Improvements in Apparatus for Supplying Coagulant or like Material to a Current of Water and in Methods of Keeping Open the Ports of such Apparatus.
Year: 1896

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for Supplying Coagulant or like Material
to a Current of Water and in Methods of Keeping Open the Ports
of such Apparatus.
I, WILLIAM THOMAS WHITEMAN, of No. 7 Staple Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to apparatus for supplying coagulant (usually alum) or
like material to a current of water on its way to a filter or other purifying chamber,
in which it is to be freed from foreign matter by filtration or settling or the like.
According to the first part of the invention, the coagulant is placed (generally
in solid form) in a closed chamber whose connection with the fresh water supply
pipe (through which the current of water passes) is at such elevation as to form a
trap against the transfer by diffusion of the coagulant into the supply pipe; and
means are provided for admitting fresh water into the coagulant-conveying passage
without its being necessary to empty the coagulant chamber. Fresh water may
be admitted into the coagulant chamber through the same or a part of the same
passage which delivers the coagulant therefrom; and in any event the connection
with the supply pipe for admitting the fresh water to said chamber should be
suitably elevated, as well as the opening by which the coagulant is discharged into
the supply pipe.
The means for causing fresh water to enter the coagulant-conveying passage
may be automatic in action, or may require a hand operation.
In one form of means the coagulant-conveying passage is U-shaped or forked
and is connected with the fresh water supply pipe at both its upper ends and with
the coagulant chamber at an intermediate point, preferably at the bottom. In
another form of such means, a confined air-space is provided behind the coagulant-
conveying passage, so that when the air in said space is compressed water may
enter through such passage. Both these forms are automatic in their action;
and they may be used separately, or together. A third form of means for causing
fresh water to enter the coagulant-conveying passage consists in a valved passage
for running water to waste through said passage. This valved draw off passage is
best used with one or both, but may be used without either, of the before
mentioned automatic means for causing water to enter the coagulant-conveying
passage.
The trap formed as above explained is of small capacity as compared with a
section of the supply pipe of the same length; so that if the water therein becomes
saturated with coagulant (as by cessation of the current in the supply pipe, the
communication remaining open between the supply pipe and the coagulant
chamber) no great excess of coagulant will be delivered into the supply pipe, while
the entry of fresh water into the coagulant-conveying passage prevents the closing
of the trap by coagulant crystallizing therein.
A further improvement included in this part of the invention is the arrangement
of a valve at the bottom of the coagulant-conveying trap passage for closing com-

page_text: pletely or more or less as desired the opening through which the coagulant solution
is delivered into said coagulant trap passage.
With the trap passage of U or forked shape, it is an advantage to contract the
bore of the fresh water supply pipe between the points at which it is joined by
the two upper ends of said passage; so as to increase the difference in the pressure
at these two points.
With any form of trap passage it is an advantage to turn the outlet by which
the coagulant solution enters the supply pipe like an ejector nozzle in the direction
in which the current is passing.
It may sometimes be desired to use the U-shaped or forked passage, with or
without a valve between it and the coagulant chamber, without having the
junctions of said passage with the supply pipe at such elevation as to form a trap
against the transfer of the coagulant by diffusion into the main supply pipe. This
may be done, and such use would be within the invention. The current flowing
through the U or forked shaped passage would become only partially saturated
with coagulant and this partially saturated solution would be well mingled with
the main current in the fresh water supply pipe.
According to the second part of the invention a valve embodying a number of
new features and combinations is employed in connection with the closed coagulant
chamber. It may be used with any of the before mentioned coagulant-conveying
passages, or with any suitable opening or passage for the discharge of the coagulant
solution into the supply pipe. It is sometimes desirable to run off more or less of
the liquid contents of the coagulant chamber, as for example in order to relieve the
chamber of pressure preparatory to opening it. One feature of the new or im-
proved valve is an arrangement such that whenever the liquid contents of the
coagulant chamber are run to waste, and the valve restored, a current of fresh
water is at some time in the operation made to run to waste through the same
passage. The clogging of this passage by crystallization of the coagulant therein
is thus avoided.
Another feature of the said valve is an arrangement whereby fresh (or at least
only partially saturated) water can be admitted into the coagulant chamber through
the same port (called below the coagulant-feeding port) through which the solution
saturated with coagulant is delivered, or through another passage opening into the
coagulant chamber at a higher elevation.
A third feature is the arrangement of the inlet opening to the draw off for the
liquid contents of the coagulant chamber at about mid-height thereof, so as to
empty only about half of its contents when relieving the chamber of pressure and
to insure the presence of a body of air in the upper part of said chamber when it
is again closed and put in communication with the fresh water supply pipe.
A fourth feature is the arrangement of valves in the same key, or in connected
keys, so that one movement of the hand may open and close the coagulant feeding
port and a waste pipe connection for the supply pipe.
