IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS BY THE COMBUSTION OF CARBON COMPOUNDS AND FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE SAME TO THE DISPLACEMENT OF WATER, AS MOTIVE HAD קתיתתתמס
Year: 1882

page_text: "
LETTERS PATENT to William Cowell Brown of Sheffield in the County of
York for an invention of IMPROVED MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE
PRODUCTION OF GAS BY THE COMBUSTION OF CARBON COMPOUNDS AND FOR
THE APPLICATION OF THE SAME TO THE DISPLACEMENT OF WATER, AS MOTIVE
HAD
קתיתתתמסת
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Cowell Brown at
the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 19th April 1882.
WILLIAM COWELL BROWN of Sheffield in the County of York " IMPROVED
MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GAS BY THE COMBUSTION OF
CARBON COMPOUNDS AND FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE SAME TO THE DISPLACE-
MENT OF WATER, AS MOTIVE POWER AND FOR SAVING LIFE AND PROPERTY
AT SEA
"
I am aware that various attempts have been made to utilize the gases evolved
during the burning of certain mixtures containing carbon, and that in the Specifi-
cation of a Patent No 2178 A.D. 1880 a plan for the regulated production of such
gases is set forth.
These gases are also well known as producing those violent efforts called
explosions but the purpose of my invention is to bring them more completely
within the sphere of moderated and controllable action.
In my present invention the objects I have especially in view is the production
of a cheap carbon-monoxide to be evolved without the aid of atmospheric air and
the application thereof.
Firstly. The easier displacement of water, in every instance where water is to
be displaced, whether by ordinary engineering or mining operations, or in
those more difficult operations which are conducted beneath the sea.
Secondly. To the inflation of flexible structures or articles either for the purpose
of rendering them buoyant or for other purposes.
Thirdly. To the rendering of gas engines of any type portable, so that they
may be used for the all purposes of navigation and agriculture.

page_text: The proportions I prefer for the production of this carbon monoxide are
1000 parts (by weight) of coal to 2356 of nitrate of soda more or less.
I may also use for the same purpose cotton-wool, sawdust, paper and other
materials containing carbon with excellent results after impregnating them with a
solution of nitrate of soda, or otherwise combining them with that salt.
I employ nitrate of soda because of its present cheapness and more especially
because of its richness in available oxygen. But I neither confine myself to it, nor
to the proportions I have named.
Where I use coal and nitrate of soda, I find it advantageous to compress the
mixture under great pressure thus forming blocks of any suitable size or shape.
These blocks may then be varnished or coated with a 'suitable material to prevent
their being affected by water.
Where it is desirable to have the gas producing material in a semi-fluid plastic
or Mobile form I use glycerine, holding the nitrates or chlorates of soda or potash
in a state of fine division, introducing also for some purposes, finely divided
carbon.
As an example of the way in which I propose to accomplish the first object
named viz the displacement of water, I will describe.
1. My ship lifting pontoon or barge.
I construct a vessel of the required size, preferably in the form of a barge boat
.or barge, decked over, water-tight and gas tight. As this structure, especially
when made of iron would be very unwieldy when filled with water, I neutralize
or balance the weight of the whole by constructing therein certain buoyant
cells, chambers, or tubes, arranged in the most convenient manner for effecting
this purpose.
In the deck there are suitable valves for the escape of air or gas and in the
bottom there are also valves for the admission of water.
The deck is pierced to receive a large tube, or a series of such tubes, which
extend nearly to the bottom of the vessel forming wells therein. In these wells
are placed other tubes, of syphon form. The leg of the syphon which is in the
well being closed at the bottom, and containing a charge of my gas producing
compound while the other leg thereof passes down inside the boat or barge nearly
to the floor and is open.
The top of this syphon has a suitable branch and moveable cover for recharging,
and is also provided with stuffing boxes or other suitable arrangements for the
'passage of electric wires or fuzes.
