A NEW OR IMPROVED MODE OR METHOD OF SEPARATING GASES FROM EACH OTHER, AND OF SEPARATING SOLID AND LIQUID PARTICLES OR MOLECULAR BODIES FROM GASES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO DE EMPLOYED THEREIN, PARTS OF WHICHI IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO THE PURPOSES OF EXHAUSTION AND VENTILATION
Year: 1881

page_text: ETTERS PATENT to Edwin Powley Alexander, of 36, Southampton Buildings,
in the County of Middlesex, Consulting Engineer and British and Foreign
Patent Agent, for an Invention of "A NEW OR IMPROVED MODE OR METHOD
OF SEPARATING GASES FROM EACH OTHER, AND OF SEPARATING SOLID AND
LIQUID PARTICLES OR MOLECULAR BODIES FROM GASES, AND IN THE
MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO DE EMPLOYED THEREIN, PARTS OF WHICHI
IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO THE PURPOSES OF EXHAUSTION AND
VENTILATION." A communication from abroad by Hermann Haug and the
Firm of W. Lefeldt and Lentsch, of Schöningen Braunsweig, in the Imperial
German Empire.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Edwin Powloy Alexander
at the Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 1st October 1881.
EDWIN POWLEY ALEXANDER, of 36, Southampton Buildings, in the County of
Middlesex, Consulting Engineer and British and Foreign Patent Agent. "A NEW
OR IMPROVED MODE OR METHOD OF SEPARATING GASES FROM EACH OTHER, AND
OF SEPARATING SOLID AND LIQUID PARTICLES OR MOLECULAR BODIES FROM
GASES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN,
PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO THE PURPOSES OF
EXHAUSTION AND VENTILATION." A communication from abroad by Hermann
Haug and the Firm of W. Lefeldt and Lentsch, of Schöningen Braunsweig, in the
Imperial German Empire.
This Invention relates chiefly to a continuous mode, method, or process of
separating from cach other by the action of centrifugal force mixed gases of
different specific gravities, or of extracting a gas from other gases when mixed
together in a purely mechanical manner, although such mixture may have been
effected automatically by reason of the molecular motion of the gases themselves,
without necessitating the saturating, absorbing, or condensing of the gas or gases
to be separated or operated upon; also of separating from gases by a continuous
centrifugal process any finely divided solid or liquid matters or molecular bodies

page_text: held in mechanical suspension therein; also to certain peculiar constructions and
arrangements of and mode of applying centrifugal machines for carrying out the
said continuous process of separation, which improved machines may also be
employed for exhausting and ventilating purposes generally. The said improved
process consists essentially in subjecting the mixture of gases or gases holding in
mechanical suspension finely divided solid or liquid particles or molecules, herein-
after called the crude gas or mixture, to the action of centrifugal force of sufficient
power to suspend or counteract (in the case of mixed gases) any tendency to
diffusion or to an automatic readmixture of the different parts or constituents of
such crude gas or mixture, whilst the gases so separated to a certain degree are
caused to classify or range themselves inside the separating drum according to
their different weights or specific gravities. The said method or process of sepa-
ration may be carried out in centrifugal machines of various forms or arrangements
whether the drums be vertical, horizontal, or inclined, provided the said drums and
their accessories be so arranged as that when operating upon a mixture, say, of
two gases, for example, three concentric layers of gas shall be caused to form
themselves in the drum. The middle layer consists of the crude gas to be subjected
to the process of separation, and occupies what I hereinafter designate the "region
or zone of separation," whilst the zone nearer the centre of the drum contains the
separated gas or gases of least specific gravity, and the outer zone the gas or gases
of greatest specific gravity, the region or zone of separation being situate between
the two. When mixtures of several different gases are operated upon a large number
of regions or concentric layers of different gases form themselves inside the drum
accordingly. A free communication is established. between the region or zone of
separation and the axial space in the drum, in order that a constant supply of crude
__ gas or mixture to the region of separation may be maintained and the process of
separation be thereby carried on in-a-continuous-manner,-the-separated_gases being
allowed-to-pass-off-as-fast-as-they are separated through suitably arranged outlet,
passages, or apertures provided with regulating or controlling devices; similar™
devices being also provided at the inlet passages whereby the currents of the gases
may be controlled. Certain precautions, namely, the prevention of irregular
currents and the re-admixture of the gases already separated, are rendered necessary
in the said process owing to the physical peculiarity of all gases, as well as to the
fact that in gaseous mixtures, usually those gases which are of the greatest
technical value (as, for example, oxygen of the air and carbonic acid of the waste
gaseous products of combustion) are relatively the smallest in quantity and of the
greatest specific gravity. It is therefore proposed for the safer working and
increased efficiency of the said process to separate to some extent the region or
