Improvements relating to the Treatment of Sewage and the Ventilation of Drains and Sewers, and to Apparatus therefor.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 26th Apr., 1890
Complete Specification Left, 25th Feb., 1891-Accepted, 25th Apr., 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to the Treatment of Sewage and the
Ventilation of Drains and Sewers, and to Apparatus
therefor.
I, FREDERICK BARKER HILL, of 27, Culmore Road, Peckham, in the County
of Surrey, Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
My invention relates to the treatment of sewage and the ventilation of drains
and sewers, and to apparatus therefor.
One object of my said invention is to provide for preventing the entrance into
dwelling houses and the like, of sewer-gas or noxious vapour from the drains or
sewers.
Another object of my said invention is to provide for the partial treatment of
the sewage on its way from the houses or other buildings to the outfall works,
where I provide for completing the treatment of the sewage and for the discharge
of the same into settling or precipitating tanks or pits, whence the liquid may be
allowed to flow into a river or affluent, either with or without further treatment.
My said invention comprises an improved method of discharging into drains or
sewers, suitable chemicals in quantities proportionate to the amount of sewage
flowing through the said drains or sewers, so that the deodorizing of the sewage
will be effected and its decomposition prevented, and the precipitation of the solid
matter of such sewage will be partially accomplished before the sewage reaches
the outfall works.
For this purpose, I employ automatic apparatus whereby a predetermined
quantity of the said chemicals will be discharged into the drain or sewer at
intervals of time varying in length according to the quantity of sewage flowing
through the said drain or sewer, thus ensuring the production of oxygen or
other suitable gas in the required quantity to purify or disinfect the vitiated
air in the drain or sewer, and effecting the desired treatment, or partial treatment
of the sewage on its way to the outfall. I find it advantageous to combine this
automatic apparatus with a flushing apparatus operated intermittently by the
sewage, or by water allowed.to flow into the apparatus for the purpose of flushing
the sewers.
In apparatus heretofore devised for introducing deodorizing chemicals into drains
or sewers, such chemicals have been allowed to drip continually into the drain or
sewer, without any attempt being made to provide for the automatic regulation or
control of their delivery according to the amount of sewage flowing through the
drain or sewer. Consequently, when no sewage was flowing, there was great waste
of the chemicals, whilst, if an excessive or abnormal amount of sewage was flowing,
the quantity of chemicals delivered into the same was insufficient for the object
sought to be attained. By my invention, however, I overcome these defects and
thus effect great economy in the use of the chemicals, whilst ensuring the effectual
action thereof at all times.
Another object of my said invention is to provide for mixing deodorizing or
disinfecting chemicals with the air or gas escaping through the ventilating pipe
or shaft of a drain, sewer, water-closet or the like, in proportions which are
automatically regulated or controlled according to the quantity of sewage flowing.
For this purpose, I provide an apparatus which is operated by the sewage flowing
through the drain-pipe or sewer and whereby air is forced into, or air or gas
drawn out of the drain or sewer, and oxygen or other deodorizing and purifying
gas is generated and caused to mingle with such air or gas in the said pipe or shaft
in the requisite proportions to prevent the formation of, or destroy foul germs,

page_text: sewer.
and enectually deodorize and disinfect the air in, or proceeding from the drain or
Another object of my said invention is to provide for working sewers, or parts
of sewers under a pressure of..gas or air.
In carrying my said invention into practice, I provide for the introduction of
any suitable chemicals, such, for instance, as a mixture of manganate of soda and
sulphuric acid, into the drain-pipe or sewer in automatically regulated proportions
and at different places throughout the course followed by the sewage, that is to
say first introduce a suitable quantity of the said chemicals into the water-
closet pan or similar receptacle, and then at one or more parts of the drain or
sewer, and finally at the outfall. Or I introduce the chemicals at suitable parts of
the drain or sewer and at the outfall, without using such chemicals in the water-
closet pan or similar receptacle.
For introducing the chemicals into the water-closet pan or similar receptacle, I
employ any well-known or suitable device whereby the required quantity of the
deodorizing or disinfecting material will be discharged into the said pan or other
receptacle in each operation of the said pan or receptacle.
In the drain-pipe extending from each house, or from a set or series comprising
any desired number of houses, I arrange a flushing-siphon of suitable construction,
preferably one having a deep seal or trap. I find it advantageous to use a flushing-
siphon constructed substantially as described in the Specification of former Letters
Patent granted to me and dated 23rd May A.D. 1887, No. 7473. I can however, use
other forms of flushing-apparatus if desired. I, in some instances, combine with
this flushing-siphon or apparatus, a device whereby, in each operation of the said
Hushing apparatus, a predetermined quantity of acid and alkali will be mixed and
discharged into the sewage in the flushing tank or in the drain or sewer. One
form or arrangement of this device comprises a float to which is attached a cup or
receptacle adapted to receive the acid from a suitable tank or reservoir containing
the same, and to deliver the said acid into a vessel containing the alkali. From
the said vessel, the mixed acid and alkali overflow into the liquid in the flushing
tank. I so construct the said device that a small quantity of acid will always
remain in the said cup or receptacle, suflicient to close or seal the entrance for air
into the acid tank or reservoir when the float is at the upper end of its stroke or
movement. When the liquid is discharged from the flushing tank and the float
and cup descend, the air inlet to the acid-tank is opened, thus permitting the flow
of acid therefrom into the said cup until the level of the acid therein has risen
sufficiently to again close or seal the said air inlet. The parts are, moreover, so
arranged that, when the float and cup are raised by the liquid flowing into the
flushing tank, the acid in the said cup. will be displaced by a part of the acid-tank
which enters the said cup, and will thus be caused to overflow into the vessel con-
taining the alkali.