Most advantageously, valves for the several purposes above specified are formed
in one key turning in one casing; and arrangements of any two or more of said,
valves in this way are also features of this invention.
According to the third part of the invention, the coagulant-feeding port is
cleared (or kept open), by the action of the so-called water hammer, or of a
differential pressure, or both. To avail oneself of the water hammer, water is
allowed to run to waste past the coagulant-feeding port, (with or without having
this port more or less uncovered by its valve) and is then suddenly arrested. The
coagulant-feeding port is uncovered at this time or very soon after. The arrest
of the flow consequently causes the water to be forced with great pressure through
said port and against any obstruction therein. To avail oneself of the differential
pressure, the coagulant chamber is emptied (more or less) while communication
with the supply pipe is cut off, and then the pressure in said chamber being below
that in the supply pipe the said communication is reestablished and water under
the extra pressure is forced into the coagulant chamber through the coagulant-

page_text: feeding port. If at the same time a flow of water previously established past the
said port, is arrested, the effect of the water hammer is added to that of the
differential pressure.
Improvements in Apparatus for Supplying Coagulant or like Material
to a Current of Water and in Methods of Keeping Open the Ports
of said Apparatus.
A communication from abroad by JOSEPH THRUSTON MANNING, of 2005 Market
Street, in the City of Philadelphia, in the County of Philadelphia and State
of Pennsylvania, one of the United States of America, Manufacturer.
I, WILLIAM THOMAS WHITEMAN, of No. 7 Staple Inn, in the County of Middlesex,
Patent Agent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
This invention relates to apparatus for supplying coagulant (usually alum) or
like material to a current of water on its way to a filter or other purifying chamber,
in which it is to be freed from foreign matter by filtration or settling or the like.
According to the first part of the invention, the coagulant is placed (generally
in soiid form). in a closed chamber whose connection with the fresh water supply
pipe (through which the current of water passes) is at such elevation as to 1orm a
trap against the transfer by diffusion of the coagulant into the supply pipe; and
means are provided for admitting fresh water into the coagulant-conveying passage
without its being necessary to empty the coagulant chamber. Fresh water may
be admitted into the coagulant chamber through the same r a part of the same
passage which delivers the coagulant therefrom; and in any event the connection
with the supply pipe for admitting the fresh water to said chamber should be
suitably elevated, as well as the opening by which the coagulant is discharged into
the supply pipe.
The means for causing fresh water to enter the coagulant-conveying passage
may be automatic in action, or may require a hand operation.
In one form of means the coagulant-conveying passage is U-shaped or forked
and is connected with the fresh water supply pipe at both its upper ends and with
the coagulant chamber at an intermediate point, preferably at the bottom. In
another form of such means, a confined air space is provided behind the coagulant-
conveying passage, so that when the air in said space is compressed water may
enter through such passage. Both these forms are automatic in their action;
and they may be used separately, or together. A third form of means for causing
fresh water to enter the coagulant-conveying passage consists in a valved passage
for running water to waste through said passage. This valved draw off passage is
best used with one or both, but may be used without either, of the before
mentioned automatic means for causing water to enter the coagulant-conveying
passage.
The trap formed as above explained is of small capacity as compared with a
section of the supply pipe of the same length; so that if the water therein becomes
saturated with coagulant (as by cessation of the current in the supply pipe, the
communication remaining open between the supply pipe and the coagulant

page_text: chamber) no great excess of coagulant will be delivered into the supply pipe, while
the entry of fresh water into the coagulant-conveying passage prevents the closing
of the trap by coagulant crystallizing therein.
A further improvement in this part of the invention is the arrangement
of a valve at the bottom of the coagulant-conveying trap passage for closing com-
pletely or more or less as desired the opening through which the coagulant solution
is delivered into said coagulant trap passage.
With the trap passage of Ụ or forked shape, it is an advantage to contract the
bore of the fresh water supply pipe between the points at which it is joined by
the two upper ends of said passage; so as to increase the difference in the pressure
at these two points.
With any form of trap passage it is an advantage to turn the outlet by which
the coagulant solution enters the supply pipe like an ejector nozzle in the direction
in which the current is passing.
According to the second part of the invention a valve embodying a number of
new features and combinations is employed in connection with the closed coagulant
chamber. It may be used with any of the before mentioned coagulant-conveying
passages, or with any suitable opening or passage for the discharge of the coagulant
solution into the supply pipe. It is sometimes desirable to run off more or less of
the liquid contents of the coagulant chamber, as for example in order to relieve the
chamber of pressure preparatory to opening it. One feature of the new or im-
proved valve is an arrangement such that whenever the liquid contents of the
coagulant chamber are run to waste, and the valve restored, a current of fresh
water is at some time in the operation made to run to waste through the same
passage. The clogging of this passage by crystallization of the coagulant therein
is thus avoided.
Another feature of the said valve is an arrangement whereby fresh (or at least
only partially saturated) water can be admitted into the coagulant chamber through
the same port (called below the coagulant-feeding port) through which the solution
saturated with coagulant is delivered, or through another passage opening into the
coagulant chamber at a higher elevation.