zone of separation from the regions of the separated gases by concentric layers of
woven or perforated material. Another important condition for obtaining a good
result consists in the application and use of suitable devices for imparting a
relatively greatly increased centrifugal effect to the heavier gas, and in the employ-
ment of other devices for reducing the centrifugal effect of the lighter gas so as to
cause the latter to flow out of the centre of the rotating drum. Or the centrifugal
action of the lighter gas may even be counterbalanced by the use of separate
devices for exhausting such gas from its region in the drum. Another essential
feature of the said process is the ensuring that the crude gas or mixture shall
enter its region or zone of separation with sufficient centrifugal force to prevent
its being replaced by the lighter gas, for which purpose suitable carriers or partitions
disposed radially or otherwise may be applied in the region or zone of separation, or
in that of the heavier gas or both. Although by the said process the separation of
gases from other gases can be effected without saturating, absorbing, or condensing
any of the gases to be treated, nevertheless, with a view to increasing the efficiency
of the said process, the crude gas may in some cases, if found desirable, be saturated
with water or with the steam or vapour of liquids, or may if desired be mixed with
the dusty or finely divided particles of solid substances when the heavier gases
show a greater affinity for these admixtures.

page_text: According to one arrangement of centrifugal machine adapted for carrying
out the process herein before described in a continuous manner, but which may be
modified as found requisite, the drum which is set in rotation by any suitable or
well known arrangement has as usual a bottom, or inay be covered in at both
ends, and its circumference may be perforated, or may be of conical form or other
suitable shape in order to throw off the heavy gas, or may be provided with
suitable channels, pipes, or passages for leading the heavy gas towards the centro
before leaving the drum. Concentric within the druin a second cylinder may be
disposed, with which drum it is connected by means of two annular shaped
bottoms so as to form two concentric partitions. The inner cylindrical partition is
open at one end and serves for drawing in the crude gas, for which purpose it may
be provided with screw blades. This partition extends between the one annular
bottom of the outer partition and the bottom of the drum, the circumference of the
latter being closed at this part. The space between the two bottoms may also
contain radially or otherwise disposed blades. The outer annular partition of the
drum is provided in the one bottoin near its outer periphery with an annular or
other shaped aperture or apertures, through which the crude gas is allowed to pass
from the inner into the outer partition. This aperture corresponds with the region
or zone of separation, which may be enclosed or bounded on both sides by
concentric layers of woven or perforated material, in order to provent the crude
gas from passing irregularly into the zones of the heavy and light gas. The radial
or other partitions arranged within the region or zone of separation should allow
of the free entrance of the crude gas throughout the said zone. The outer zone of
heavy gas should also be provided with carriers in the form of radial or other
partitions, or in the form of woven or perforated material. The inner zono or
region of light gas may be provided with rotating or fixed blades of screw or other
suitable shape, for causing this gas to pass off through an annular opening in the
false or inner bottom of the drum. The druin may be provided with blades on its
periphery, for the purpose of transporting the heavy gas after it has left the druin.
The drum rotates within a fixed surrounding casing, and by employing hydraulic
or liquid sealed or other suitable gas tight joints, or by joints composed even of
properly lubricated contact surfaces so as to work with little friction, nothing but
the heavy gas from the druin will be permitted to enter the said casing, whence it
issues or may be drawn off through an outlet passage provided with a suitable
regulator for controlling the current. The annular aperture through which the
lighter gas loaves the drum communicates in like manner with a fixed passage
provided with a regulator, and fitted if desired with a separate device for
exhausting or drawing off the light gas, with just sufficient force to counteract
the centrifugal action in the druin. Several gases may be separated at the same
time by arranging a corresponding number of outlet passages similar to the above,
in connection with the respective concentric regions of gases as they are formed
within the drum. The said apparatus or gas-centrifugal machine possesses in itself
to some extent the property of a weak ventilator or exhauster, but where its
ventilating or exhausting power is not sufficiently great, extra ventilators,
exhausters, or fans of any convenient construction may in some cases be used in
connection with such machine. Or the machine itself may be modified so as to
give a more powerful ventilating or exhausting action by the addition of properly
shaped fans, ventilators, or exhausters revolving with the drum or separately as
found desirable.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said Edwin Powley Alexander in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
1st April 1882.