In another form or modification of the said device, I make the said cup or
receptacle with.two compartments, and arrange the acid-tank above one of the said
compartments and an alkali tank constructed like the acid-tank, above the other
compartment, so that, in each operation of the said device, the acid and the alkali
in solution or otherwise will be simultaneously discharged into the liquid in the
flushing tank in the desired relative proportions.
$
According to another modification of this part of my said invention, I provide a
pneumatic mixer so constructed that, in each operation of the flushing apparatus,
it will automatically discharge into the liquid therein the required quantity of the
chemicals.
For introducing the deodorizer or purifier into the main sewer, I sometimes
provide the following arrangement of apparatus, that is to say, at one or more
stations adjacent to the said sewer I provide suitable tanks or reservoirs for the
acid and alkali, and I connect these tanks with the sewer by means of pipes which
extend longitudinally within the sewer for a short distance from the point where
they enter the same. The parts of these pipes within the sewer are perforated to

page_text: permit the discharge of the chemicals into the sewage, or into a mixing vessel from
which they will overflow together into the sewage. The said pipes are provided
with suitable cocks or valves for regulating, either automatically or by hand, the
flow of the chemicals into the sewer. I sometimes employ, for this purpose, valves
or cocks controlled by a float which rises and descends with the level of the sewage,
so that the quantity of chemicals discharged into the sewer will be automatically
regulated according to the amount of sewage flowing through the same.
At the outfall, and, if desired, at other parts of the main sewer, I provide a
mixing and delivering apparatus for the chemicals, which is operated by a wheel or
other device worked by the sewage flowing through the main sewer. This apparatus
is so constructed that the greater the velocity of rotation of the wheel, the greater
will be the quantity of chemicals discharged into the main sewer, or into a tank
provided at the termination thereof for the final treatment of the sewage. From
this tank, the sewage is allowed to flow into settling or precipitating tanks from
which the liquid is allowed to flow into a river or affluent, with or without further
treatment.
For ventilating the drain or sewer, I sometimes combine with a wheel or other
suitable device worked by the sewage flowing through the said drain or sewer, a
rotating screw, fan or similar device arranged within the ventilating pipe or shaft
or other suitable inlet or outlet passage, for the purpose of forcing air into, or
drawing it out of the drain or sewer. In some instances 1 combine, with this
arrangement, a mixing and delivering apparatus for the chemicals, which is also
operated by the said wheel or the like. In other instances, I combine the mixing
apparatus with a rotating cowl or the like for operating the said apparatus and, at
the same time, drawing the air or gases from the sewer. I sometimes provide for
the admission of air into the sewer through a road-grating and trap provided with
a counter-balanced valve or flap which opens under the action of the entering air,
but closes automatically to prevent the escape of sewer-gas or noxious vapour.
For working the sewer or a portion thereof under pressure, I provide the said
sewer with traps deep enough to prevent the passage of the air or gases under such
pressure. This pressure may be produced by the generation of gas by the chemicals,
or by the introduction of air, or both by the generation of gas and the introduction
of air. Sufficient fresh air may thus be introduced to enable ventilators at
ordinary distances to be dispensed with. The ventilators can be used at con-
siderably longer intervals, or, if the outfall is convenient, the intermediate
ventilators can be dispensed with altogether.
A portion of the sewer may, if desired, be thus worked under pressure and the
remainder of the said sewer ventilated in the ordinary manner.
Dated this 26th day of April 1890.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to the Treatment of Sewage and the
Ventilation of Drains and Sewers, and to Apparatus
therefor.
I, FREDERICK BARKER HILL, of 27, Culmore Road, Peckham, in the County
of Surrey, 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 :-
My invention relates to the treatment of sewage and the ventilation of drains
and sewers, and to apparatus therefor. And my said invention is chiefly designed
to provide for deodorizing the sewage and disinfecting the air in or escaping
from the drains or sewers in a more effectual manner than has heretofore been
practised.

page_text: An important feature of my said invention is the provision which I make for
the treatment of the sewage as it flows from the houses or other buildings to the
outfall, and, in some instances, also at the outfall. I am thus enabled to deodorize
the sewage in a very effectual manner by dealing with the same in small quantities,
and to obviate in a great measure the formation of noxious gases in the drains or
sewers, without causing undue precipitation of the sewage.
For this purpose I provide suitable means whereby measured quantities of the
deodorizing or disinfecting fluid will be delivered into measured quantities of
sewage, the said deodorizing or disinfecting fluid being discharged into the sewage
simultaneously with the flow of the latter into a tank or chamber. The deodorizing
of the sewage will thus be effectually accomplished and its decomposition prevented.
I find it advantageous to provide for the periodical flushing of the drains or sewers
and for the introduction of the deodorizing or disinfecting fluid into the flushing-
tanks simultaneously with the flow of sewage, or of water for flushing the sewers,
into the said tanks, so that the said fluid will be mixed with the sewage in
predetermined proportions.
I sometimes provide for treating different kinds or classes of sewage flowing from
dwelling-houses and other buildings, with different kinds of chemicals according to
the nature of the sewage. In this case, the chemicals must be selected so that,
when the different kinds of sewage treated thereby are mixed together in the main
sewer,
they will not produce any deleterious effect.
In one form of apparatus at present in use for introducing deodorizing chemicals
into drains or sewers, such chemicals are allowed to drip continually into the drain
or sewer without any attempt being made to provide for the automatic regulation or
control of their delivery according to the amount of sewage flowing through the
drain or sewer, the flow of the chemicals being controlled by hand. Consequently
when no sewage is flowing through the sewers, great waste of the chemicals takes
place, whilst, if an excessive or abnormal amount of sewage is flowing through the
sewers, the quantity of chemicals delivered into the same is insufficient for the object
sought to be attained. By my invention, however, I overcome these defects and
provide for the use of the chemicals in a very economical manner, whilst ensuring
the effectual action of the said chemicals upon the sewage at all times.