A third feature is the arrangement of the inlet opening to the draw off for the
liquid contents of the coagulant chamber at about mid-height thereof, so as to
empty only about half of its contents when relieved the chamber of pressure and
to insure the presence of a body of air in the upper part of said chamber when it
is again closed and put in communication with the fresh water supply pipe.
A fourth feature is the arrangement of valves in the same key, or in connected
keys, so that one movement of the hand may open and close the coagulant feeding
port and a waste pine connection for the supply pipe.
Most advantageously, valves for the several purposes above specified are formed
in one key turning in one casing; and arrangements of any two or more of said
valves in this way are also features of this invention.
According to the third part of the invention, the coagulant-feeding port is
cleared (or kept open), by the action of the so-called water hammer, or of a
differential pressure, or both. To avail oneself of the water hammer, water is
allowed to run to waste past the coagulant-feeding port, (with or without having
this port more or less uncovered by its valve) and is then suddenly arrested. The
coagulant-feeding port is uncovered at this time or very soon after. The arrest
of the flow consequently causes the water to be forced with, great pressure through
said port and against any obstruction therein. To avail oneself of the differential
pressure, the coagulant chamber is emptied (more or less) while communication
with the supply pipe is cut off, and then the pressure in said chamber being below
that in the supply pipe the said communication is reestablished and water under
the extra pressure is forced into the coagulant chamber through the coagulant-
feeding port. If at the same time a flow of water previously established past the
said port, is arrested, the effect of the water hammer is added to that of the
differential pressure.

page_text: The accompanying drawings illustrate what is considered the best mode of
performing the first and second parts (as aforesaid) of the invention, the apparatus
shown therein being available also for performing the third part thereof.
Fig. I is an elevation of a coagulant chamber and trap in accordance with the
present invention showing the same in connection with the upper portion of a
filter;
Fig. II is a vertical section of the U-shaped or forked coagulant trap on a plane
parallel with that of Fig. I;
Figs. III, IV and V are views in vertical section of modifications of the U-shaped
or forked coagulant trap;
Fig. VI is a similar view of the direct or simple trap;
Fig. VII is a sectional view (on an enlarged scale) of the coagulant chamber and
trap, the section being on line vii of Fig. I;
Figs. VIII, IX, X and XI are views of the valve of Fig. VII in cross section
(respectively) on lines viii, i, r and ci of said fig.
Fig. XII is a plan of said valve detached;
Figs. XIII and XIV are views similar to the lower part of Fig. VII showing
simpler forms of valve, and
Fig. XV is a cross section of a valve of Fig. XIV on line rv of such fig.
The filter A may be of any suitable description. The coagulant is to be supplied
to the current flowing through the pipe B on its way to the filter A. The pipe C is
for conveying the water from or to the bottom of the filter, and between the
pipes B and C in Fig. I a current-reversing valve apparatus is indicated; for the
new or improved coagulant feeder is more particularly, although not exclusively,
designed for use in connection with a filter having sand for the filtering material
and adapted to be cleansed by reversing the flow of water through it. The pipe B
might however, deliver the water to any filter or to other purifying chamber (as
a settling basin for example).
Referring to Figs. I, II, and VII, the closed coagulant chamber I receives the
coagulant (generally in solid form), which may be introduced through a suitable
opening provided with a tight cover, as shown in Fig. VII. Said chamber is
connected with the fresh water supply pipe B B through the passage 3, which
communicates at its lower end with the lower part of chamber D through the
passages 15 and 7 (see Fig. VII) and which rises to its junction with the supply
pipe B B. When therefore the water is quiescent in the supply pipe B B₁ the
coagulant can only reach the water in the supply pipe by diffusion upward; and
since the solution of coagulant is heavier than water, this diffusion will take place
but slowly, so that by having the junction with the supply pipe at a suitable
elevation a practically efficient trap will be formed against the transfer by diffusion
of coagulant to the water in said pipe. In dwelling houses or office buildings, the
flow of water would ordinarily be stopped for a few hours or perhaps all of a
night; and a rise of nine inches has been found effective in such cases; but of
course the depth of the trap admits of variation.
To prevent the stoppage of the passage 3 by crystallization of the coagulant,
fresh water is caused to enter the same; and the means to be used for this purpose
may be of various kinds. They may be automatic or their action may require a
hand operation.
As shown in Figs. I, II and VII the passage 3 is U-shaped or forked and is con-
nected with the fresh water supply pipe at both its upper ends and with the coagu-
lant chamber at the bottom of said passage, although some other point between the
upper ends might be selected. When the water is flowing through the pipe B B',
a current is also induced through the U-shaped or forked passage, fresh water
from the pipe B B passing down one leg of the passage and up through the other
leg and carrying with it the coagulant which may be fed to the lower part of the
passage 3 from the coagulant chamber. Thus the U- or forked shape of the passage
causes the entry of fresh water through the coagulant trap.