When the vessel is filled with water by such a manipulation of the before
mentioned valves, as is easy to be understood of all and the deck valves are closed,
if the charge of combustible mixture be fired by an electric or other fuze or other
convenient means it is evident that the generation of the gas will cause the
expulsion of the water part of which will pass through the lower valves if they
are left open, but the greater quantity will ascend the afore mentioned wells and
pour over the deck in its passage keeping the tubes containing the burning
mixture sufficiently.cool.
It will be obvious that a vessel so constructed can be thus emptied either at or
at any distance beneath the surface of the water.
I prefer to pass such ropes or chains as may be needed for attachment through
water tight tubes or truuks passing through the vessel in a perpendicular direction
as has been suggested by other inventors. In arranging the buoyant power of the
cells, chambers or tubes which are to neutralize the weight of the whole structure
when the other part or parts of it are full of water. I prefer to have that buoyancy
slightly in excess of what is needed. This slight excess I overbalance by moveable
weights, so that if the vessel were beneath the surface I should only have to
disengage these weights to at once allow it to rise to the top of the water.
If after a gas producing charge has been ignited, it should for any reason.be
found advisable to arrest the power of the apparatus this can easily be accomplished
either by opening the deck valves and so allowing the gas to escape, or by a

page_text: suitable arrangement of valves by which the gas is turned into that cellular part of
the general structure which is also used to neutralize the weight of the whole,
these air chambers thus acting as accumulators and being provided with safety
valves accordingly.
2 As a further example I instance the use of my invention in raising water from
mines.
A stout cylindrical vessel provided with suitable valves opening inwards is
placed in the well or sump of a mine so that as the water rises in the well it will
automatically fill the vessel.. A pipe having a valve opening upwards communicates
with the bottom of this vessel or receiver and is led to the surface. A suitable
tube or charge holder is in communication with the receiver and when the charge
of combustible mixture is ignited by any proper means the generated gas pressing
on the surface of the water in the vessel closes the inlet valves and drives the
water to the surface. This operation may be repeated as often as necessary and
by suitable floats and levers, the apparatus may be rendered self acting.
3 As a further illustration of the use which may be made of my method it may
be noticed that in many cases it is necessary in hydraulic machinery to cushion the
water in some way.
Air has hitherto been used in suitable air vessels. But air is easily and rapidly
absorbed by water, hence the constant necessity for renewal. Carbon monoxide is
insoluble in water, and I propose to charge these "air vessels " by simply burning
in a suitable receptacle properly attached thereto a block or wad of my carbon
monoxide producing material.
Secondly. The inflation of flexible structures or articles either for the purpose of
rendering them buoyant, or for other purposes.
Many devices have been suggested in former Specifications for the purpose of
inflating flexible pontoons by means of gases which are the products of combustion
The new proportions and materials I suggest will be found applicable to all these.
I proceed to illustrate this second of my objects by a new application. A life
saving rocket or missile of any kind used to carry a line from shore to ship or from
ship to shore, or from ship to ship, or from ship or shore to a drowning man is
provided with a small balloon preferably of cut rubber and surrounded with a light
net which is folded up in a cavity at the end of the missile. Behind and in com-
munication with this is a small chamber containing a wad of my composition which
after a certain interval is ignited and expands the bag. Thus what was a rocket
or other missile to begin with, is at the finish a buoyant balloon capable of
supporting a known weight. A wad of my composition will displace 320 times its
own weight of water, it will therefore be obvious to all that this application may
be of very great utility.
A pistol handled tube having a nozzle and valve is also employed to inflate
footballs.
Thirdly. For rendering gas engines of all kinds] portable so as to be capable of
use for all purposes-I attach special importance to my method of producing
carbon monoxide by burning the aforesaid materials or the like in closed vessels
because by this means ships may be propelled by gas engines; gas engines may be
used for agricultural purposes and for extinguishing fires as well as for other
purposes too numerous to mention, mechanical hammers such as are at present
worked by steam among others.
A fairly workable gas may be taken direct from the burning charge or stored
under any pressure in suitable holders. If advisable purifiers may be used..
It may be worked in all kinds of explosive gas engines.
1 By admixture with atmospheric air in the ordinary way.
2. The heat evolved in the production of the carbon monoxide may be utilized
for the production of oxygen to be used instead of air.