EDWIN POWLEY ALEXANDER, of 36, Southampton Buildings, in the County of
Middlesex, Consulting Engineer and British and Foreign Patent Agent. "A NEW
OR IMPROVED MODE OR METHOD OF SEPARATING GASES FROM EACH OTHER, AND
OF SEPARATING SOLID AND LIQUID PARTICLES OR MOLECULAR BODIES FROM
GASES, AND IN THE MACHINERY OR APPARATUS TO BE EMPLOYED THEREIN,
PARTS OF WHICH IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPLICABLE TO THE PURPOSES OF
EXHAUSTION AND VENTILATION." A communication from abroad by Hermann
Haug and the Firm of W. Lofeldt and Lentsch, of Schöningen Braunsweig, in the
Imperial German Empire.
The said Invention relates chiefly to a continuous mode, method, or process of
separating from each other by means of the action of centrifugal force mixed gases
of different specific gravities, or of extracting a gas from other gases when mixed
together in a purely mechanical manner (although such mixture may have been
effected automatically by reason of the molecular motion of the gases themselves)
without necessitating the saturating, absorbing, or condensing of the gas or gases
to be separated or operated upon; also of separating from gases by a continuous
centrifugal-process-any-finely-divided-solid-or-liquid-matters-or-molecular-bodies-
held in mechanical suspension therein; also to certain peculiar constructions and
arrangements of and mode of applying centrifugal machines for carrying out the
said continuous process of separation, which improved machines may also if desired
be employed for exhausting and ventilating purposes.
The said improved process consists essentially in subjecting the mixture of gases
of different specific gravities, or a gas or gases holding in mechanical suspension
finely divided, solid or liquid particles or molecular, hereafter called the crude
gas or mixture, to the action of centrifugal force of sufficient power to suspend or
counteract (in the case of mixed gases) any tendency to diffusion or to an automatic
re-admixture of the different parts or constituents of such crude gas or mixture,
whilst the gases so separated to a certain degree are caused to classify or range
themselves inside the separating drum according to their different weights or
specific gravities. When a mixture, say, of two gases, for example, is operated upon,
three concentric layers, regions, or zones of gas will be caused to form themselves
in the drum. The middle layer consists of the crude gas to be subjected to the
process of separation, and occupies what I hereafter designate "the region or zone
of separation," whilst the zone nearer the centre of the drum contains the separated
gas or gases of least specific gravity, and the outer zone the gas or gases of greatest
specific gravity, the region or zone of separation being situate between the two.
When mixtures of several different gases are operated upon a larger number of
concentric cylindrical regions or layers of different gases form themselves inside the
drum accordingly. The separating effect is dependent on the centrifugal force and
the time the gases are subjected to its action.
Certain precautions, namely, the prevention of irregular currents and the re-
admixture of the gases already separated, are rendered necessary in the said process
owing to the physical property of all gases. The continuous manner of executing
the process serves the purpose in the first instance; thus the crude gas is con-
tinuously allowed to enter the region of separation and the separated constituents
are continuously allowed to pass off from their respective zones.
For the same purpose, as well as for avoiding loss of gases, it is usually necessary
to employ gas tight joints of suitable construction between the inlet and the outlet

page_text: passages of the rotating drum on the one hand and their corresponding fixed
passages allowing of the crude gas entering and of the separated gases passing off.