Entry of fresh water into the coagulant trap is also secured irrespective of the

page_text: U-shape of the passage 3 by placing a confined air space or reservoir in communi-
cation with the bottom of the said passage 3. This might be a separate chamber
filled with air having its lower part connected with the said passage, but it is
considered more advantageous to utilize the upper part of the coagulant chamber D
as such air reservoir. If this chamber D be partly filled with air, the pressure in
the pipe B B will be conveyed through the liquid in the passage 3 to the body
of confined air; and whenever the pressure in the said pipe increases, the volume
of air will be made smaller, so that fresh water from the pipe B B can enter
passage 3. When the pressure in said pipe B B' diminishes, the air in chamber ])
expands and forces the coagulant solution into the said pipe. In dwelling houses,
and similar places this pressure fluctuates very often, by means of the turning on
and off of the faucets therein. In Fig. VI, a single coagulant passage 3 is repre-
sented; and this can be used with the provision of a confined air space for causing
the entry of fresh water thereinto.
Fresh water can also be caused to enter the passage 3 or 3 by drawing off the
water from its lower end. This will waste whatever of the coagulant may be in
the said passage; but it will not waste the coagulant in the chamber D, if the
junction of the passage 3 or 3" with the draw off be made outside of the coagulant
chamber, and a valve interposed between such junction and the said chamber be
closed. The draw off passage would also have its valve; and this could be indepen-
dent of the valve for the coagulant chamber; but as shown they are connected
for joint operation by being formed in the same key. The simplest arrangement
shown is that of Figs. XIV and XV. The key of valve F has a central
chamber 15 open at one end and in its walls is formed a port 5. In the position of
the key represented, the coagulant-feeding port 7 opens through the movable
port 5, and consequently the coagulant-conveying passage is in communication
with the coagulant chamber D; while the passage 16 is closed; but by turning the
valve key, the passage 16 can be opened through the port 5, thereby closing the
communication of the trap passage 3 with the chamber D and putting it in com-
munication with the passage 16. In this position fresh water from the supply
pipe B 1 will enter the coagulant-conveying passage 3 or 311; and be drawn off
through the passage 16. As shown in Figs. VII and XIII the waste passage 16
is put in communication with the chamber 15 through the casing passage 13
when it is desired to draw off water from the supply pipe B B through the coagu-
lant-conveying passage 3; but the full description of these valves will be deferred
to a later part of this specification.
The valved draw off passage 16 is shown in communication with the U-shaped
passage 3 and a closed coagulant chamber D which can be utilized as an air
reservoir; but it may be used with the single passage 3 by simply substituting
such single passage for the U-shaped or forked passage; and it can be used without
the air reservoir by simply filling the chamber D with liquid. If the cover of said
chamber be loosed the water will quickly displace the air. Without an air reser-
voir, it would be necessary with the single passage 3 of Fig. VI, to make. provision
for forcing the coagulant through said passage 3. There might be for this
purpose a separate pipe (not shown) to convey water from the supply pipe to the
chamber D, and so arranged as to form a trap against the transfer of coagulant
to the said pipe when the water is at rest in the latter. There. is not the same
necessity for such separate water inlet pipe, if use be made of the U-shaped
passage 3 or the air reservoir or both; but a separate water inlet pipe could be
used with them also, if its use should be desired.
A valve at the bottom of the chamber D between it and the coagulant-conveying
trap passage, 3, may be used without as well as in connection with valved draw
off passage as before described, such valve serving to close completely or more or
less as desired the opening 7 through which the coagulant solution is delivered
into said passage..
If it is not desired to provide for additional functions a plain two way cock or
valve might be used to control said opening..

page_text: In Figs. II, III IV and V some of the different ways of constructing the trap
passage are shown. In each of these figs. the upper part of the trap passage 3
or 31 or 31 is formed in the wall of the pipe section B', which is greatly thickened
and is provided with a threaded projection or projections to receive a coupling or
couplings. In Figs. II, IV and VI the lower part of the passage is formed in a
fitting E or E' which is secured to the pipe section by the coupling 2. In Figs. III
and V the lower part of the passage or conduit is formed of a return bend and two
nipples or short pieces of pipe.
The conduit could be formed wholly of pipe fittings such as plumbers use.
In Figs. II, III IV and V, the bore of the pipe B B' is contracted between the
junctions therewith of the two upper ends of the U-shaped or forked passage 3
or 3. Thus the difference in pressure between the said ends is increased, while
the water is flowing through the pipe B B'; and consequently a stronger current is
made to flow through the said passage.