I sometimes provide for the introduction of suitable chemicals, such, for instance,
as a mixture of manganate of soda and sulphuric acid, into the drain-pipe or sewer
in automatically regulated proportions at different places throughout the course
followed by the sewage. For instance, I introduce a suitable quantity of the said
chemicals first into the water-closet pan or similar receptacle, and then into the
drain or sewer at one or more parts thereof and finally at the outfall. Or I
introduce the chemicals at any suitable part of the drain-pipe leading from_cach
house or other building or from each row or series of houses or other buildings,
without using such chemicals in the water-closet pan or similar receptacle; and,
if desired, I also treat the sewage at other parts of the sewers and at the
outfall.
Another feature of my said invention is the provision which I make for
subjecting to the action of deodorizing or disinfecting fluid, any air or gases
entering or escaping from a drain, sewer, soil-pipe or the like, through a ventilating
pipe or shaft or other opening.
A further object of my said. invention is to provide for working the sewers or
parts of the same under a pressure of gas or air.
My said invention, moreover, comprises other improvements hereinafter set
forth.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a vertical section of a flushing-tank provided with one form of my
apparatus for the automatic delivery or discharge of disinfecting fluid or chemicals
into the sewage or water which flows into the said tank.
Figure 2 is a plan, and

page_text: ertical section showing another form or mo
tion of my apparatus
for the automatic delivery of disinfecting chemicals into the flushing-tank.
Figure 4 is a plan,
Figure 5 a vertical longitudinal section, and
Figure 6 a transverse section showing a further modification of my said
apparatus.
Figure 7 is a plan, partly in horizontal section, and
Figure 8 a vertical longitudinal section, showing a device for ensuring the effectual
mixing of the chemicals.
Figures 9 and 10 are vertical sections showing other modifications of my
invention.
Figure 11 is a vertical transverse section through a sewer, man-hole and venti-
lating shaft or opening, showing one form of my improved apparatus for deodorizing
or disinfecting the escaping sewer-gases and for discharging chemicals into the
sewage for the purpose above specified.
Figure 12 is a vertical section through a sewer ventilating-shaft, showing another
form of my apparatus for the delivery of the chemicals, arranged to be operated by
means of a rotating cowl.
Figure 13 is an outline plan or diagram, illustrating my system of treating
different kinds of sewage flowing from various buildings into the main sewer.
Figure 14 is a vertical longitudinal section, and
Figure 15 a plan, showing a further modification of my improved flushing
apparatus.
Figure 16 is a front elevation, partly in vertical section, and
Figure 17 a side elevation, also partly in vertical section, of a urinal combined
with a flushing apparatus constructed in accordance with my invention.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A. is the flushing-tank which is provided with a suitable siphon and float B,
preferably constructed substantially as described in the Specification of former
Letters Patent granted to me and dated 23rd May 1887, No. 7473, and provided
with a deep seal or trap B. The said siphon and float may, however, be of any
other suitable construction.
One of these flushing-tanks is to be arranged in the drain-pipe or sewer-pipe
leading from any house, shop, manufactory or the like, or from any group of
houses, shops or manufactories, the sewage from which it is to be treated by my
improved system, or from any group of streets from which the sewage flows through
branch sewers into the main sewer; and one of the said tanks may also be used at
the outfall if desired.
a is the inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe for the sewage. In a convenient position
within the tank A, I fix a device whereby, while the sewage is accumulating in the
said tank A, a suitable quantity of disinfecting chemicals, as for instance a mixture
of manganate of soda and sulphuric acid, will be discharged into the same, the
quantity of disinfecting chemicals thus discharged into the tank being so pro-
portioned to the quantity of sewage flowing into the said tank, that such sewage
will be effectually deodorized without undue precipitation. The apparatus shown
in Figure 1 for automatically delivering the chemicals, comprises a tank or vessel c
which is closed at the top and which is provided with a downwardly projecting
outlet pipe c' closed at its lower end with the exception of one or more openings
This vessel c is intended to contain a supply of the disinfecting or deodorizing
fluid. The said apparatus also comprises a cup or vessel d open at the top and of
such a size that it will pass easily over the outlet-pipe c' and enclose an annular
space around the said pipe. The said vessel d is supported upon a rod e, which is
fitted to slide up and down in a bracket e secured to one side of the flushing-tank,
and is coupled at its lower end, by a pin e, or equivalent connection, to a float-
lever. This float-lever is pivoted at f₁ to a lug f2 on the bracket e¹, and is
provided at its free extremity with a float f³ which has sufficient buoyancy_to
support the vessel d. The tank or vessel c is provided with an aperture closed by

page_text: a removable ping to permit or replenishing the supply of disinfecting or deodorizing
fluid when required.
C
The operation of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 is as follows, that is to say :-
The parts are shown in the drawing in the position which they occupy when the
sewage has risen to the level indicated and is about to operate the siphon, the
required quantity of the disinfecting or deodorizing fluid having been mixed with
the sewage in the tank A in the manner hereinafter described, and the space
between the pipe cl and the cup d being full of such fluid. It is obvious that, by
reason of the orifice c³ of the pipe c¹ being closed by the liquid in the said cup, the
liquid cannot continue to flow from the vessel e, because no air can enter the latter.
to replace the liquid. When the flush takes place, and the float-lever f con-
sequently descends, the vessel d is moved downward and partially withdrawn from
the pipe cuntil the aperture c² is opened or uncovered so as to admit air to the
vessel c.