As a precaution to the same effect it is proposed to separate to some extent the
region or zone of separation from the regions of separated gases by concentric
layers of woven or perforated material. Part of these cylindrical layers near the
end opposite to or farthest from that at which the crude gas is entering the region
of separation may even be without any apertures, or, which is better, a deflecting
ring of three sided section (hereinafter referred to) may there be arranged with its
edge in the middle of the region of separation. Another important condition for
obtaining a good result from the said process is the ensuring that the crude gas or
mixture entering its region or zone of separation shall rapidly acquire the proper
centrifugal effect and therefore shall not be liable to be replaced by the light gas
already possessed of a certain centrifugal momentum, for which purpose suitable
carriers or partitions disposed radially and parallel to the axis of rotation or other-
wise may be applied in the region or zone of separation. Similar carriers or
partitions, or concentric layers of woven or perforated material, may be arranged in
the region of the heavier gas for the purpose of imparting to it the relatively
greatest centrifugal effect, and thereby preventing its being replaced by a portion
of the crude gas. The centrifugal effect of the lighter gas on the contrary is to bo
reduced by other suitable devices, or even counterbalanced by the use of separate
devices for exhausting such gas from its region in the drum. Lastly, it is necessary
to provide the stationary outlet passages with suitable regulators for controlling
the currents of the divided gases according to their relative quantities in the crudo
gas and the most profitable degree of separation to be attained.
Although by the said process the separation of gases from other gases can bo
effected without saturating, absorbing, or condensing any of the gases to be treated,
nevertheless with a viow to increasing the efficiency of the said process the crude
gas may in some cases if found desirable be mixed with the dusty or finely divided
particles of solid or liquid substances, when the heavier gases show a greater affinity
for these admixtures.
The said method or process of separation may be carried out in centrifugal
machines, the peculiarities of which are explained in the following description, and
illustrated, by way of example only, in the Drawings hereinafter referred to. The
drum, which is made to rotate by any suitable arrangement, is covered in at both
ends. The crude gas or mixture enters an annular shaped region or zone of
separation in the said drum, and this region has to be made to acquire the velocity
of circumference or the centrifugal momentum necessary for the separation of the
gases in question. The lighter gases are to be carried off from the more inner
region of the drum, and the heavier gases froin the most outer region. The fixed
inlet passage, if such be necessary, for the crude gas and the fixed outlet passages
for the separated gases, are to be jointed gas tight to the respective apertures of
the rotating drum. The central apertures in the drum bottoms are circular, and
the jointing ends of their respective fixed passages are also of circular section.
They may be employed for the crude and for the lighter gases.
Otherwise these
apertures, particularly that for the heavier gases, are of eccentric annular shape,
(or several small apertures may be situate in a concentric circle) in the bottom or
circumference of the drum, and the jointing ends of their respective fixed passages
are of correspondingly annular shaped section. The junctions between the
apertures of the rotating drum and the ends of the respective fixed passages are
made gas tight by employing hydraulic or liquid sealed joints, or by other suitable
or well known means; or these joints may be composed of properly lubricated
smooth and even surfaces in direct contact so as to work with little friction, or
may consist of plane surfaces capable of being nicely regulated by any suitable
means to the least possible distance without being in actual contact, and with or
without any lubricating agent. As already stated, the fixed outlet passages are to
he provided with regulating devices for controlling the currents of the gases. A
fixed inlet passage also may be provided with such device.

page_text: The region or zone of separation in the drum may be enclosed or bounded on its
inner and outer sides by concentrically disposed cylindrical layers or partitions,
composed wholly or partly of woven or perforated material, arranged so as to
prevent the crude gas from passing irregularly into the outer and inner zones of
the heavy and the light gas respectively. Radial or other partitions or carriers
should be so arranged within the region of separation as to allow of the free
entrance, and the free passage in a direction parallel to the axis of the drum of the
crude gas throughout the said zone. These carriers may assume the form of blades
or of tubes or mouthpieces, open at one end for the entrance of the crude gas, and
provided with slots or openings opposite to or corresponding with the regions of
the light and the heavy gases. The region of the heavy gas contains radial carriers
or partitions in the form of blades, preferably in greater number than in the zone
of separation, or in the form of perforated cylinders in order to ensure the
relatively greatest centrifugal effect of the heavy gases. The region of the lighter
gas may contain screw shaped blades which will tend to draw out this gas; or its
fixed outlet passage may be provided with revolving screw blades for the same
purpose.