With the U-shaped or forked trap passage, the coagulant solution will be
delivered to the supply pipe through the leg of said passage at whose upper end
the pressure is less. It is advantageous (but not essential to this form of passage)
to have this delivery end turned down stream like the nozzle of an ejector. This
is shown in Figs. II and III, in which both ends of the passage 3 or 31 are turned
in the direction of the pipe's axis. It is useful also to turn the outlet of the single
passage down-stream, particularly when such passage is used in combination with
an air-reservoir. In Fig. VI a partition is indicated above the end of the single
passage at 3*.
To perform the second part of the invention the valve F of Fig. VII may be
employed; and if certain only of the new features are desired portions only of
said valve can be used or one of the valves F1 F of Figs. XIII and XIV respec-
tivelv may be used' instead of the valve F. Any of these valves could be connected
with the fresh water supply pipe with or without the interposition of a U-shaped
or other trap passage, according to the wishes of the user.
The valve of Fig. VII consists of a key with two chambers or passages 9 and 15
therein separated by a partition. The front (or right hand) chamber 9 has the
ports 12 and 17 in the same transverse plane (see Fig. X): and the stationary
way 14, which communicated with the interior of the coagulant chamber D) ter-
minates in the valve casing in the same plane. So also does the way 16 which is
connected with a waste and which has been already referred to. The right hand
key chamber 9 has also the ports 19 and 11 in a different transverse plane (see
Fig. XI). In the last mentioned plane is the front termination of the passage 13
which extends in the valve casing (see Fig. VII) from a point opposite the rear
portion of the valve key. In the plane of the rear terminal of the passage 13
(see Fig. VIII) there are movable ports 10 and 18 in the valve key. For running
the coagulant solution in the chamber D to waste, and then flushing the water
passage, only the movable ports 17, 19 and 18 require consideration.
If the valve key he turned through 180° of arc from the position represented,
each port will be diametrically opposite the position shown, and the port 17 will
register with the ends of the ways 14 and 16, while the ports 18 and 19 will be
closed by the solid metal of the casing. The liquid in the chamber D above the
upper end of the way 14 can therefore run to waste through the waste passage 16. In
drawing liquid from chamber D into the waste way 16 the water should not enter
the chamber D. In the valve F there are two feed ports 5 and 6 (see Fig. IX);
but when diametrically opposite the positions shown, neither of them would
register with the feed opening 7 and this would consequently be closed. By
shifting the key of valve F through an angle of 180° therefore the chamber I
can be put in communication through the way 14 and port 17 with the waste
way 16. Any superatmospheric pressure in the chamber 1) will thus be relieved;
and the cover can be removed from said chamber without danger of liquid spurting
out; as might be the case if the pressure were not first relieved.

page_text: If now the valve key be turued to the right to restore it to a position in which
the waste passage 16 is closed, the ports 18 and 19 will during the operation come
into registry each with a corresponding end of the passage 13, the port 17 (Fig. X)
continuing to register with the waste passage 16. Fresh water from the supply
pipe will therefore flow through the chamber 15, the port 18, the passage 13, the
port 19 and the port 17 to the waste way 16. The walls of this way 16 and the
waste pipe connected therewith are therefore washed with this fresh water, and
there is no danger of their becoming choked with crystals of coagulant.
Upon returning the valve key to the position shown, the feed port 6 will register
again with the feed opening 7. In this position the ports 11 and 10 (Figs. XI
and VIII) register with the ends of the passage 13, and the port 12 with the.
lower end of the passage 14; and consequently fresh water (or at least only par-
tially saturated water) can flow (see Fig. VII) through the passage 8, port 10,
passage 13, port 11, chamber 9, port 12, and passage 14. Owing to the difference
in specific gravity of the water before and after saturation with the coagulant, a
circulation will be set up through the passages and ports just mentioned into the
coagulant chamber D and back by way of the feed opening 7, port 6 and passage
or chamber 15. The upper end of the passage is at a higher elevation than the
coagulant-feeding port 7; and consequently there is a longer column of fresh or
partly saturated water in said passage, to be overbalanced by the corresponding
column of saturated solution in the chamber D than there would be if the upper
ends of the passages 7 and 14 were at the same level. By turning the key of this
valve F so that the port 5 shall register with the feed opening 7 the passages 13
and 14 will be closed; and the water will have to enter the chamber D by the same
port 7 through which the coagulant is delivered. In this latter case then it is
more important that the upper part of the chamber D should be filled with air;
for with passages 7 and 14 both open a more rapid circulation of water into and
out of the chamber I would result, than would be the case if the inflowing and out-
flowing currents took place through the same passage 7.
To
The arrangement of the upper end of the passage 14 above the level of the
coagulant-feeding port 7 has been referred to; and reference has also been made
to the withdrawal of the liquid contents of the chamber D through the passages 14
and 16. It is evident that for this latter purpose the upper end of the passage 14
might be at any desired level within the chamber D; but it would be generally
desirable (on the score of economy) to draw off as little of the coagulant as possible.