The liquid will then flow from the said vessel into the cup until the
said aperture c² is again covered by the liquid in the said cup. As soon as this.
occurs, the flow again ceases, the inflow of air to replace the liquid, being arrested.
After the flush has ceased and when the sewage again commences to accumulate in
the tank A, the float f³ gradually rises and carries with it the cup d. The liquid
.in the said cup is displaced by the pipe cl, and is thereby caused to overflow into
the tank A, where it mixes with the sewage and disinfects or deodorizes the same.
It is obvious that, inasmuch as the lifting of the cup d takes place simultaneously
with and corresponds to the rise of the sewage in the tank A, the quantity of the
chemical fluid discharged into the said tank must be proportional to the quantity of
sewage flowing into the same; moreover the said chemical fluid, being discharged
into the tank A simultaneously with the sewage, is mixed with the sewage as soon.
as the latter enters the said tank. By this means, I avoid the precipitation that
would occur if the entire quantity of the chemical fluid required to treat the sewage
contained in the tank when full, were discharged into the same at once.
1 prefer to provide a division-plate or partition C within the tank A so as to form
therein a small compartment, into which the sewage and the chemical fluid will be
discharged. An opening C is formed at or near the lower end of the said plate C'
to permit the flow of the mixed sewage and chemical fluid into the main compartment
of the tank, and a vertical slit C2 is formed in the said division-plate to permit the
up-and-down movement of the float-lever f
Figures 2 and 3 show another form or modification of my apparatus for the
delivery of chemicals into the flushing-tank. In this modification of my said
apparatus, I use two tanks or vessels c for containing the supply of chemicals, such
as an acid and an alkali, one tank containing, for instance, sulphuric acid, and the
other a solution of manganate of soda; each of the said tanks c is constructed with
an outlet extension or pipe c', and the said tanks c operate in a similar manner to
that above described, in conjunction with two cups d connected to a float-lever as in
the arrangement above described. I arrange beneath the cups d, a shallow tray &
in which the overflowing liquids from the two cups d will be mixed before being
.discharged over the lip or edge of the said tray into the sewage in the flushing-tank.
.Ithus provide for ensuring the production of oxygen or other suitable gas in the
required quantity to purify or disinfect the vitiated air in the drain or sewer,
and for effecting the desired treatment, or partial treatment of the sewage on its
,way to the outfall.
It is evident that my automatic apparatus for the discharge of chemicals into the
sewage may be combined with a flushing apparatus operated either by the sewage,
or. by.water allowed to. flow into the apparatus for the purpose of flushing the
drains or sewers.
In Figures 4, 5 and 6, I have shown an arrangement wherein I use the alkali in
ca solid form. The said alkali is contained in a box or tank c³ provided with a
¡perforated false bottom c, in which is fixed an, upright pipe. c communicating at its
lower, end with the space between the said perforated false-bottom and the true
bottom of the said box or tank c³. The solid alkali is stored in the space above the

page_text: C.
A.Dove the tank c, I fix a water-cistern g provided with a ball-
valve g and with an outlet-pipe g² which is arranged to discharge into the upright
pipe. While passing up from below the false-bottom through the solid alkali
in the vessel c³, the water will dissolve a portion of the said alkali, and thereby
form an alkaline solution, which, when mixed with the acid, will act as a
disinfectant.
The cisternis, moreover, provided with a plunger or displacer h, which is
coupled at to a lever 3 pivoted at e to a bracket formed or fixed on the side of
the cistern the said lever e³ is connected by a rod e³ to the float-lever f. The
plunger or displacer is formed with a central hole for working on a guide-rod *
attached to the bottom of the cistern g. The tank is filled with a chemical liquid
such as sulphuric acid. The construction of this tank c and the mode of discharging
the contents of the same in regulated quantities, are the same as in the arrange-
ments hereinbefore described. A tray d is supported beneath the outlet d² of the
vessel and beneath the outlet c of the tank ³, for the purpose of receiving the
chemicals therefrom and for ensuring the mixing of such chemicals before they are
delivered into the sewage.
The operation of the apparatus last above described is as follows,
.:-When
the flushing siphon acts and the float-lever descends, the plunger or displacer his
lifted and the water-level in the cistern 9 consequently falls. The ball-valve g
then opens and allows water to flow in to fill the cistern, until the said ball-valve is
closed by the rising of the water to the proper level. As the sewage again
accumulates in the flushing-tank and the float-lever fis thereby raised, the plunger
or displacer is gradually depressed and displaces some of the water in the
cisterng causing it to overflow through the outlet 2 into the pipe e, in which it
descends into the tank. The said tank having been previously filled with liquid,
and the said liquid having dissolved some of the chemical substance, a corre-
sponding quantity of the solution is discharged from the lip c of the tank cs and
falls into the tray d', in which it mixes with the acid simultaneously discharged in
the manner herein before explained from the lip d² of the cup d. The mixed
chemicals then fall into the small compartment of the flushing-tank and disinfect or
deodorize the sewage therein.
I find it advantageous to fix the tray d' in an inclined position, and to deliver.
the chemicals into the same at the higher end thereof; also to provide a series
of transverse division-plates or barriers ³, which extend nearly across the said
tray, and are so arranged that the chemicals must follow a zig-zag course when
traversing the said tray. I thereby ensure the thorough mixing of the two
liquids, and also cause the mixture to be spread. over a large surface, thus
facilitating its action upon the sewer-gases for the purpose hereinafter specified.
This construction of the said tray is more clearly shown in Figures 7 and 8,
which also show an arrangement of the delivery apparatus wherein the chemicals
are contained in separate tanks and are discharged in the manner above described
into the tray d.