The centrifugal machine adapted to the said process of continuous separation of
gases may in its general construction, as well as in its peculiarities, be of various
forms and arrangements as regards the details. In the first instance the crude gas
may be allowed to enter the region of separation of the drum in different ways.
One way may consist, for example, in providing one botton or end of the drum
with a set of mouthpieces or tubes arranged in a concentric circle corresponding
with the zone of separation, and suitably curved so as to catch the crude gas when
the drum is rotating, and carry it through apertures in the bottom, either directly
into the region of separation, or first into an annular shaped ante chamber formed
by a double or hollow-bottom-provided-with-a-suitable-annular aperture, or a
-series-or-set-of-apertures-disposed_in_a_concentric circle. Another way is to allow
the crude gas to pass in through a central aperture in the outer bottom or end of
the drum into the said chamber formed between the inner and outer bottom or
end. This ante-chamber is annular or cylindrical, and the inner bottom is of full
circular form when the central inlet aperture for the crude gas is situate in the
outer portion of the double bottom; but when the central inlet aperture is situate
in or passes through the opposite cover or end of the drum, then a cylindrical or
conical central tube serves to connect by a suitable gas tight joint, in some cases,
the said aperture with the said ante-chamber or space in the double bottom. This
tube may be fixed to the frame of the machine, and be suitably jointed to the inner
bottom of the drum, so as to allow such inner bottom to revolve round it, or, which
is preferable, it may be connected to the body of the drum and inner bottom, and
revolve along with them.
The lighter gas may be allowed to pass off from its region within and nearer the
centre of the drum, either through a central circular aperture in one bottom or end
of the drum where the crude gas is not made to pass in, or through an annular
aperture or a circular row of apertures situate in one bottom or end or in the
circumference of the drum, the central region of which in the last case being some-
what elongated or extended.
The heavier gas may be made to pass off in various ways, as follows: -The
circumference of the drum, mounted upon a vertical, horizontal, or inclined axis,
may be cylindrical, preferably with an extension all around, at one end conical,
double conical, or curved. This circumference may be perforated throughout in
order to let the heavy gas pass off; then the whole drum must rotate in a sur-
rounding fixed casing, with gas tight jointing to the drum, and from this casing
the heavy gas is carried off by a tube. Or the circumference of the druin (where
the diameter of the inner area is the largest, or is purposely made so preferably
near one of its bottoms) may be provided with an annular aperture or a circular
row of apertures. In this case, as before stated, the junction part of the fixed
outlet passage consists of a tube of annular shape slit open on its inner side, so as

page_text: to embrace with its two circular or annular lips those apertures of the rotating
drum. Another way consists in forming by a double bottom at one end of the
drum an annular shaped chamber, with an annular shaped division plate set at
about the middle of its height. This division plate is jointed to the circumference
of the drum, but has one or more apertures at its inner periphery, so as to leave a
communication between the two partitions of the chamber. One or more apertures
at the largest inner circle of the drum allow the heavy gas to pass of first into the
inner partition of the chainber, then around the division plate into the outer
partition, and from there through apertures in its circumference or in a large
circle of its outer bottom into the junction part of the fixed outlet passage.
If there are more than two gases to be separated at the same time and extracted
from a crude gas by one and the same centrifugal machine, a corresponding number
of fixed outlet passages has to be arranged in gas tight connection with the
apertures of the respective concentric regions of the drum, which are situate corre-
sponding with the relative quantities of the gases; or the process of complete
separation may be carried out in a fractional manner by first separating the crude
gas into two groups, the one containing the lighter, the other containing the
heavier gases, and afterwards separating these groups again by the aid of one or
more centrifugal machines.
The said gas centrifugal machine possesses in itself to some extent the property
of a weak ventilator or exhauster drawing in the crude gas and expelling the
separated gases; but where a greater quantity of crude gas is to be separated
respectively a greater qu ity of a useful gas is to be produced by extraction, and
extra blowers, gas pump tilators, and fans of any convenient construction for
forcing in the crude gas or exhausting the separated gases may in some cases bo
used in connection with such machine; or the machine itself may be modified so
as to give more powerful action by the addition of ventilator fans fixed within the
region of the crude gas in the drum, and upon its circumference within the
junction ends of the stationary ontlet passages of the separated gases, or arranged
within the stationary passages and then revolving separately as may be desirable.