On the other hand, however, it is generally advantageous to have a body of con-
fined air in the upper part of the chamber 1). To secure both objects (namely
the saving of coagulant and the insuring of a body of confined air) the said
passage 14 is made to terminate at about mid-height of said chamber D.
insure therefore a body of confined air in said chamber at any time, it will not be
necessary to take the cover off of the chamber D; but the passage 14 can pe
opened by turning the valve F. Any liquid above the top of the passage 14 will
then run away and its place will be supplied by air; so that on return of said
valve to either of the feeding positions the air will be subjected to the pressure
which exists in the water supply pipe BB. By having the port or ports which
control the communication between the chamber D and the pipe BB connected
with the ports for drawing off the liquid contents of the chamber D, (as in the
valve F) no other care is needed than to adjust the valve indicator to the proper
position. The chamber to which is applied the mid-height draw off (that is
a valved passage which draws off the liquid from about the mid height of the
chamber D) has the upper end of the passage (or upper ends of the passages) by
which water is admitted to said chamber and the coagulant solution discharged
therefrom at about or below the mid height of said chamber, so as to avoid or to
reduce to a minimum the removal of the air by the current of liquid.
Reference has already been made to the opening of communication between the
bottom of the trap passage 3 and the waste way 16, the coagulant chamber D

page_text: having been shut off so that the liquid contents thereof will not be drained away.
The same valve apparatus would evidently shut off the coagulant chamber D and
open a connection to waste from the supply pipe 1 B without as well as with the
interposition of the trap 3. The valve F of Fig. VII has the ports 18, 19 and 17
which open the waste pipe connection (through passages 13 and 16) for the supply
pipe B B in the same key with the movable port 5 or the ports 6, 10 11 and 12
which control the feed of the coagulant, and one movement of the hand may
therefore open and close the coagulant-feeding port 7 and the waste pipe connec-
tion (13 and 16) for the supply pipe BB. This result could also be obtained by
having the respective ports in different keys mechanically connected with each
other so as to move together. It would be easy (for example) to make the
chamber 15 and the ports (movable and stationary) which surround it in one
key, and the chamber 9 with its ports (movable and stationary) in another key,
and to connect the lever arms for operating the keys by a connecting rod.
Valves for each of the several purposes above specified are formed in the one key
and casing of valve F. They will be now recapitulated.
First. The valve composed of port 17 (Fig. X) serves when the key is properly
placed to put the lower end of passage 14 (whatever may be the level of its upper
or inlet opening) in communication with the waste way 16 and thus to discharge
more or less of the liquid contents of the coagulant chamber D,
Second. The valve composed of ports 18, 19 and 17 (Figs. VIII, XI, and X)
serves (when the valve key is in the appropriate position) to put the supply
pipe B B (which is open through the passages 3 and 15 in Fig. VII) in communi-
cation with the waste way 16 through the passage 13.
Third. The valve composed of the movable port 5 establishes communication
(when in proper position) between the supply pipe B B' and the coagulant chamber
through the coagulant-feeding port 7, so that coagulant solution can be delivered
through the same, the water to form said solution entering through the same
port 7.
Fourth. The valve composed of the movable ports 6 and 10, 11 and 12 (Figs. IX,
VIII, XI and X, and also Fig. VII) serves when the valve key is shifted to
proper position to put the supply pipe B B in communication with the coagulant
chamber D not only through the coagulant-feeding port 7 but also through the
passages 13 and 14, by which latter the fresh (or at least the partially saturated)
water may enter the said chamber D.
Fifth. The valve composed of the port 17 and having the passage 14 formed in
an extension of its casing which projects upward to about the mid-height of said
chamber D serves to empty the upper half or thereabouts of the coagulant chamber
and to insure this portion being full of air.
In the valve F of Fig. XIII, there are no ports 10, 11 and 12, and 6; and the
port 18 is placed in the same transverse plane with the port 5, thereby enabling
the passage 13 to be shortened as shown in Fig. XIII. Otherwise the construction
and operation of the valve F1 are the same as those of the valve F.
In the valve F (Figs. XIV and XV) there is considerable further simplification.
First. When port 5 is made to register with the waste way 16, the supply
pipe BB is open to waste. So also if either the ports 20 and 21 (Fig. XV) be
made to register with the waste way 16, such a connection to waste will be
established. The waste wav 16 can be opened full through the port 5 or through
one end of the nort 21 while the coagulant-feeding port is closed.
Second. Having brought the port 21 in registry with the end of the waste way 16
while yet the port 7 is closed, a further movement of the valve key will open said
port 7 more or less through the port 20. As the pressure in the coagulant
chamber D will have been equal to that in the pipe B, the opening of the communi-
cation to waste (through the ports 20 and 21) will relieve the pressure in the
coagulant chamber D and draw off more or less of its liquid contents.
Third. The port 5 operates the same as the port 5 in the other valves. The

page_text: port 21 also could be turned to open (more or less as desired) the coagulant-feeding
port 7, without opening the waste way 16 at the same time.