I sometimes provide for alternately drawing air into the flushing-tank and
forcing the same mixed with sewer-gas from the said tank, and for disinfecting or
deodorizing such air or gas before it escapes from the said tank. Moreover it
may be advantageous, in some instances, to provide for a continuous supply of the
chemical fluid.
In Figure 9, I have shown another modification of my apparatus, in which these
features are embodied. The supply of deodorizing or disinfecting fluid is main-
tained by means of a ball-valve g' which connects the cistern y (which in this case
serves for the delivery of the chemicals) with an external supply tank situated at
any convenient station. j is a pipe or shaft for the admission of air into the tank A
and for the escape from the said tank of the said air mixed with sewer-gas. This
pipe has at its lower end a liquid seal-tray k. During the flow of the sewage into
the tank A, the chemical fluid is discharged from the cistern into the said seal-
tray k, whence it overflows into the said tank A. It is obvious that any air-

page_text: entering the tank through the pipe, or any air or sewer-gas escaping from the
tank through the said pipe j, must pass through a stratum of fresh disinfecting or
deodorizing fluid; therefore any air entering the tank will be purified or impreg
nated with oxygen and all the air or gas from the said tank will be thoroughly
disinfected and deodorized before passing out into the atmosphere.
It
In Figure 10, I have shown a modification of my apparatus, wherein I provide
for the automatic delivery or discharge of the chemical fluid into the tank A, by
In this
means of air compressed by the rising of the sewage in the said tank.
modification, the supply cistern g is closed by a cover g³ having formed on or
attached thereto an inverted cup or bell 7, the closed end of which projects above
the said cover.
A vertical pipe m is passed through the bottom of the cistern g,
and extends nearly to the top of the inverted cup or bell l, a fluid-tight joint being
formed around the said pipe as at m'. This pipe has attached to its lower end an
inverted cup or bell n, the mouth of which is at a slightly higher level than the
lower end of the aforesaid flushing siphon so that 'the sewage, in each flushing
operation, will fall to such an extent as to uncover the mouth of the said bell n.
is obvious that, as the sewage rises in the flushing-tank, the air in the inverted cup
or bell n will be compressed and forced into the space above the chemical fluid in
the cup or bell, and will displace from the cistern ga proportionate amount of
such fluid, which will overflow through the outlet. This action will continue so
long as the sewage continues to rise in the flushing-tank. When the flush takes
place, equilibrium is restored, and the level of the liquid inside and outside the
cup becomes the same; the ball-valve g' then opens and allows a corresponding
quantity of chemical fluid from the constant supply to flow into the cistern
filling the same again to the required level; the action above described is then
repeated.
thus
For deodorizing or disinfecting the gases escaping from a sewer through a
ventilating shaft or opening, and for enabling the sewer to be worked under
pressure, I sometimes provide apparatus such as that shown in Figure 11, in
which o indicates a main sewer; p is a manhole for permitting access thereto; is
a ventilating shaft therefor. The shaft j is arranged to dip at its lower end into
an open tank or tray k containing deodorizing or disinfecting fluid, which forms a
seal for preventing the escape of the sewer-gas until the pressure thereof is such as
to force down the liquid around the shaft j sufficiently to permit the entrance of the
gas into the said shaft. When this occurs, the gas will bubble up through the
liquid forced into the shaft j and will escape through the said shaft deodorized and
disinfected by contact with the said liquid. The tank or tray k is provided with
an overflow-pipe which determines the depth of the seal. The pipe dips at its
lower end into a deep scal q, which effectually prevents the passage of sewer-gas
through the said pipe.
To provide for the discharge of the chemical fluid into the sewer, I arrange
within the lower end of the shaft j, a float which is coupled to a lever pivoted
at 2 to the tray k. A valve g in the bottom of the cistern g is also connected with
the said lever. When the depth of liquid within the shaft j is increased by
reason of the accumulating pressure of the sewer-gas on the liquid outside the said
shaft, the float is raised and slightly opens the valve, thus allowing a smal
quantity of chemical fluid to flow from the supply cistern g into the tray k. A
corresponding quantity of the liquid is thus caused to overflow through the pipe k
into the deep seal whence it passes through the outlet into a tray d¹, down
When the pressur
which it flows in a zig-zag path, finally falling into the sewer o.
in the sewer is diminished by the escape of a portion of the gas therefrom through the
shaft, the float falls slightly and the valve is thereby closed. The float and
valve are, therefore, kept constantly vibrating or alternately rising and falling
through a short distance, and this movement ensures a supply of chemical flui
suitably proportionate to the volume of gas escaping through the shaft . Th
sewer gas is, therefore, not only forced to pass through the deodorizing fluid befor
entering the ventilating shaft, but it is subjected to the action of the deodorizin

page_text: fluid passing down the tray or surface-exposer d'. Moreover the said fluid, after
having served to deodorize or disinfect the escaping sewer-gas, falls into the sewer
and acts to deodorize or disinfect the sewage therein, thus preventing the formation.
of, or destroying foul germs in the sewer.
For working the sewer or a portion thereof under pressure, I provide the said
sewer with traps deep enough to prevent the passage of the air or gases under such
pressure. This pressure may be produced by the generation of gas by the
chemicals, or by the introduction of air, or both by the generation of gas and the
introduction of air. Sufficient fresh air may thus be introduced to enable ventilators
at ordinary distances to be dispensed with. The ventilators can be used at
considerably longer intervals, or, if the outfall is convenient, the intermediate
ventilators can be dispensed with altogether.
A portion of the sewer may, if desired, be thus worked under pressure and the
remainder of the said sewer ventilated in the ordinary manner.