The said centrifugal machine may be modified and employed also for separating
from gases by a continuous centrifugal process any finely divided solid or liquid
matters or molecular bodies held in mechanical suspension therein. For this
purpose the crude gas may, if necessary, be cooled to condense vapours, or finely
divided water or other liquid may be suspended in it in order to absorb some gases
or to cause a greater moveability within the drum of the damp solid particles. In
this mode of application the crude gas usually has to be forced into or the purified
gas to be exhausted from the drum by extra forcing and exhausting machinery.
The separated liquids or particles pass off continuously through the outlet passage
for the heavy gas, and the purified gas through the outlet for the light gas. If nt
the same time solid matters or these exclusively are to be extracted it is preferable
to employ a drumn of conical or double conical form. The separated liquids or the
purposely injected water will assist in carrying out the damp particles. If the
solid matters are perfectly dry they may be carried out by part of the gas allowed
continually to pass off with them, and they may be gathered in a sack shaped
extension of the junction end of the stationary outlet passage of the heavy gas,
where radial or otherwise arranged blades may be employed to check the tangential
motion of the solid matters and cause them to fall or deposit themselves. It is
preferable to fit upon the axis within the drum a circular division plate of less
diameter than the drum, and arrange suction fan blades on that side of it where
the crude gas enters, but forcing blades on the other side.
And in order that the mode of carrying out the said Invention may be fully
understood, I shall now proceed to describe and refer to the several Figures on the
explanatory Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed, the said Figures being intended
to illustrate by way of example only the leading or essential features of the
improved continuous action centrifugal apparatus rather than the details of con-
struction, as various slight modifications in the form and arrangement of the parts

page_text: may obviously be adopted without departing from the main features of the said
Invention, and the vertical arrangements shown on the Drawing may readily be
altered to horizontal ones, whilst the horizontal arrangements may equally well be
used placed vertically. In all the Figures the same leading or more important
parts of the apparatus where they are repeated are indicated by like letters of
reference, and arrows sorve to indicate the course of the crude gas or mixture,
and of the gases and solid or liquid particles or molecular bodies separated
therefrom.
Figure 1 represents a vertical section of one arrangement of centrifugal machine
for operating upon gases or acriform bodies, wherein the crude gas enters the
revolving drum by means of a central adjustable stationary tube and suitable
openings in a revolving double or hollow bottom in the drum. The separated light
gas leaves the apparatus through a central stationary tube, whence it may be
drawn out by a suitable suction or exhaust fan or ventilator of any well known
construction. The comparatively heavy gas leaves the machine through suitable
openings in the revolving top of the separating drum. Figure 2 is a corresponding
horizontal section taken along the line 1-2. Figure 3, a horizontal section taken
along the line 3-4. Figure 4 is a vertical section of another arrangement of gas
centrifugal machine, wherein the crude gas or mixture enters the drum by a
central revolving tube or tubes connected with a revolving perforated double or
hollow bottom in the drum. The heavier gas leaves through suitable openings in
the top of the revolving drum after having passed over the outer edge of a
revolving tongue of disc or flat annular form. The lighter gas leaves through
suitable openings arranged round or near the before mentioned revolving central
entrance tube. Figure-5-is-a-top-plan view of the same. Figure 6, a horizontal
section-thereof-taken along the line 5-6, in Fig. 4. Figure -7-is-a-longitudinal
vertical section of another arrangement of gns-centrifugal machine disposed
horizontally, wherein the crude gas or mixture enters by means of a revolving-
centrul tube connected with a revolving perforated double or hollow bottoin or end
in the drum. The heavy gas leaves directly through a revolving outlet passage
formed (without any tongue) round the circumference of the drum at the opposite
end to that at which the crude gas or mixture enters. The light gas leaves
through a revolving outlet passage surrounding the revolving central tube;
Figure 8 is a longitudinal vertical section of another arrangement of gas centrifugal
machine also disposed horizontally, wherein the crude gas or mixture enters the
separating drum with or without pressure through a revolving central entrance
passage at one end of the drum. The heavy and the light gases both leave the
drum separately by revolving peripheral outlet passages unprovided with the disc
