, is carried down to
Some of these
the lower part, where the heat is sufficient to gasify the same.
constituents are after evaporation drawn through the ducts 17 into the heater and
are after reheating conducted into the generator. As the coal is burned in a mixture
of steam and water gas nearly all the nitrogen of the coal is converted into ammonia
and is recovered from the gas leaving the apparatus. This is an important part of
the method to bring the gas produced by circulating a heated gas in one part of the
apparatus in contact with fresh material in another part. It is further important that
the charging and discharging takes place without interrupting the operation.
Usually the best results are obtained by passing the material through the apparatus
continuously.
The water-gas leaving the top of the apparatus is conducted through a suitable
washing plant (not shown) for the recovery of ammonia.
For the purpose of replacing the amount of steam, which is converted into water-
gas during the circulation a regular supply of steam is introduced through pipe 20°
A further
from a boiler or other source, before the gas mixture enters the heater B.
improvement can be made by introducing water in a fine spray instead of steam into
the gas, before or as it enters the heater. The sprays 20d shown in the drawing are
of any suitable type. They distribute the water in form of a mist, which mixes with
the gas.
As the gas is already warm the mist will instantaneously be converted into
steam.
In this way it is possibls to produce water gas without any steam whatever.
If gas engines are used for operating the blowers and other machinery no boilers
will be required for operating the water gas plant. A further great improvement
consists in mixing some oil with the water sprayed into the gas at 20d. This can be
done by injecting a small stream of oil through pipe 20' into the water pipe leading
to the spray. The oil will be in very fine division and is converted into gas during
the passage through the heater and generator, so that it is thus possible to produce
illuminating gas continuously.
As the gas circulating through heater B and generator A contains an excess of
steam, there is little danger of ammonia being destroyed in the heater and most of the
nitrogen of the coal is obtained as ammonia.
The generator A is preferably operated in such a way, that a material is discharged
containing a considerable amount of combustible matter.
This material is further mixed with suitable amounts of clay, lime or other materials
so as to give a composition of the non-combustile matter equal to a cement. The
mixed materials are then burnt preferably by means of hot air, in such a way that a
clinker is produced suitable for building purposes, and a producer-gas is obtained
which can be used for heating the hot gas stove. This operation can be carried out
in a revolving furnace. It is thus possible to make economical use of every con-
stituent of the fuel.
Another application of the process is the production of coke, gas and by-products.
The series of ducts are then arranged at such a height that the gas will pass up-
wards through the fine coal, and coke can be withdrawn without being inconvenienced

page_text: by escaping gas. The part of the apparatus below the entrance of the gas is then
made larger and water is introduced into the coke for the purpose of producing
ammonia from the nitrogeneous compounds of the coke as shown in my prior specifi-
cation No. 7951 of 1898. A gas containing a small amount of steam is circulated
through the heater and generator. If illuminating gas is required oil is mixed with
the water, which is sprayed into the heater at 20d or with steam, which is introduced
at 20.
As the fuel reaches the zone of the circulating gas it is quickly heated and dis-
tillation takes place rapidly. Some volatile matter is deposited as carbon and hard
coke is produced.
The gas produced rises through the upper part of the shaft, where it meets fresh
fuel. As its volume is comparatively small it is possible to cool it to a degree that
most of the tar and moisture is condensed and intercepted by the fuel.
It is conducted to a suitable washing apparatus (not shown) for the recovery of
ammonia through pipe 19. For the purpose of avoiding risk of destruction of illu-
minating power in the heater some of the oil may be sprayed directly into the pipe
leading into the shaft as shown at 20°.
An important application of the method is for the purpose of calcining limestone,
cement and other substances.
The process enables the simultaneous production of pure carbonic acid gas, which
is an important matter for instance in the well known ammonia-soda process, where
the carbonic acid is used for the production of bicarbonate of soda.
Limestone is charged into the top of the apparatus by means of the mechanical
charging arrangement and burnt lime is withdrawn from the bottom. A current of
pure carbonic-acid gas is circulated through the heater and kiln by means of the fan
or in any suitable way.