In order to prevent unauthorized persons from disturbing the coagulant valve,
the pointer or index G on the stem of the valve key is enclosed in a case H so as
to be inaccessible and the said stem is arranged to require the use of a special
device or key before it can be turned. This may be done by merely squaring the
end as at 23 but it is better to have the square end enclosed within the case H and
exposed only at the end as shown in Fig. VII. It could also be effected by having
the stem, or the means for turning it, wholly enclosed and accessible only through
a locked door, a key or keys being required to open the door or to turn the valve
stem or for both purposes. The case H is shown as upheld by the projections 24
on the coagulant chamber. The graduations or are 25 is seen through the
glass 26.
To perform the third part of the invention water from ipe B B is allowed to
run to waste, through the waste way 16 (if one of the valves F F or F is used)
or through any suitable opening, if these are not used. In any case this current
runs past the coagulant-feeding port 7. By suddenly closing the waste way the
moving stream is sharply brought to rest, thereby producing the effect of the water
hammer, which is well known in other relations. The coagulant-feeding port is
opened concurrently with the stoppage of the current, by which is meant at some
time before the blow of the water hammer has been given, whether the waste
way 16 is closed after the opening of said port or simultaneously therewith or
directly before the port 7 is opened. The great pressure of the water hammer is
thus applied to the water in the port 7 and against any obstruction therein, so
as to break it away and clear the port. This action is particularly effective, if the
upper part of the chamber D be filled with air (as hereinabove described);
although it will also be useful and may be utilized when the said chamber is full
of water. The manipulation at one operation of the valves or ports, which control
the communication of the supply pipe B B with the waste way 16 and the feed
port 7 respectively, facilitates the opening of the feed port 7 concurrently with
the stoppage of the current through the waste way 16; but separate valves could
be properly manipulated to accomplish the desired object.
To avail oneself of the differential pressure, the communication between the
chamber D and the waste way 16 can be opened (as before explained by either of
the valves For F¹) so as to relieve the pressure in said chamber. Upon then
closing the waste way 16 and allowing the water in the pipe B B to enter the feed
port 7, the superior pressure will tend to dislodge any crystals of coagulant which
may obstruct said port 7. Instead of relieving the pressure in the chamber D
by the valve apparatus (as For F¹) which controls the feed port 7, it could be
relieved otherwise, as by opening the cock 22 (Fig. VII) for example, the feed
port 7 being closed. Then on closing the cock 22, the feed port 7 could be opened.
To obtain the combined effects of the water hammer and the differential
pressure, the communication between the supply pipe B B₁ and the waste way is
opened after the pressure in the chamber has been relieved (if the valve F
or F is used) or simultaneously with such relief (if the valve F is used): and
when the flow of water from the supply pipe B B past the port 7 is well established,
the waste way 16 is suddenly closed and the feed port 7 (if not already open) is
opened in time to receive the blow of the water hammer which thereupon results.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion as communicated to me by my foreign correspondent, and in what manner
the same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is:--
1. A coagulant feeder which has its connection with the fresh water supply
pipe at such elevation as to form a trap against the transfer by diffusion of the
coagulant into the said supply pipe, and which is provided with automatic or with

page_text: hand operated means for admitting fresh water without its being necessary to
empty the coagulant chamber, substantially as described.
2. A coagulant feeder having a U-shaped or forked coagulant-conveying
passage connected with the fresh water supply pipe at both its upper ends and with
the coagulant chamber at an intermediate point, the junctions of said passage with
the supply pipe being at such elevation as to form a trap against the transfer
by diffusion of the coagulant into the supply pipe, substantially as described.
3. A coagulant feeder which has its connection with the fresh water supply
pipe at such elevation as to form a trap against the transfer by diffusion of the
coagulant into the said supply pipe and which is provided with a confined air
space behind the coagulant-conveying rassage, the said air space being most advan-
tageously within the coagulant chamber but it may be in another vessel,
substantially as described.
4. A coagulant feeder having a U-shaped or forked coagulant-conveying
passage connected with the fresh water supply pipe at both its upper ends and with
the coagulant chamber at an intermediate point, and provided with a confined
air space behind the coagulant-conveying passage, the junctions of said passage
with the supply passage being at such elevation as to form a trap against the
transfer by diffusion of the coagulant into the supply pipe, substantially as
described.
5. A coagulant feeder which has its connection with the fresh water supply
pipe at such elevation as to form a trap against the transfer by diffusion of the
coagulant into the said supply pipe and which is provided with a valved draw off
passage connected with the coagulant-conveying trap passage, the said feeder
being with or without a confined air space behind the said coagulant-conveying
trap passage, substantially as described."
6. A coagulant feeder having a U-shaped or forked coagulant conveying trap
passage connected with the fresh water supply pipe at both its upper ends and with
the coagulant chamber at an intermediate point, and provided with a valved draw
off passage connected with the coaguiant-conveying trap passage, the said feeder
being with or without a confined air space behind the said coagulant-conveying
passage, substantially as described.