shaped or flat annular tongues before referred to; Figure 9 is a vertical section of
an arrangement of centrifugal machine specially devised for separating from gases
or aeriforin bodies by a continuous centrifugal process any finely divided solid or
liquid matter or molecular bodies held in mechanical suspension therein. For this
arrangement the crude gas mixed with the before mentioned finely divided solid
or liquid matter or molecular bodies enters the drum or centrifugal chamber with
or without pressure by a revolving central inlet passage. The heavy gas leaves
through a peripheral revolving outlet passage. The solid or liquid particles of
matter striking against suitable blades or projections leave more or less mixed with
gases by a stationary sack shaped passage partially or wholly surrounding the
centrifugal chamber, whilst the light gas leaves through a central opening on the
upper side of the drum, it being either ejected by suitable revolving screw blades
or propellers, or drawn or exhausted out by any suitable arrangement of suction
fan or ventilator; Figure 10 is a back end elevation of another arrangement of gas
centrifugal machine which is also shown in longitudinal vertical section in
Figure 11, and in front elevation in Figure 12. In this arrangement the crude
gas enters by one or any desired number of tubes or mouthpieces communi-
cating with suitable openings in a revolving double or hollow bottom or end
inside the drum, which tubes or mouthpieces are curved or bent in such a direction

page_text: as that when the drum revolves they shall catch or collect the crude gas and cause
it to pass through the openings in the said double or hollow bottom or end in the
drum into the region of separation, the heavy gas leaving direct by revolving
peripheral outlet passages and the light gas by a revolving central tube.
In the Drawings, a, a, are vertical horizontal or inclined revolving shafts or
spindles.
b, b, revolving separating drum or chamber of any suitable form; c, c, (Figures 1
and 2) radial curved or inclined fan blades fixed on the outer circumference of the
revolving separating drum.
d, d, (Figures 1, 2, 7, 11, and 12), suction exhaust or propelling screws or fans
for drawing in or expelling the crude gas or mixture or the separated gases or
mixtures shown for example fixed on the revolving shaft or spindle a.
e, e, (Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6) stationary mantle or casing surrounding the
revolving separating drum.
ff, (Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11) the region or zone of separation.
9, 9, (Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11) the region or zone of heavier gas or gases
or mixtures.
h, h, (Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 11) the region or zone of lighter gas,
i, i, (Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11) apertures or openings of any suitable shape
for the passage of the crude gas or mixture into the region or zone of separation of
the revolving separating drum.
,,(Figures 1, 4, and 7) openings or apertures of any suitable shape for the
exit of the light gases.
k, k, (Figures 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11) concentric revolving partitions of any
suitable perforated or woven material to be used in operating upon certain gases
or mixtures when found requisite for preventing the re-mixture of the separated
gases.
,, (Figure 9) radial or otherwise disposed blades or stops for checking the
tangential motion of the finely divided solid or liquid matters held in mechanical
suspension in the crude gas.
m, m, (Figures 10 and 11) tubes, mouthpieces, or screw blades for catching or
collecting and drawing in the crude gas whilst the separating drum is revolving.
n, n, (Figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 11) throttle valves, regulating cocks, or
equivalent devices for regulating the flow of the crude gas or separated gases or
mixtures.
0,0, (Figure 1) air or gas tight joints formed by suitably shaped fixed rings or
discs provided on both faces with a joint, ring, or packing of any good antifriction
material, well lubricated and entering an annular recess which revolves with the
separating drum and is filled or partially filled with oil or any other good and
suitable lubricant, so as to form an efficient air or gas tight joint whilst allowing of
the free revolution of the drum.
o¹, o, (Figure 4) an air or gas tight joint formed by a revolving disc or annular
shaped tongue, provided on both faces, as previously described with reference to
the joint o, o, with a joint, ring, or packing of any suitable material kept well
lubricated.
o, o, (Figures 1 and 4) air or gas tight joints formed (in Fig. 1) between
the lower end of the central stationary entrance tube p and the revolving double
or hollow bottom q of the drum, and (in Figure 4) formed between the upper or
stationary and the lower or revolving portion of the central entrance tube P, the
said joints being tightened or loosened by lowering or raising slightly the stationary
entrance tube.