The hot gas enters the shaft at 15, drives off the carbonic acid from the limestone
and is withdrawn at 17 after the temperature is so reduced that the reaction pro-
gresses only slowly, passes through pipe 20ª and re-enters the heater. The carbonic
acid produced by the action on the limestone passes upwards through a column of
limestone sufficient to intercept all the heat, and cold gas leaves the apparatus at 19.
As the volume of gas is much smaller than in ordinary lime kilns, the gas leaving the
shaft passes slowly through the material, carries little dust and is thoroughly cooled.
The apparatus can therefore be made of smaller size to do the same work.
The steam and water pipes shown are in this case not necessary.
It will be seen,
that in this case no fuel has to be mixed with the lime and no cinders are therefore
mixed with the burnt lime. For the purpose of avoiding re-absorption of carbonic
acid by the burnt lime the gas is advantageously withdrawn from the top of the
apparatus with so much vacuum that some air is drawn into the apparatus at the
bottom through the doors 11 to replace the carbonic acid in the lower part.
For the purpose of economising heat it is of advantage to discharge the hot lime
into a kiln on a lower level, which has arrangements for conducting the air through
it, which is used for the combustion of gas in the heaters. In this way a higher
temperature is obtained in the heater and heat is economised.
Further important applications are the oxidation or reduction of gases by means of
catalytical or other substances and the carrying out of reactions requiring a very
stable temperature. Important examples of the oxidation of gases are the oxidation
of hydrochloric acid gas to chlorine by oxygen in the presence of a catalytical sub-
stance such as copper oxide, and the oxidation of sulphurous acid gas by oxygen in
the presence of catalytical substances such as platinum or oxides of copper, iron etc.
The catalytical agent is contained in the reaction chamber and is usually with
advantage continuously passed through the same, the gas circulated in the lower
part as described, the same gas passing through the apparatus repeatedly. The partly
decomposed gas is afterwards passed through fresh material to effect complete con-
version of the gases.
It is an important feature that the temperature of the gas is so adjusted every

page_text: time before the gas reacts as to be most suitable for the reaction to be carried out.
This adjustment may take place by cooling or heating as may be required. It is
further important that the quick circulation of gas effects a more even temperature
through the apparatus and an intimate and repeated contact.
In any case the construction of the apparatus may be varied to effect the best
results in the process under certain conditions without departing from the spirit of
the invention. The process herein described, can also be used for carrying out re-
actions, which generate heat, which is injurious. Such reactions are the absorption
of chlorine by lime for the production of bleaching powder, also the production of bi-
carbonate of soda by treating solid carbonate of soda with carbonic acid gas. The
apparatus shown can in these cases be used with advantage, with the difference, that
gas coolers of suitable construction are used instead of heaters.
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 treating solid material with gas which consists in passing
material through the apparatus, repeatedly conducting a hot gas through the said
material and re-heating the gas after every passage through the material, sub-
stantially as described.
2. The method of treating solid material with gas, which consists in repeatedly
conducting a hot gas through the solid material and re-heating the gas after every
passage through the material and conducting the surplus gas produced through fresh
solid material, substantially as described.
3. The method of treating solid material with gas, which consists in continuously
circulating the gas through the material while moving the material in the opposite
direction to that in which the gas circulates, adjusting the temperature of the gas
after every passage through the material, and passing the excess of gas produced
through the material to be treated so as to abstract the heat from the said excess of
gas and completing the reaction, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
4. The method of producing water gas from fuel which consists in conducting a
heated mixture of gas and steam through fuel, withdrawing the gas and adding steam
or spraying water into it, then re-heating the mixture of gas and steam or gas and
water and again conducting it through the fuel, and conducting the surplus gas
produced through fresh fuel, substantially as described.
5. The method of producing gas which consists in spraying water or water and oil
into gas, heating the mixture thus produced and conducting it through fuel, sub-
stantially as described.
6. The method of producing coke, gas and by-products, which consists in
conducting a gas containing a small amount of steam through fuel, withdrawing the
mixture of gas and steam, re-heating the mixture of gas and steam after injecting
steam or water into it and then again conducting the said mixture through the
fuel so as to obtain a continuous circulation of the gas through the fuel, and con-
ducting the surplus gas produced through fresh fuel to condense the tar and moisture
in the gas, substantially as described.