To effect this, the chamber containing the C. O. producing charge may be sur-
rounded by another chamber of annular form containing chlorate of potash and

page_text: black oxide of manganese or any other well knowm substance or substances from
which oxygen may be expelled by heat Or the combustible material may be in
the annular chamber and the chlorate of potash in the central one, or any other
arrangement of tubes or vessels or tubes and vessels may be used which may be
found most suitable, so long as the two vessels whilst in closest connection are
absolutely safe from internal communication with each other. Then when the
charge is fired, carbon monoxide is evolved in one chamber, and the heat produced
drives off the oxygen from the materials in the other. The gases are safely led to
separate holders, and used for the production of mechanical work in a manner well
known.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Cowell Brown in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
19th October 1882.
WILLIAM COWELL BROWN of Sheffield in the County of York "IMPROVED
MEANS OF AND APPARATUS FOR, THE PRODUCTION OF GAS BY THE COMBUSTION OF
CARBON COMPOUNDS AND FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE SAME TO THE DISPLACE-
MENT OF WATER, AS MOTIVE POWER, AND FOR SAVING LIFE AND PROPERTY
AT SEA
"
I am aware that various attempts have been made to utilize the gases evolved
during the burning of certain mixtures containing carbon and that in a Specification
of a Patent No 2178 A.D. 1880 a plan for the regulated production of such gases
is indicated.
These gases are also well known as producing those violent efforts called
explosions, but the purpose of my invention is to bring them more completely
within the sphere of moderated and controllable action.
In my present invention the object I have specially in view is the production of
a cheap carbon monoxide to be evolved without the aid of atmospheric air and the
application thereof.
Firstly. To the displacement of water, in every instance where water is to be
displaced, whether for ordinary engineering or mining work, or in those more
difficult operations which are conducted beneath the sea.
Secondly. To the inflation of flexible structures or articles either for the purpose
of rendering them buoyant or for other purposes.
Thirdly To the rendering of gas engines of any type portable, so that they may
be used for all purposes of navigation and agriculture.
The proportions I use for the production of this carbon monoxide are 1000 parts
by weight of coal to from 1500 to 2356 parts by weight of nitrate of soda, according
to circumstances. With the lesser proportions of nitrate of soda the combination
of the constituents of coal other than carbon is not so complete as with the higher
proportions of nitrate of soda. The carbon monoxide evolved with the lesser
proportions of the nitrate of soda is very well applicable for such purposes as the
displacement of water, but for purposes such as use in gas engines the carbon
monoxide evolved by using the higher proportions of nitrate of soda is more
suitable.
I may also use in equivalent proportions for the same purpose cotton-wool,
sawdust, paper, and other carbon materials, with excellent results, impregnating
them with a solution of nitrate of soda or otherwise combining them with
that salt.
I employ nitrate of soda because of its cheapness and more especially because of
its richness in oxygen.
When I use coal and nitrate of soda I find it advantageous to compress the
mixture under great pressure and to form in this manner blocks of any suitable
size or shape. To prevent these blocks from being affected by water they should
then be varnished or coated with a water resisting material.
When it is desirable to have the gas producing material in a semi-fluid, plastic,
or mobile form, I grind the nitrate of soda, mix it with glycerine, and then add
finely divided coal or carbon material.
I proceed to describe my improved apparatus for the application of my carbon
monoxide gas for displacing water, as applied to a ship-lifting pontoon or barge.
I construct a vessel of the required size, preferably in the form of a large boat or

page_text: barge, decked over, water tight and gas tight. As this structure, especially when
made of iron would be very unwieldy when filled with water, I neutralize or
balance the weight of the whole by constructing therein certain buoyant cells,
chambers or tubes, arranged in the most convenient manner for effecting this
purpose.
A vessel of this construction, I have shewn at Figure 1 which is a side elevation
partly in section, and in plan at Figure 2.
In this example the buoyant chambers A, A, are shewn at each end of the vessel,
but other modifications will be here after referred to.
In the deck there are suitable valves a. a. for the escape of air or gas, and in the
bottom there are also valves b. b. for the admission of water, the said valves being
actuated by the handles b¹ on deck.
