Composition for Removing Soot and Scale from Chimneys, Flues, and the like.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 19th Dec., 1898
Complete Specification Left, 18th Sept., 1899-Accepted, 2nd Dec., 1899
Composition for Removing Soot and Scale from Chimneys, Flues,
and the like.
I, CHARLES EBENEZER CHALLIS, of 13, South Hill Park Gardens, Hampstead,
London, N.W., Machinist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
Hitherto chemical compositions for cleaning chimneys have been composed of
a plate or piece of sheet zinc and a quantity of nitrate of potassium which when
burned on a fire are intended to give off fumes which disintegrate and disperse
the soot in the chimney: but they are subject to the disadvantages that the
nitrate which should act as a flux to the zinc is frequently consumed before the
zinc and therefore the resultant fumes are not of the intended nature; while,
before use, the nitrate of potassium being a deliquescent substance is liable to
become damp and waste away. In order to overcome these disadvantages I make
a composition consisting of zine (in a granular or other fine state of division
such as sawdust), nitrate of sodium and coke dust. sometimes sulphur, alum or
carbonate of sodium being added. These are mixed together in the desired pro-
portions and packed in waterproof cubical packages. This mass, being so blended,
is prevented from caking, is permanent under ordinary circumstances, is attacked
uniformly by the fire, and the combustion and resulting fumes are rendered
uniform throughout.
1000
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Composition for Removing Soot and Scale from Chimneys, Flues,
and the like.
I, CHARLES EBENEZER CILALLIS, of 13, South Hill Park Gardens, Hampstead,
London, N.W., Machinist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascer-
tained in and by the following statement:
Compositions for clearing the draught of chimnies have hitherto usually con-
sisted of a plate of zinc and a quantity of nitrate of potassium, the idea being
that when they are burned on a fire the zinc is consumed, the nitrate of potassium
acting as a flux and assisting in the combustion of the zinc, and the resulting
fumes act upon the soot and reduce its volume.
But the nitrate of potassium being of a deñiquesent nature is liable to absorb
moisture and waste away if kept in a damp place before use, while the zinc
.

page_text: being in a solid sheet, is not properly_consumed unless the fire on which it is
placed is very hot, and even then the combustion is irregular, as the nitrate of
potassium does not act equally on all parts of it.
In order to overcome these difficulties I divide the zinc into a granular state,
or into small particles such as sawdust or filings, and intimately mix this with
sufficient nitrate of potassium or nitrate of sodium to act as a flux, and a quantity
of absorbent material, preferably coke-dust; the latter serving the purpose of
absorbing any moisture, keeping the composition from caking, and assisting in
the combustion when it is placed on the fire, so that the composition is almost
self-consuming. To this composition I sometimes add:-Sulphur, sulphate of
zinc, sulphate of copper, alumn, carbonate of soda, chloride of sodium or like
substance. I enclose the composition in a cube shaped package of waterproof
material.
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. In a chemical chimney cleaner, the use of zinc in a fine state of division
such as granular, filings or sawdust.
2. In a chemical chimney cleaner, the use of coke-dust or equivalent substance
to absorb moisture, prevent caking and assist combustion.
3. The combination of metallic zinc in a fine state of division, nitrate of potas-
sium or nitrate of sodium and coke-dust, with or without other substances, for
reducing the volume of and removing soot from chimneys by the fumes emitted
during combustion.
4. The method of packing the composition in a cube shaped waterproof package.
Dated the 18th dor of Contauban 1000