In the apparatus shown in Figure 12, the supply of chemical fluid is regulated
by means of a rotating cowl suitably mounted on the ventilating shaft. The
said cowl is fixed on the upper end of a spindles which is supported in suitable
bearings attached to the shaft j. The spindle s has formed or fixed thereon a
worm which is geared with a worm-wheel s² mounted upon a horizontal spindle
supported in suitable bearings in the shaft j.
The valve of the chemical supply cistern is connected with a lever ³
pivoted at s, and a pin projects from one side of the wheels, so that, once in
each revolution of the said wheel, the said pin will strike the lever and lift the
said valve, thereby permitting the discharge of a small quantity of the chemical
fluid into the sewer. It is obvious that any equivalent device may be used for
transmitting movement from the cowl-spindle to the valve in order to ensure
the opening and closing of the latter in each revolution or after any predetermined
number of revolutions of the said spindle. It is obvious, moreover, that this device
may be used for effecting the delivery of the chemical fluid into a scal-tray such
as that shown in Figure 11. For ensuring the thorough deodorization of the
escaping sewer-gas, I provide, in this instance, a series of trays for containing
the disinfecting or deodorizing fluid; the fluid in these trays forms several surfaces
or scals over or through which the sewer-gas must successively pass before
escaping to the atmosphere, that is to say :-The fluid in the uppermost tray forms
a surface beneath the lower end of the ventilating shaft j. The uppermost tray
is provided with a downwardly projecting flange which extends to or nearly to
the surface of the fluid in the middle tray; the middle tray is also provided with
a downwardly projecting flange which extends to, or nearly to, the surface of
the fluid in the lowermost tray. The central tray is formed with an aperture 2
through the centre, and is constructed to fit the chamber or man-hole so that
the said opening forms the only passage for the escape of sewer-gas past the
central tray. The course which the sewer-gas is, therefore, compelled to take, is
first beneath the flange of the middle tray, in contact with the fluid in the lower
tray, then through the opening and beneath the flange of the upper tray, in
contact with the fluid in the middle tray, and finally beneath the lower end of the
ventilating pipe j, in contact with the fluid in the upper tray. The discharge of
chemical fluid from the cistern y takes place into the upper tray, thence the said
fluid passes through overflow pipes into the central and lower trays, finally over-
flowing the latter and falling into the sewer.
I sometimes provide for the admission of air into the sewer through a road-
grating and trap provided with a counter-balanced valve or flap which opens under
the action of the entering air, but closes automatically to prevent the escape of
sewer-gas or noxious vapour.
By my improved system, I can provide for appropriately treating different kinds
or classes of sewage separately, before they enter the main or a branch sewer, and
then, if necessary, further treating the mixed sewage in the said main or branch

page_text: sewer, or at the outfall, or both in the main or branch sewer and at the outfall.
I thereby secure the most satisfactory results as regards the thorough disinfection
or deodorization of the sewage and of the escaping sewer-gas, and the prevention
of undue precipitation of the solid matter of the sewage before the same reaches
the outfall-works.
In the arrangement shown in Figure 13, the main sewer o has flowing into it
from one side the sewage from say a row or block D of dwelling-houses, and from
the other side the sewage from say a slaughter-house E and a factory For the
like. The drain-pipes G from each of these buildings and those from the dwelling-
houses discharge into separate flushing-tanks A fitted with any of the herein
described devices for automatically discharging or delivering disinfecting or deodo-
rizing fluid into the same. The chemicals employed in these tanks arc, in each
case, selected according to the particular kind or class of sewage to be treated.
Care must, however, be taken in selecting the said chemicals, that they are such
as will produce favourable results, or will at least not have any deleterious action,
when mixed together in the main sewer. By this means, the sewage is partially
disinfected or deodorized before entering the main sewer. 1 sometimes arrange a
flushing apparatus A in combination with the main sewer, and provide for the
automatic delivery, into the said tank simultaneously with the sewage, of chemicals
suitable for the treatment of the mixture of the different classes of sewage.
treatment of the sewage is then completed in the main sewer. Or it may be
completed at the outfall.
The
The drain-pipes from the dwelling-houses may be connected to a common
flushing-tank as shown, the drainage from all the houses being of the same
character, or they may be connected with separate flushing-tanks.
It is obvious that in all of my improved devices, the quantity of the chemical
substances introduced into the sewage is proportionate to the tow thereof, or to
the volume of the sewer-gas escaping from the sewer, or of the air entering the
same.
In Figures 14 and 15, I have shown a modification of my invention which is very
advantageous in cases where the sewage to be treated is of a very offensive nature.
The apparatus shown in these figures comprises a flushing apparatus designed to
operate automatically to periodically discharge into the flushing-tank A a measured
quantity of water mixed with a suitable proportion of deodorizing or disinfecting
fluid. The said apparatus is, moreover, so constructed that it can be operated by
hand should there be necessity, at any time, for discharging water mixed with the
said fluid into the flushing-tank between the intervals when the said apparatus
operates automatically.
The flushing-tank A shown in Figures 14 and 15, has arranged above it another
tank A provided with an inner chamber which communicates with the space
around and beneath it through an opening t¹ this opening is closed by a float-
valve provided with a rod u, which has attached to its upper end a forked
extension ² connected at its upper extremities to the cup d. is the main outlet
from the chamber t, and 3 is a small after-flush thoroughfare. The valve u is
guided in its up-and-down movement by a pin or rod u³ fixed in the bottom of the
tank A¹ is a lever for actuating the apparatus by hand. The said lever is
formed with a spindle or fulcrum-pin whereby it is supported in bearings 2
attached to the side of the tank A¹; the said lever is provided with a pair of
arms adapted to engage with pins or studs projecting from the fork ², so that,
when a cord or chain attached to the said lever is pulled downward, the arms ³
will act through the pins or studs to raise the float-valve and thus permit the
flow of water through the hole into the inner chamber t, whence it will flow
through the passages t², t³. The lever is constructed with a curved surface or
cam which, when the said lever is moved as above described, will act upon the
ball-tap g and close or prevent the opening of the same, thereby preventing the
discharge of water into the tank A' while the flush is taking place.