The deck B is pierced to receive a large tube C, or a series of such tubes, which
extend nearly to the bottom of the vessel forming wells therein. In these wells
are placed other tubes D of syphon form. The leg D of the syphon which is in the
well being closed at the bottom, and containing a charge of my gas producing
compound while the other leg D' thereof passes down inside the boat or barge
nearly to the floor and is open.
The top of this syphon has a suitable branch E and moveable cover E¹ for
recharging, and is also provided with stuffing boxes or other suitable arrangements,
for example, a tube F as shewn detached at Figure 3 for the passage of electric
wires or fuzes as shewn. These wells containing the syphon tubes are covered by
light hatches k, as shewn, in order to prevent the electric wires from damage when
the vessel is not at work.
When the vessel is filled with water by the manipulation of the before mentioned
valves, and the deck valves a. a. are closed, if the charge of combustible mixture be
fired by an electric fuze or other convenient means, it is evident that the generation
of the gas will cause the expulsion of the water; part of which will pass through
the lower valves b. b. if they are left open, but the greater quantity will ascend the
wells C. C. and pour over the deck B. in its passage keeping the tubes D. D.
containing the burning mixture sufficiently cool.
It will be obvious that a vessel so constructed can be thus emptied either at the
surface of the water or when submerged to any depth beneath it.
I pass the ropes or chains necessary for attachment through water tight tubes or
trunks G, G, passing through the vessel in a perpendicular direction as has been
suggested by other inventors. In arranging the buoyant power of the cells chambers
or tubes which are to neutralize the weight of the whole structure when the other
part or parts of it are full of water, I arrange it so as to be slightly in excess of
what is absolutely necessary. This slight excess I overbalance by moveable
weights H so that if the vessel were beneath the surface it would only be necessary
to disengage these weights to at once allow it to rise to the top of the water.-The
barges are then enabled to be raised, lowered, or moved into any desired level or
position, without the necessity of firing the charges in order to do so.
A method of lashing the vessels or barges in position for raising a submerged
vessel is shewn at Figure 4. A, A, are the barges and A*. A*. the hawsers. The
barges are advantageously used in the position indicated in the Drawing.
If after a gas producing charge has been ignited it should for any reason be
found advisable to arrest the working of the apparatus, this can easily be
accomplished either by opening the deck valves and so allowing the gas to escape,
or by an arrangement of valves by which the gas is turned into that cellular part
of the general structure already mentioned which is employed to neutralize the
weight of the whole. These air chambers thus act as accumulators, and are pro-
vided with safety valves accordingly, as shewn in Figure 5 and in plan at
Figure 5. Instead of the air chambers at each end shewn in Figures 1 and 2.
I sometimes find it advantageous to make the deck cellular, so that in the event
of an accident to the other portion--this cellular air chamber would support the
other parts. Into this cellular part A I admit the blow off pipe to the safety

page_text: valve f from the bend E of the syphon leg D¹, and this is closed at the lower end
by a cap or plug g actuated by a wheel or hand lever g¹. When the end of the
syphon leg is closed the carbon monoxide in its evolution escapes through, the
safety valve finto the cellular portion of the structure for the purposes already.
described.
When the gas in the cellular part arrives at a great pressure it escapes by the
pressure valves l.
However after the purpose for which the working has been arrested has been
effected, and it is desired to continue the lifting, the. gas or gas and air from the
accumulators or cellular portion is admitted to the interior of the vessel by opening
the valves m.
I proceed to describe my improved apparatus as applied to raising water from
mines.
Figure 6 is a stout cylindrical vessel provided with suitable valves a. a. opening
inwards. It is placed in the well or sump of a mine so that as the water rises in
the well it will automatically fill the vessel. A pipe b having a valve c, opening
upwards communicates with the bottom of this vessel or receiver A and is led to
the surface. A tube or charge holder B and delivery or syphon pipe C is in
communication with the receiver, and when the charge of combustible mixture is
ignited the generated gas pressing on the surface of the water in the vessel
automatically closes the inlet valves a. a. and drives the water to the surface
through the pipe b. This operation can be repeated as often as necessary, and by
suitable floats and levers the apparatus can be rendered self acting. The ball
valve c prevents the return of the water which has not reached the surface: c* is a
valve which may be opened to allow the water remaining in the pipe c', to return
to the vessel A, and c³, is a valve for releasing the gas therefrom.