P, P, (Figures 1 and 4) the central entrance tube for the crude gas or
mixture.
9. 9, (Figures 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 11) the double or hollow bottom or end to the
separating drum or vessel.
,, (Figures 7, 8, 9, and 11) the revolving annular outlet passages for the heavy
gas.

page_text: gab.
pussing on AVA
t, t, (Figures 1, 4, and 11) revolving annular tongues forming a portion of the
exit passage for the heavy gas.
u (Figure 8) revolving entrance or inlet passage for the crude gas or
mixture.
v (Figure 9) stationary passage of any convenient shape for the exit of the
separated solid and liquid particles; w (Figure 4) deflecting angular shaped
ring.
All the joints or connections, whether partly or wholly revolving, for the
entrance or exit of the gases or mixtures, are required to be air or gas tight, and
are made adjustable by means of elastic material between the flanges and
tightening screws, or by oval or elongated slots in the casings of the outlet or
entrance passages. Antifriction materials, lubricants, or antifriction metals, should
also be employed for the surfaces of the rubbing parts, whether partly or wholly
revolving, as will be readily understood.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of the_said
Invention as communicated to me from abroad by the aforesaid Hermann Haug
and the Firm of W. Lefeldt and Lentsch, and the manner of performing the same,
I would observe in conclusion that I am aware that it has been proposed by the
aid of centrifugal force to separate from smoke or the gaseous products of
combustion in an intermittent manner certain solid and liquid particles held in
mechanical suspension therein, and to remove mechanically suspended impurities
from air and gases by the same means, and in the same manner also to separate
by the said means a gas from other gases after first injecting into the gas to be
operated upon water or other-absorbing substance, or condensing or absorbing at
least one of the gases, and therefore I lay no claim to such process or processes;
but what I consider to be novel and original and therefore-claim-as-the-Invention_
secured to me by the hereinbefore in part recited Letters Patent is,―
First. The herein before described continuous process for separating from each
other by the aid of centrifugal machines mixed gases of different specific gravities,
or. for extracting a gas from other gases when mixed therewith in a purely
mechanical manner, wherein the crude gas or mixture of gases is subjected to the
action of centrifugal force of sufficient power to suspend or counteract any
tendency to diffusion or to an automatic re-admixture of the separated gases, and
the gases so separated are caused to classify or range themselves inside the
separating drum according to their different specific gravities.
Secondly. The hereinbefore described process for separating in a continuous
manner from a gas or mixture of gases by the aid of centrifugal_machines
constructed substantially as described with reference to Figure 9 of the Drawings,
any finely divided solid or liquid matters or molecular bodies held in mechanical
suspension in the said gas or gases.
Thirdly. The application and use to and in the drums of centrifugal machines
to be employed for separating mixed gases of different specific gravities, of woven,
reticulate, or perforated material, arranged so as to form concentric boundaries of
the region of separation as specified.
Fourthly. The employment of suitable carriers in the region of separation and
in the region of the heavier gas in combination or not with devices for expelling or
exhausting the lighter gas with a view to diminish or counteract the momentum of
such gas as specified.
Fifthly. The separating drums covered in at both ends and so arranged as that
the regions or zones of the separated gases (but particularly the region or zone of
the heavier gas) are in gas tight communication with the respective stationary
outlet passages, and the region or zone of separation is also in gas tight
communication with the inlet passage for the crude gas, so that the latter gas is
compelled to enter the region or zone of separation and each of the separated gases
to pass off by its own proper outlet passage, as specified,

page_text: Sixthly. The peculiar constructions and arrangements of centrifugal machines
for effecting in a continuous manner the separation from each other of mixed
gases of different specific gravities, substantially as described with reference
to Figures 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 of the Drawings.
Seventhly. The application and use of the ventilator fans and screw blades
disposed within the spaces or passages of or connected with the drum, which
serve for conveying the crude gas into the region of separation, and also on the
circumference or on the axis of the drum within the stationary outlet passages, as
specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edwin Powley Alexander, have hereunto set
my band and seal, this First day of April, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
EDWIN P. ALEXANDER. (L.S.)