0
ט

page_text: I provide around the cup da second cup y which is slightly larger than the said
cup d, and which is formed on or attached to a bracket y' secured to the inner
chamber t.
In the tank A, a tray k is so arranged beneath the outlet ? that the water flowing
from the latter will be discharged into the said tray, and will overflow therefrom
into the sewage in the tank A..
じ
When the float-valve u is opened as above described, the cup d is raised, thus
causing the chemical fluid contained therein to overflow into the stationary cup y.
The float-valve and cup are then upheld by reason of the buoyancy of the said
float-valve. When the lever is released and the level of the water in the chamber t
has descended to the lower edge of the aperture of the passage 2, the valve u and
cup d slowly descend, the water meanwhile flowing through the after-flushi
aperture 3; and the said cup d, at the same time, gradually displaces the chemical
fluid in the cup y and causes the same to overflow into the water in the chamber,
in which it is mixed with the water and whence it flows therewith through the
aperture into the tray k.
A suitable quantity of the chemical fluid is thus discharged with the after-flush
into the tray and enters the latter near the bottom thereof. At the termination of
every after-flush, therefore, there is a fresh supply of the chemical fluid around the
lower end of the outlet-pipe t2. Moreover the chemical fluid discharged with each
after-flush into the trayk, will be carried over by the next main-flush into the
sewage in the tank A.
From the foregoing description, it is evident that a small stream of water cannot
be allowed to flow continuously through the tank A', even should the lever & be
moved sufficiently to just open the valve u and be held in that position, as the
valve gl is kept closed by the cam as long as the lever is so held.
U
The buoyancy of the valve u may be varied to suit different requirements, and
the said valve may be arranged to close when the depth of water in the chamber t
has fallen to any desired level below that of the mouth of the outlet t'.
In addition to providing for the operation of the flushing apparatus by hand, I
combine, with the sail apparatus, an automatic device whereby it will be periodically
operated, and which is independent of the hand flushing-lever v.
For this purpose,
I fix on the valve-rod a¹ a cross-bar w, to the ends of which are attached a pair of
floats . These floats are suspended within the outer water-space of the tank A'
and are preferably guided by arms or lugs w³ projecting from the inner chamber t,
or by other suitable means. The said floats are so constructed that, when the
water has risen to a predetermined level, as indicated, for example, at ', the
buoyancy of the said floats will be sufficient to lift the valve u and thereby operate
the flushing apparatus. indicates the water-level in the tank A' when the ball-
tap is closed by the rising of the water in the said tank; and indicates the
water-level at which the buoyancy of the floats w¹ becomes sufficient to lift the
valve u.
To permit the raising of the water-level from to ¹ after the ball-tap is closed,
I provide a small opening in the casing of the said ball-tap through which the water
is allowed to continuously flow. This opening is provided with a screw or other
convenient device for regulating the flow of the water through the same.
It is
obvious that, after the ball-tap is closed, the water continuing to enter the tank A¹
through the said subsidiary opening, will slowly rise in the said tank, and, after an
interval of time, which may be varied as desired by suitably adjusting the screw ²,
the water-level will be raised to ¹ and the floats caused to lift the float-valve u
and automatically effect the operation of the flushing apparatus. It is evident that
the discharge of disinfecting fluid into the after-flush will take place both when the
flush is effected by the automatic device and when it is effected by hand. Moreover,
when the flush is effected by hand, it is delivered with equal efficiency whether the
lever is held down for a long or a short period.
The tank A is, if desired, provided with a device operated by a float-lever as
hereinbefore described for the automatic delivery of deodorizing or disinfecting

page_text: fluid into the sewage flowing into the said tank. In this case, in addition to this
supply of the said fluid, a quantity of such fluid mixed with water will be periodically
delivered from the tank A' into the tank A. Moreover, should it be found necessary,
the flushing-tank A' can be operated by hand as often as may be required in order
to increase the proportion of the chemical fluid delivered into the sewage. It is
evident that, if desired, the tank A. may be provided with a ventilating-shaft
arranged that its lower end will be sealed by the liquid in the tray k.
so
When the treatment of sewage according to my improved system is to be
commenced in the water-closet, urinal or the like, I find it advantageous to construct
my apparatus as hereinafter described. For instance, I employ a flushing-tank
which will operate automatically and may also be operated by hand, and which is
constructed to give an after-flush and to deliver with the said after-flush a suitable
quantity of the disinfecting or deodorizing chemicals. By this means I provide for
filling the
pan of the water-closet or the like, after each flush, with a strong chemical
solution which remains in the pan until the next flush takes place, and which acts
to deodorize or disinfect any gas that may escape through the seal of the
said closet.
I prefer to so construct the said flushing-tank that it will operate automatically
at intervals which may be long or short as desired, and thereby renew the chemical
solution in the closet-pan periodically, irrespectively of the operation of the flushing-
tank by hand.
The apparatus shown in Figures 14 and 15 is very advantageous for this purpose.
the outlet being connected with a pipe through which the liquid will flow into the
water-closet pan or similar receptacle.