In many cases it is necessary in hydraulic machinery to cushion the water in
some way.
Air has hitherto been used in suitable air vessels; but air is easily and rapidly
absorbed by water, hence the constant necessity for renewal, Carbon monoxide is
insoluble in water, and I propose to charge these "air vessels" by simply burning
in a suitable receptacle properly attached thereto, a block or wad of my carbon
monoxide producing material.
Figure 7 shews such a receptacle. A is the air or gas chamber, B is the tube or
receptacle containing the charge covered by the fastening B¹. The gas passes
through the valve C and ascends in the air chamber. The pressure of the water
closes the valve C which may be a ball or clack valve as may be desired.
Figures 7 and 7b show other modifications applied to such water cushioning
apparatus.
In Figure 7 a ball valve C is shewn instead of a clack as at Figure 7. The
same letters of reference as in Figure 7 apply to Figures 7 and 7b.
I now proceed to describe my improved apparatus for the application of my
carbon monoxide gas to the inflation of flexible structures for the purpose of
rendering them buoyant, or for other purposes.
Many devices have been suggested by former inventors for the purpose of
inflating flexible pontoons by means of gases which are the products of com-
bustion. The new proportions and materials I suggest will be found applicable to
all these.
Figure 8 shews a flexible pontoon and the apparatus for containing the gas
producing charge advantageously secured on the side.
A is the tube containing the charge; the gas evolved therefrom passes to the
pontoon through the descending pipes B, terminating in a nozzle to which is
attached a tube c. in communication with the interior, displacing the water that
may be contained therein, and inflating the pontoon or bag. Figure 9 is an
elevation upon a larger scale of the apparatus. Figure 10 shews another method
of securing the charge, and Figure 11 is a plan shewing the position of the fuze in
the charge.

page_text: I proceed to illustrate this part of my Invention by a new application. A life
saving rocket or missile of any kind, used to carry a line from shore to ship, or
from ship to shore, or from ship or shore to a drowning man, and shewn at
Figure 12 is provided with a balloon preferably of cut rubber, and surrounded
with a light net which is folded up in a cavity h at the end of the missile. Behind
and in communication with this is a small chamber k, containing a wad of my
composition, which after a certain interval is ignited and expands the bag. A con-
venient manner to effect this is by means of a time fuze. The tube k containing
this fuze should be made of soft metal and extends to the chamber containing the
rocket mixture, and on the burning mixture reaching the fuze it melts and closes
the tube k'. and the gas evolved from the wad or disc of my composition impinges
against and is arrested by a disc or shield before passing into the flexible bag so as
to arrest any burning products of combustion which would otherwise prove
detrimental to the bag or balloon. Thus what was a rocket or other missile to
begin with is at the finish a buoyant balloon as shewn at Figure 13.capable of
supporting both the line and any further weight desired.
A wad of my composition will displace 320 times its own weight of water, it
will therefore be obvious that this application of my invention will be of very
great utility.
A pistol handled tube having a nozzle and valve may also be employed to inflate
foot balls as shewn at Figure 14.
An important application of my carbon monoxide gas is for rendering gas engines
of all kinds portable, so as to be capable of use for all purposes. I attach special
importance to my method of producing carbon monoxide by burning the materials
for the purpose in closed vessels, because by this means ships may be propelled by
gas engines; and gas engines may be applied to agricultural purposes, and to
extinguishing fires and to other purposes too numerous to mention, for example to
mechanical hammers, rivetters, stamps and drop hammers, which are at present
worked by steam.
A fairly workable gas may be taken direct from the burning charge or stored
under any pressure in suitable holders. If advisable purifiers may be used.
The gas produced by my method may be worked in all kinds of explosive gas
engines.