7. The method of calcining limestone, which consists in conducting heated gas
through the limestone, withdrawing and re-heating the gas after it has cooled to the
temperature of the reaction, again passing the gas through the limestone so as to main-
tain a continuous circulation, and conducting the gas produced by the reaction
through the limestone to be treated, substantially as described.
8. The method of utilizing cinders from furnaces which consists in mixing the cinders
with materials such as clay and sand so as to obtain a composition similar to that of
cement, and burning the mixture so as to obtain producer gas and a clinker suitable
for cement, substantially as described.
9. The method of carrying out catalytical reactions which consists in circulating
the same gas repeatedly through an agent and adjusting the temperature of the gas
before each circulation, substantially as described.

page_text: 10. The method which consists in continuously passing material through a chamber,
continuously conducting repeatedly the same gas through the material and conducting
the surplus gas produced through fresh material, substantially as described.
11. The method which consists in continuously circulating the same gas through
material in one part of an apparatus and conducting the surplus gas produced
through fresh material in another part of the apparatus, substantially as described.
12. The method of treating solid material with gas, which consists in conducting
a hot gas through the material, reheating the gas after passing through the
material and then again passing the gas through the material, substantially as
described.
13. The method which consists in calcining a suitable mixture of materials and
simultaneously producing producer gas substantially as described.
14. In apparatus for treating solid materials with gases the combination of a
vessel containing the solid material, a gas heater, means for maintaining a continuous
circulation of gas through the said vessel and heater, and means for withdrawing the
surplus gas produced from the vessel, substantially as described.
15. In apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, a mechanical feeding
device for the solid material, which consists of a hopper provided with a reciprocating
rod, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
16. In apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas a mechanical feeding
device for the solid material, which consists of a hopper provided with an adjust-
able outlet and a reciprocating rod substantially as and for the purpose specified.
17. In apparatus for the treatment of solid inaterial with gas, a hollow shaft having
a conical bottom provided with sliding doors between which a rod is adapted to
reciprocate, substantially as and for the purpose specified.
18. In apparatus for treating solid materials with gases a gas heater provided with
means for spraying water or oil into the gas entering the heater, substantially as
described.
19. In a shaft the combination of a system of gas inlets, with a system of gas outlets
situated some distance above the inlets but some distance from the top of the shaft,
substantially as described.
20. In a shaft furnace the combination of gas inlets situated near the bottom, and
communicating with a gas heater, gas off-takes situated some distance above said
inlets and also communicating with the gas heater, and an exit pipe near the top of
the apparatus, substantially as described.
21. The combination, of a shaft, means for continuously passing material through
the same, gas inlets and an annular channel communicating therewith situated some
distance from the bottom of the apparatus, gas off-takes and an annular channel
in communication therewith situated above said inlets and at a considerable distance
from the top of the. shaft, and a gas exit near the top of the shaft, substantially as
described.
22. The combination of a chamber containing material, means for continuously
circulating heated gas in one part of said chamber, and means for conducting the
surplus gas produced by the action of the heated gas, through fresh material, sub-
stantially as described.
23. The combination of a chamber, means for continuously passing material through
said chamber, gas outlets placed at a considerable distance from the charging end of
said chamber, a pipe for connecting said outlets with a gas heater and a suction fan
in said pipe, gas inlets into the chamber situated between said gas outlets and the
discharge end of the chamber, a connection from the gas heater to the inlets and
a gas pipe leading from the chamber at its charging end, substantially as described.
24. In an apparatus for the treatment with solid material with gas, the combina-
tion of a part of the apparatus in which the same gas repeatedly circulates, and a part
of the apparatus in which the surplus gas produced is brought into contact with fresh
material, substantially as described.
25. Apparatus for the treatment of solid material with gas, constructed arranged

page_text: and adapted to operate, substantially as described with reference to the drawing
accompanying my Provisional Specification for the purpose specified.
Dated this 22nd day of August 1900.
212
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.