7. In a coagulant feeder which has its connection with the fresh water supply
pipe at such elevation as to form a trap against the transfer by diffusion of the
coagulant into the said supply pipe, the arrangement of a valve at the bottom of
the coagulant-conveying trap passage for closing completely or more or less as
desired the opening through the coagulant solution is delivered into said coagulant
trap passage, substantially as described, the said feeder being with or without
one or more of the following, namely (1) a U or forked shape for the said trap
passage, (2) a confined air space behind the trap passage, (3) a valved draw off
communicating with the trap passage between the supply pipe and the first
mentioned valve, substantially as described.
8. A coagulant feeder having a U-shaped or forked coagulant-conveying
passage connected with the fresh water supply pipe at both its upper ends and
with the coagulant chamber at an intermediate point, the bore of the said supply
pipe being contracted between the upper ends of said coagulant-conveying passage
and the said ends being at such elevation as to form a trap against the transfer
by diffusion of the coagulant into the supply pipe, substantially as described.
9.-A coagulant feeder which has its connection with the fresh water supply
pipe at such elevation as to form a trap against the transfer by diffusion of the
coagulant into the said supply pipe, and which has the outlet whereby the coagulant
solution enters the supply pipe turned like an ejector nozzle in the direction in
which the current is passing, the said feeder being with or without one or more
of the following namely, (1) a U or forked shape for the said tran passage, (2) a
confined air space behind the trap passage, (3) a valved draw off communicating

page_text: with the trap passage between the supply pipe and the coagulant chamber, sub-
stantially as described.
10. The employment in connection with a closed coagulant chamber, with or
without a coagulant-conveying trap passage, of a valve for allowing more or less
of the liquid contents of said chamber to run to waste through said passage, and
for allowing a current of fresh water to run to waste through the same passage
during the restoration of said valve, substantially as described.
11. The employment in connection with a closed coagulant chamber, with or
without a coagulant-conveying trap passage, of a coagulant feed valve arranged to
admit fresh or partly saturated water into the coagulant chamber in one position
through the coagulant-feeding port and in another position through another
passage opening into the coagulant chamber at a higher elevation, substantially
as described.
12. The employment in connection with a closed coagulant chamber, with or
without a coagulant-conveying trap passage, of a valve in which the inlet opening
to a draw off for the liquid contents of the coagulant chamber is at about mid
height of the said chamber, so as to empty only the upper half or thereabouts of
said chamber when relieving the pressure therein, and to insure the presence of a
body of air in its upper part when the said chamber is closed and again put in
communication with the fresh water supply pipe, substantially as described.
13. The employment in connection with a closed coagulant chamber, with or
without a coagulant-trap passage, of a valve composed of one key or of connected
keys, so arranged that one movement of the hand may open and close the coagulant
feed port and a waste pipe connection for the supply pipe, substantially as
described.
14. The employment in connection with a closed coagulant chamber, with or
without a coagulant trap passage, of valves formed in one key turning in one
casing for the following purposes, or for any two or more of such purposes,
namely (1) a valve for running to waste more or less of the liquid contents of said
chamber, (2) a valve for running to waste a current of fresh water (3) a valve for
controlling the coagulant feed with admission of fresh water into said chamber
through the coagulant-feeding port (4) a valve for controlling the coagulant feed
with admission of fresh water into said chamber through a passage other than the
coagulant-feeding port, which passage opens into said chamber at a higher
elevation, and (5) a valve for draining off the liquid contents of the coagulant
chamber having the inlet opening of the draw off passage at about the mid-height
of said chamber, substantially as described.
15. The employment in connection with a closed coagulant chamber, with or
without a coagulant-conveying trap passage, of the several valves F F F sub-
stantially as illustrated in the drawings and described with reference thereto.
16. Clearing the coagulant feeding port of a closed coagulant chamber by the
action of the so-called water hammer, water being allowed to run to waste past the
coagulant-feeding port and then suddenly arrested and the said port being un-
covered in time to receive the blow of the water hammer, substantially as
described.
17. Clearing the coagulant-feeding port of a closed coagulant chamber by the
action of a differential pressure, the coagulant chamber being emptied more or
less while communication with the supply pipe is cut off, and the communication
therewith being reestablished while the pressure in said chamber is below that in
the supply pipe, substantially as described.
18. Clearing the coagulant-feeding port of a closed coagulant chamber by the
joint action of the so-called water hammer and of differential pressure, the blow
of the water hammer being caused to take effect on the substances in said coagulant
feeding port while the pressure in said chamber is less than the supply pipe
pressure, substantially as described.
19. Clearing the coagulant-feeding port of a closed coagulant chamber, by the
action of the so-called water hammer, water being allowed to run to waste past the

page_text: to the substances in the said coagulant-feeding port substantially in the manner
and by the means described, and more especially by the aid of one of the valves F
FF, as set forth.