1. By admixture with atmospheric air in the ordinary way.
2. The heat evolved by the production of the carbon monoxide may be utilized
for the production of oxygen to be used instead of air.
To effect this the chamber containing the carbon monoxide producing charge
may be surrounded by another chamber of annular form containing chlorate of
potash and black oxide of manganese or any other well known substance or
substances from which oxygen can be expelled by heat. Or the combustible
material may be in the annular chamber and the chlorate of potash in the central
one, or any other arrangement of tubes or vessels may be used which may be
found most suitable, so long as the two vessels whilst in the closest connection are
absolutely safe from internal communication with each other. Then when the
C. O. producing charge is fired, carbon monoxide is evolved in one chamber and
the resultant heat drives off the oxygen from the materials in the other. The
gases are safely led to separate holders, and used. for the production of mechanical
work.
Figure 15 is a side elevation of my invention as applied to a gas engine. Z is a
chain or other wheel on the crank shaft, m is a chain passing around another chain
wheel n; o is a worm on its axis gearing with a worm wheel p*. to which is con-
nected an eccentric working the slide r. for feeding the discs of my composition
from the hopper p¹. to the furnace p; the gas evolved passing away to engine by
pipe t; but in case of there being more gas generated than is required it is admitted
by pipe s. to suitable receivers for example the bed of the engine as shown. Any
convenient form of feeding device may be employed.
Figure 16 is a vertical section of my combined carbon monoxide and oxygen

page_text: producing apparatus according to one example, p is the chamber containing the
mixture of say black oxide of manganese and chlorate of potash. p³, is the carbon
monoxide chamber to which the wads or discs of my composition are fed by the
slider or in any other convenient manner. t* is the pipe for conveying the oxygen,
and t. the pipe for conveying the carbon monoxide gas produced to the engine.
Having thus described the nature of my Invention and in what manner the
same may be carried into effect, I declare that I claim :—
First. The improved means of and apparatus for the production of gas by the
combustion of carbon compounds and for the application of the same to the displace-
ment of water, as motive power, and for saving life and property at sea as herein
before described, and as shown in the accompanying Drawings.
Secondly. The production of carbon monoxide gas from coal and other carbon
materials in the proportions and by the means herein before described.
Thirdly My improved apparatus substantially as herein before described and
shewn with reference to Figures 1. 2. 3. 5 and 5a of the accompanying Drawings
for displacing water as applied to a ship lifting pontoon or barge.
Fourthly My improved means and apparatus substantially as herein before
described and shewn in Figure 7 of the accompanying Drawings for cushioning
water in hydraulic machinery.
Fifthly. The improved apparatus substantially as herein before described and
shewn in Figure 6 of the accompanying Drawings for raising water from mines.
Sixthly My improved apparatus for the application of carbon monoxide gas to
the inflation of flexible pontoons for saving property at sea as herein before
described and shewn in Figures 8. 9. 10. 11. and 14 of the accompanying Drawings.
Seventhly My improved apparatus substantially as described and shewn in
Figures 12 and 13 of the accompanying Drawings for saving life at sea.
Eighthly My method as herein before described and illustrated in Figure 15 of
the accompanying Drawings for the introduction of my carbon monoxide gas and
atmospheric air in regulated proportions into gas engines.
Ninthly. The use of the heat evolved in the production of my carbon monoxide
for the production of oxygen to be used in gas engines instead of air by the means,
and in the manner herein before described.
Tenthly: The construction of vessels provided with buoyant chambers and
valves in the manner and for the purpose described and shewn in Figures 1. 2. 5
and 5 of the accompanying Drawings.
Eleventhly. The employment in the ship lifting vessels or pontoons of a well or
wells C containing other tubes of syphon form as herein before described and
illustrated at Figures 1. 2. 3. 5 and 5ª of the accompanying Drawings.
In witness whereof I the said William Cowell Brown have hereunto set
my hand and seal this nineteenth day of October in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
Witness
JAS. FREDK. PHILLIPS
of the firm of Phillips & Leigh,
Patent Agents
Southampton Buildings. W.C.
W. COWELL BROWN (L.S.)