In applying my improvements to a urinal, I provide the same with a flushing-tank
somewhat similar to that shown in Figures 14 and 15, but so constructed that the
discharge of disinfecting fluid into the pan or receptacle will take place while the
said pan or receptacle is being used, that is to say, the flow of water into the flushing-
tank will be controlled by the weight of a person standing on a foot-plate while
using the urinal, or in any other convenient manner, so that, during the use of the
urinal, water will be allowed to flow into the flushing-tank, and the rising of the
water in the flushing-tank will effect the discharge of the disinfecting fluid as above
described.
In the apparatus shown in Figures 16 and 17, the flushing tank A' is supplied
with water through a cock.or valve controlled by a spring and by the weight of
a person standing on the foot-plate N, with which the said cock or valve is connected
by a lever and rod 7. The depression of the said foot-plate N causes the opening
of the cock or valve go, thus permitting the flow of water into the tank A. The
rising of the water in the said tank, by lifting the float-lever f, effects the discharge
of disinfecting fluid from the cup into a pipe Q, through which it flows into the
pan or receptacle P. When the foot-plate is released, the cock or valve is closed
by its spring, and the water ceasing to rise in the tank A', the discharge of the
disinfecting fluid is arrested. When the tank A' is nearly filled, the flush takes
place automatically as above described, and the lever fand cup d descend, thus
permitting the refilling of the said cup with disinfecting fluid from the vessel c.
I have hereinabove described various forms of apparatus for automatically treating
sewage with disinfecting or deodorizing chemicals, the said treatment being con-
ducted at various points in the course of the sewage as it passes to the outfall, as
for instance, in the water-closet, urinal or the like, in the drain-pipes, and in the
main sewer, and also, if desired, at the outfall. may use any suitable form of my
apparatus at any of the points where the treatment of the sewage is to be effected.
Moreover, it is obvious that I can somewhat further modify the construction of my
said apparatus without departing from the nature of my said invention.
My said invention is applicable with advantage for the treatment of sewage from
a single house without interfering with the connection of adjacent houses with an
existing system of sewerage, and, if desired, without connecting it with any system
of sewerage, the sewage being treated as above described and collected in a suitable

page_text: tank, cess-pool or the like, and precipitated by any suitable chemicals so that it can
be used as manure, and the liquid being allowed to flow into a river or stream.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I wish it understood that I
claim :-
First. The combination, with a flushing-tank, of suitable means whereby, while
sewage or other liquid is flowing into it, a proportionate quantity of a disinfecting
or deodorizing substance will be automatically delivered into the said tank
simultaneously with the sewage or other liquid, substantially as, and for the purposes,
above specified.
Second. A flushing-tank wherein suitable provision is made for automatically
effecting a mixture of chemicals with sewage flowing into the said tank and a
deodorization of the vitiated atmosphere arising therefrom as, and for the purposes,
described.
Third. An automatic apparatus for the purposes above specified, wherein the
deodorizing or disinfecting fluid is delivered into a seal, trap or tray beneath a
ventilating shaft or opening, and then overflows into the sewage, as, and for the
purposes, described.
Fourth. The combination of parts comprising the vessel having the downwardly
projecting pipe or outlet, the cup surrounding the said pipe or outlet and arranged
to move up and down relatively thereto, the float connected with the said cup,
and the flushing-siphon, substantially as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Fifth. The combination, with a flushing-tank, of suitable means whereby the
discharge or delivery of a disinfecting or deodorizing substance into the said tank
will be automatically effected by air compressed by the rising of the liquid therein,
for the purpose above specified.
Sixth. The method of working a sewer or a portion thereof under pressure and
disinfecting or deodorizing the gases escaping therefrom, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Seventh. The combination, with a ventilating shaft or opening for a drain, sewer
or the like, of a seal, trap or tray beneath the said shaft or opening, and suitable
means whereby disinfecting or deodorizing fluid will be automatically discharged or
delivered into the same in proportions varying according to the quantity of gases
escaping or air entering through the shaft or opening, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Eighth. The combination, with an apparatus for the discharge or delivery of
disinfecting or deodorizing fluid into a drain or sewer, of a rotating cowl and means
for connecting the same with the said apparatus in such a manner that it will
permit or effect the intermittent discharge of such fluid, substantially as hereinbefore
described.
Ninth. The combination, with a flushing-tank adapted to give an after-flush, of
suitable means whereby disinfecting or deodorizing fluid will be automatically
discharged into the after-flush, substantially as, and for the purposes, above
specified.
Tenth. The combination, with a flushing apparatus for a urinal, of suitable means
whereby, while the pan or receptacle is being used, disinfecting or deodorizing
fluid will be automatically discharged into the same in proportions regulated by the
flow of water into an intermittent flushing-tank, as, and for the purpose, above
specified.
Eleventh. The improved apparatus constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figure 1, or to Figures 2 and 3, or to Figures 4, 5 and 6, or to
Figure 10, or to Figures 14 and 15, or to Figures 16 and 17 of the accompanying
drawings, and operating as, and for the purposes, above specified.
Twelfth. The improved apparatus for deodorizing or disinfecting the air or gas
entering or escaping from a drain or sewer, constructed substantially as described

page_text: with reference to Figure 9, Figure 11 or Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings.
and operating as above specified.
Thirteenth. The treatment of sewage by a method such as I have herein before
described, wherein the sewage and the chemicals for treating the same are simul-
taneously delivered into a flushing-tank or chamber and the delivery of the chemicals
is automatically regulated or controlled by the rise and fall of the sewage in the
said tank or chamber.
Fourteenth. The application of the treatment claimed in the last preceding clause
to a system of sewers so that the sewage, when it arrives at the main conduits, has
been thereby automatically treated in detail by chemicals suitable for the purpose
and varying with the nature of the sewage.
ated this 20th day of January 1031.
Haseltine, Lake & Co.,
F. B. HILL.
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.